Ekambareswarar Temple
Also known as: ஏகாம்பரேஸ்வரர் கோயில் · ఏకాంబరేశ్వర ఆలయం · एकाम्बरेश्वर मंदिर
Tamil Nadu Shiva
The earth lingam (Prithvi Lingam) among the five element temples, under a mango tree said to be about 3,500 years old.
- Deity
- Ekambareswarar (Ekambaranathar), Elavarkuzhali (Parvati)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Kanchipuram
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sthala vriksham
- Mango
- Era
- The present stone structure is attributed to the Cholas (9th century) with later additions by the Vijayanagara kings.
Sthala Puranam
Parvati did penance under a mango tree near the Vegavati river. Shiva tested her by sending fire. With Vishnu's help, the cool rays of the moon saved the tree and Parvati.
Shiva then sent the Ganga flooding towards her. Parvati asked the river, her sister, not to harm her penance.
To please Shiva, Parvati made a lingam of sand and held it close. Shiva appeared as Ekambareswarar, 'the Lord of the single mango tree'.
Speciality
- Prithvi (earth) lingam among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
- The sacred mango tree is said to be about 3,500 years old.
- Southern gopuram has 11 storeys and is about 58–59 m tall.
- A thousand-pillared hall (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam) built by the Vijayanagara kings.
Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree)
Mango
Festivals
- Panguni Uthiram (March–April), the main festival, with the wedding festival of Shiva and Parvati
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Kanchipuram is also famous for silk saris. Buy from known shops; ask for the silk mark.
Prayers for this temple
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.