Ekambaranathar Temple

About

The Ekambareswarar Temple, a marvel in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, stands as a testament to timeless spirituality. Built in the 7th century by the Pallavas, reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya, and further enhanced by the Vijayanagar kings, this temple is a Pancha Bhoota Stalam, representing the element of earth. The towering southern gopuram, standing at 58.5 meters, is among India's tallest temple towers. Inside, 1,008 sacred Siva lingams grace the temple walls. The temple complex, sprawling across 25 acres with five courtyards, boasts the Kampai Tirtha, a sacred river flowing beneath, and a serene pond in the fourth courtyard dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Unlike other Shiva temples in Kanchipuram, Ekambareswarar Temple lacks a dedicated shrine for Parvati, as her presence is felt in the nearby Kamakshi Amman Temple. Inside the sacred precincts, the presiding deity, Ekambareswarar, or Ekambaranathar, is worshiped as the embodiment of the earth element. The temple, a Divyadesam, finds its place in the 108 temples revered in the Vaishnava canon. As you explore, encounter the ancient mango tree, estimated to be 3,500 years old, symbolizing the four Vedas and believed to yield four distinct-tasting mango varieties.