Sri Ekambarnathar Temple, Kanchipuram - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

About Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Kanchipuram Bus Station, Sri Ekambaranathar Temple, also known as Ekambareswarar Temple is ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as it is one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of earth, or Prithvi, and among the must visit places as part of the Kanchipuram pilgrimage packages. The presiding deity Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

History of Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

Among the most famous pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, the Ekambareswara Temple was originally constructed in the 7th century by King Mahendra Varman Pallava I. Subsequently, in the 9th century, the temple underwent modifications and reconstruction under the Chola kings. Numerous inscriptions within the temple document the donations made by these rulers. They established a comprehensive granite structure featuring a hall supported by 100 pillars and several Praharams, or walkways, surrounding the main shrine. In the 10th century, Adi Shankaracharya, with the assistance of local leaders, further expanded the temple.

In later years, the Vijayanagara kings made significant contributions to the temple's development. Inscriptions from 1532 CE record the donation of several villages by Achutaraya. Krishna Devaraya, the most renowned of the Vijayanagara monarchs, constructed the impressive nine-storey gopuram, which stands over 192 feet tall, in 1509 CE. The depictions of the king and his queen are still visible on this structure. This dynasty also added the outer walkway, known as the 5th Praharam, and a grand hall featuring 1,000 pillars along this route. The temple was later enhanced by Vallal Pachiyappa Mudaliar, and Nattukottai Chettiars. Currently, the temple is managed and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

Numerous legends surround the temple, primarily focusing on Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One such tale recounts that Lord Shiva was engaged in the dual task of creating and destroying the universe when Goddess Parvati, in a playful mood, obstructed him by closing his eyes. In response to this act, Lord Shiva became enraged and cursed her to perform penance on Earth. Consequently, Goddess Parvati began her penance beneath a mango tree in Kanchipuram. To test her devotion, Lord Shiva sent fire to consume her, but with the assistance of Lord Vishnu, she managed to evade the flames and persisted in her penance. Again, Lord Shiva dispatched the Ganges to disrupt her meditation, yet she successfully averted that challenge as well. In her quest to reunite with Shiva, Parvati worshipped a Shiva Linga made of sand. When she ultimately regained Lord Shiva beneath the mango tree, he was henceforth referred to as Ekambareswara, meaning 'Lord of the Mango Tree,' leading to the establishment of a temple in his honor at that location.

Another legend suggests that Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithvi Lingam, or a sand Lingam, beneath the same mango tree. According to this narrative, the Vegavati River swelled, threatening to submerge the Shiva Lingam. In a display of devotion, Parvati, known as Kamakshi, embraced the Lingam. Moved by her act, Shiva manifested in person and married her.

Architecture of Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

Ekambareswara Temple occupies an expansive area of 23 acres, making it one of the largest temples in India. The temple features five courtyards and four gateway towers, known as gopurams. The southern tower stands as the tallest, reaching 192 feet with 11 stories, ranking it among the tallest temple towers in the country. Within the fourth courtyard, there is a small Ganesha temple and a pond, while the third courtyard contains numerous smaller shrines. A notable highlight of the Ekambareswarar Temple is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the Hall of 1,000 Pillars, constructed by the Vijayanagara Kings.

The sanctum sanctorum enshrines the lingam alongside an image of Shiva and Parvati seated together. Lord Shiva is revered here as Ekambareswarar, or Rajlingeswarar, represented by the Prithvi lingam, while his consort Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali. Unlike other Shiva temples in Kanchipuram, there is no separate shrine for Parvati within this complex. Surrounding the first precinct are granite images of the 63 Nayanmars. The innermost precinct of the temple is adorned with various Shiva lingams, including a Sahasra Lingam featuring 1,008 sculpted Siva lingams.

Within the temple complex, there is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as the Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple. Vishnu is worshiped in the form of Vamana, and this shrine is recognized by the Alvar saints as one of the 108 Divya Desams. Additionally, a separate shrine for Nataraja is located in the second precinct. The temple tree, or sthala-vriksham, is believed to be a 3,500-year-old mango tree. Although the tree has recently perished, it is said that Goddess Kamakshi Amman, whose temple is situated approximately half a kilometer away, worshipped Lord Shiva beneath this mango tree.

Festivals of Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

The Sri Ekambaranathar Temple located in Kanchipuram hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, with the most significant being the Panguni Brahmotsavam. This 10-day celebration occurs in March-April and concludes with the Kalyanotsavam, which attracts a large gathering of devotees. Additionally, the temple observes several other festivals, including Ani Tirumanjanam in June/July, Navaratri in September/October, Kartikai Deepam in November/December, Thai Poosam in January/February, Mahashivaratri in February/March, Chitra Pournami in April/May, and Vaikashi Vishakam in May/June.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

When planning a visit to the Sri Ekambarnathar Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest dress standards. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhar. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Sri Ekambarnathar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

Sri Ekambarnathar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshanam available for Rs. 50

Best Time to Visit Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

The period from October to March is the most favorable time to explore Ekambaranathar Temple, as the climate is enjoyable and ideal for sightseeing. This timeframe also coincides with the temple's annual festivals, such as Navaratri, Kartikai Deepam, and Maha Shivatratri. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. During the rest of the year, it is mostly humid and hot apart from the monsoons when the town experiences heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Sri Ekambarnathar Temple

Located approximately 61 Km from Kanchi, Chennai Airport serves as the nearest airport, offering regular flight services to nearly all major cities across India and internationally. Kanchipuram enjoys robust train connectivity to Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari, Mumbai, Tirupati, Madurai, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli. Additionally, there are numerous bus services available to Kanchipuram from cities such as Chennai, Vellore, Tirupati, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. The temple can be conveniently accessed by bus or auto-rickshaw from any area within the town.