Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram: History, Facts and Travel Guide!

 

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Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram:  History, Facts and Travel Guide!

Situated in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the Ekambareswarar Temple is an ancient temple revered by Lord Shiva and epitomizes 1,500 years of aesthetic history with architectural excellence. This temple is pretty famous and considered among the largest temples in India, having upfront a tall Rajagopuram with a holy mango tree aged over 3,500 years. It also covers the history of the temple, some other interesting facts, and some highly important travel tips so that tourists can feel the great spiritual and cultural importance associated with this place.

Contents: 

1. About Ekambareswarar Temple
2. The History of Ekambareswarar Temple
3. How to reach Ekambareswarar Temple
4. Some suggestions before going to Ekambareswarar Temple
5. Amazing Facts about Ekambareswarar Temple
6. Overall Budget of the Travel
7. FAQs

About Ekambareswarar Temple

The Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the biggest and most famous temples of Lord Shiva. Its historical roots are as ancient as the 6th century and closely linked with the Pallava dynasty. However, the existing structure was more developed under the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties between the 9th and 16th centuries.

The temple covers an area of over 25 acres, noted for its mammoth Rajagopuram, the towering frontal gateway that rises to 59 meters in height, one of the tallest in South India. This wonderful piece of architecture depicts the greatness of the Dravidians relating to architecture, with many carved pillars and Mandapas, or halls of extended beauty.

One major characteristic of Ekambareswarar Temple is the 3,500-odd-year-old mango tree in its courtyard. It occupies a single tree with four different branches, each of which symbolizes the four vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvanaveda. Even today, it is said that it produces fruits of four different tastes in different seasons. Enshrined within the sanctum sanctorum of this temple is a sand Shiva lingam, underscoring the importance of this shrine as one of the five elemental lingams, the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing earth or Prithvi.

This forms one of the major pilgrimage centers and attracts thousands of devotees. Especially during the annual Panguni Uthiram festival, grand celebrations and processions are held at this temple that reflect the rich cultural and religious ethos of this place.

The History of Ekambareswarar Temple

The Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a spiritual and architectural extravagance covering centuries. Originally set up by the Pallava dynasty circa the 6th century, this temple has remained illustrious for years in worship, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Pallavas laid the base for what would become an extensive complex in continuity, its legend rooted in the story of Goddess Parvati doing penance under an ancient mango tree, whereby Shiva showed up as a lingam made of sand. 

Under the Chola dynasty, which ruled from the 9th to the 13th century, it underwent considerable expansion, with their adorning the temple structure elaborately to establish it as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. Further on, it was during the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century that the place really took on its present form, especially during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya, who built the imposing 59-meter Rajagopuram to the temple, one of South India's tallest. This was the period of enrichment of temple courtyards, mandapas, and intricate carvings. The Nayak rulers of subsequent centuries further consolidated additional architectural beauty and continued religious preeminence to this temple. 

Today, the Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage centers, enshrined in a tradition of profound historical depth, rich cultural heritage, and an imposing ancient mango tree symbolic of its divine linkage with the temple. It continues to draw pilgrims and tourists, thus underlining the rich spiritual and architectural legacy of peninsular South India.

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How to reach Ekambareswarar Temple

• By Air
• Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA)
• Distance: Approximately 70 km (43 miles) from Kanchipuram
• By Train
• Nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram Railway Station
• The station is connected to famous cities in Tamil Nadu and other neighboring states.
• There are regular trains from Chennai, Bangalore, and other nearby cities.
• By Bus
• State-Run Buses: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates frequent buses to Kanchipuram from Chennai, Vellore, and other nearby towns.
• Private Buses: A good number of private bus operators ply their services to Kanchipuram from various towns of Tamil Nadu and the states adjacent to it.
• By Road
• From Chennai: Take NH 48 or Chennai-Bangalore Highway to Kanchipuram. It takes an average of about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Also Read: Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple: Info, Facts and Travel Guide!

