Ekambareswarar Temple

Ekambareswarar Temple, located in Kancheepuram, is one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalas (five elements: earth, sky, air, fire, and water). Lord Siva here represents Earth. Temple is 2 km from Kanchipuram Bus station

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?

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