Ekambaranathar Temple (Ekambareswarar Temple) - Kanchipuram
Ekambaranathar temple, also known as Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the most popular temples of Kanchipuram, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is dedicated to the element of Earth, one of the five elements of nature. One of the oldest temples of the country, this was believed to be constructed around 600 AD by Chola rulers. Here, lord Shiva is represented by Prithvi lingam. Legend says, at the time when the lord was extremely absorbed in the creation, protection and destruction of the universe, his consort Goddess Parvati, closed his eyes in a jovial manner.
As a result, there was a halt in that process making the lord angry. So, he cursed Parvati to leave his side of the Earth and amend her fault. After this, she came to the banks of Kampa river in Kanchipuram. She made a Shivalinga from the sand of a mango tree and started worshipping it. Lord thought of testing her created obstacles in her way of penance. However, with lord Vishnu’s help, she cleared all the hurdles. Then the lord was pleased and accepted Parvati. Still, a mango tree is present on the course of the temple, which is said to be 3500 years old. It yields four different varieties of mango fruits indicating four Vedas of Hinduism.
There is one small portion for Lord Vishnu in the name of ‘Nila Thingal Thunda Perumal’. It is one among the 108 holy shrines of Vaishnavism. History of the temple says that Pallava kings built most part of the temple. The temple covers an area of more than 40 acres. The main entrance tower is around 170 feet high built by king Krishnadevaraya. Like many of the famous temples of Tamil Nadu, this also has a 1000 pillared hall. The entire construction of the temple is a mix of Chola, Pallava, Vijayanagar rulers, that encompasses a classical poetry in structure for the visitors. Also, the legendary saint Adi Sankara, belonging to the 10th-century period, remodelled Kanchipuram along with expansion of this temple. Not only of spiritual importance, this temple holds the top spot for the architectural marvel alike.