Some suggestions before going to Ekambareswarar Temple

• Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late evening for paying a visit to avoid the crowd and experience the peaceful atmosphere.
• Festival Days: This temple gets too crowded when there are festivals. Check out the temple calendar if you would like to have a peaceful visit.
• Respect For Sacred Places: Be mindful and respect the sanctum sanctorum and other sacred areas of the temple.
• Photography: Generally, taking pictures shall be forbidden inside the temple. Always obtain permission before taking any picture.
• Know the Legends: Know the history and the legend of Goddess Parvati and the sacred mango tree to build on the importance of the site.
• Hire a Temple Guide: Understand the temple's architecture, rituals, and cultural importance from a local guide.
• Join the Poojas Participate in daily poojas to have a complete experience of the place.
• Offerings You can bring offerings like flowers, fruits, or coconuts. These are readily available for sale outside the compound. Lockers Make use of the provided locker facilities since you will not be permitted to take big bags along with you inside the temple. Restrooms There are public restrooms near the temple, though the conditions may be very basic. Hydration Do carry a bottle of water to keep you well-hydrated, especially in summer months.

Amazing Facts about Ekambareswarar Temple

• One of the biggest temples of Lord Shiva is the Ekambareswarar Temple, covering about 25 acres. Its large complex comprises shrines, halls, and courtyards of different types.
• This compound has an ancient mango tree over 3,500 years old. It has four branches, which denote the four Vedas and bear fruits of four different tastes for four different seasons.
• The Shiva lingam of the Ekambareswarar Temple is made from sand, thereby attributed to the element of earth or Prithvi. That represents one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, which depict the five elements.
• One of the tallest temple towers of South India, the rajagopuram, or the gateway tower, is 59 meters tall. It was built in the 16th century by Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya.
• According to legend, Goddess Parvati performed penance under the sacred mango tree of the temple, and Lord Shiva manifested before her in the form of a sand Lingam. It is said that this event finds a place in the temple legends and worship.
• It has intricate carvings and sculptures that delineate the artistry of the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties. It has a thousand-pillared hall, outstanding with exquisite stone work.

Overall Budget of the Travel

The total cost of visiting Ekambareswarar Mahadev Temple will not shock you, as you just need travel tickets and some cash for food and hotel rooms. The overall budget you can expect is a maximum of 8,000–15,000 per person, depending on your flight or train tickets and in which season you are booking hotels, as during the festival season hotel prices reach their peak value. It is advised to visit Ekambareswarar Mahadev Temple on weekdays to make your trip cheap and comfortable.

Also Read: Madhmaheshwar Temple: Complete Info, Facts and Travel Guide!

Conclusion

We have mentioned every piece of information you need about Ekambareswarar Mahadev Temple and Jyotirlingas. The trip to Ekambareswarar Mahadev Temple is a dream of every person living in India and Lord Shiva devotees, as this trip includes temples, hills, beautiful views, greenery, comfort, and a unique experience. If you follow our suggestions, then your Ekambareswarar Temple trip will be more amazing.

FAQs

What is special about Ekambareswarar Temple?

The Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram is renowned for its ancient mango tree, a 59-meter-tall Rajagopuram, and being one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the element earth. Its rich history and architectural grandeur make it a significant pilgrimage site.

How much is the entrance fee for Ekambareswarar Temple?

The Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram generally has no entrance fee for visitors. However, there may be small charges for specific activities like guided tours or special poojas.

What is special in Kanchipuram temple?

Kanchipuram's temples, including the Ekambareswarar Temple, are renowned for their ancient Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance. They are revered pilgrimage sites, with unique features like the 3,500-year-old mango tree and towering gopurams, embodying centuries of spiritual and cultural heritage.

What is the history of Kanchipuram?

Kanchipuram, an ancient city in Tamil Nadu, is around 2,000 years old. Known as the "City of a Thousand Temples," it was a popular center of learning and religion under various generations including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara rulers.