This Siva temple in Kanchi is close to the Kamakshi temple and roughly a kilometer from both the bus stop and the railway station. Similar to the Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple, it was not constructed all at once. The main temple dates back to the early Pallava era and is referenced in Mahendravarman I’s Mahatvilasa Prahasana. This place had a deeply rooted tree temple faith, with amra (mango) Ekamba serving as the Sthala Vriksha.
One of the five Pancha Bhuta kshetras, the Prithvi linga, is the primary linga (Siva). It is also the Vedic Sadasiva tattva reflected in the self-manifested (Swayambhu) linga.

The best time to visit Kanchi

• January to September is the best time to visit Kancheepuram
• It might be raining during the October and November months.

Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple History

Several rulers’ inscriptions, including those of Raja Raja Chola, Vijayaganda Gopaladevan, Kampanna Udaiyar, Achudadeva Udaiyar, Kulothunga-I, and Kulothunga-III, have been found within the temple. These inscriptions mostly document contributions for improvements and expansions, among other things. The pre-Pallavian era original shrine had to be small in size, and the current temple complex was built piece by piece throughout various dynasties’ reigns at Kanchi. It is significant to remember that various Saiva saints from the 7th century A.D. have chanted the praises of the deity Ekamba.

The Prithvi linga’s Yoni-pitha is made of polished black stone. Because the Yoni-pitha is oblong, only this part of the body receives the abhisheka and other rituals. Since the linga is said to be composed of sandstone, this area is left dry. The linga is known as Devika linga since Parvati herself worshipped it.

Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple Timings

• 6.00 am to 12.30 pm
• 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm

Puja Timings

• Morning Hours Puja Timings: 6:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 pm
• Evening Hours Puja timings: 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm

Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple Mango Tree

It is believed that this tree represents Lord Siva. This tree’s unique origin story, as told in the Puranas, is worth exploring. When the divine couple saw that the 64 Shakti had risen and wished to control their egos, all 64 of them instantly lost their garments and showed up as nudists. The Saktis were so embarrassed and ashamed that they collapsed to Parvati’s feet on four legs. Mother Parvati felt sorry for them and urged the Saktis to stand up. As she did so, she briefly covered her Lord’s eyes with her fingers to prevent others from seeing them. That period portended a huge disaster; there was an eclipse, and the stars, moon, and sun went dark. The world sank, and the only one to see it was the strong Sage Markandeya.

The guru was swimming when he pleaded with Lord Siva to hold. Then, in His infinite kindness, the Lord appeared to be a large mango tree (Ekambara Vriksha), standing in the middle of the water with the four Vedas as its branches, leaves, and fruits. Sage Markandeya, puzzled by the Lord’s mysterious methods, took hold of the tree and, ascending to its summit, prayed loudly to it, regarding it as the Lord Himself.
The sage soon saw a dazzling light within its stem. When he arrived, the Sage saw a sizable city that was brightly lit, and among the people he saw was Young Skanda, the handsome son of the Siva couple, who was enjoying a delicious mango tree fruit. It was as if the sage were a child in an unreal world.

When Parvati hugged the Siva-linga during the river flood, she was able to break free from the curse of Siva and perform penance under this Ekamra (mango) tree.

The post Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple History, Timings, Darshan, and Puja appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

This Annual festival falls in the month of Mar/Apr.

Reference Links

Temple History

Temple Architecture

The post Kanchi Ekambaranathar temple festival appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Reference Links

Temple History

Temple Architecture

The post Ekambaranathar temple Pooja appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Timings: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm

Duration: 30 mins.

Performed Daily.

Ticket Cost: Rs.1500

Dress code: Please wear
Men: White Pancha, Dhoti/ Kurta, Pyjama.
Female: Saree with blouse/ Punjabi Dress with Dupatta / Chudidhar with Dupatta/ Half saree

The devotees are allowed to watch the Abhishekam performed to the main deity. The ticket can be purchased on arrival at the counter for the same day Abhishekam. Online Booking is not available.

Reference Links

Temple History

Temple Architecture

The post Ekambareswarar Abhishekam appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

The above-mentioned timings might change on special days.

Reference Links

Temple History

Temple Architecture

The post Ekambareswarar temple timings appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Ekambareswarar temple Timings

6:00 am – 12:30 pm

4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Temple Pooja Timings

Annual Brahmotsavam will be held in the months of Mar and Apr for 13 days.

Special Darshan ticket cost Rs.5. Six poojas are performed daily.

Homams at this temple

1. Nava Kalasa Homam
2. Ganapathi Homam

How to reach Ekambaresawrar Temple in Kanchi?

1. Temple is 2 km from Kanchi Bus station
2. Temple is 108 km from Tirupati. Direct bus to Kanchi is available from Tirupati at regular intervals.
3. From Chennai, the temple is 80 km away.
4. Temple is a walkable distance (600 m) from Kanchipuram Railway station.

Reference Links

Temple History

Temple Architecture

The post Kanchipuram ekambareswarar temple appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Ekambareswarar Temple Legends

Goddess Kamakshi performed strict penance for Lord Siva, by standing on a single leg under a mango tree beside Vegavathi river. Kamakshi Devi had passed through many tests created by Siva. To test the quality of the penance, Lord Siva sent fire on her, she then sought help from her brother Vishnu. Vishnu showered Moon rays to cool the fire.

Then, Lord Siva sent Ganga to disrupt the penance. Goddess Kamakshi requested that Ganga not be harmed. On Kamakshi’s request, Ganga remained calm.

Goddess Kamakshi made Siva Linga leave Earth and continue with her penance for many years. Impressed by the penance, Lord Siva married Goddess Kamakshi.

Ekambareswarar Temple Mango Tree

Ancient mango which is of 3500 years is located in the temple compound. This tree has four branches, which represents 4 Vedas (Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda). Interesting part associated with this tree is, fruits from the four branches will be of different tastes.

Eka means One, Amar means Mango Tree thus the name Ekambar derived from these two terms.

Currently, this tree is kept under closed glass walls which is located right next to the main shrine.

Ekambareswarar Temple History

Between 1509 and 1529 AD, Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagar dynasty renovated this ancient temple. Raja Gopuram (Temple Tower) is 57 meters high, one of the tallest towers in South India. This temple has five spacious corridors (prakarams) and a beautiful 1000-pillared hall (Aayiram Kaal Mandap). This temple has 1008 Siva Lingas. Temple Tank Kampai Tirtha, believed to have an underground holy river, is located right opposite the temple.

Adhi Sankaracharya installed the Sri Chakra in this temple, which has 34 Trikonas (triangles). This chakra is made out of eight herbals called Astagandham. Abhishekam will not be performed on this chakra. Pooja will be performed with Sandal and other cosmetic powders, and Archana with Kumkum. On the day of Vijayadasami during the Navarathri festival, this chakra will be covered with gold and silver on all other days.

The base for this chakra is of Kurma shape and is respected as Raja Yantra.

Ekambareswarar Temple  Timings

• Morning Hours: 6:00 am – 12:30 pm
• Evening Hours: 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Ekambareswarar Temple Pooja Timings

• Morning Hours: 6:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 pm
• Evening Hours: 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm

How to reach Ekambaresawrar Temple in Kanchi?

1. Temple is 2 km from Kanchi Bus station
2. The temple is 108 km from Tirupati. A direct bus to Kanchi is available from Tirupati at regular intervals.
3. From Chennai, the temple is 80 km away.
4. The temple is at a walkable distance (600 m) from Kanchipuram Railway Station.

Ekambareswarar Temple

Reference Links

The post Ekambareswarar Temple appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.