Ekambaranathar Temple – The Largest Temple in Kanchipuram

Ekambaranathar Temple Tamil Nadu
Each exquisite sculpture on Rajagopuram (gateway tower) of the Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram has a story associated to it
Ekambaranathar Temple Tamil Nadu
Each exquisite sculpture on the Rajagopuram (gateway tower) of the Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram has a story associated to it

One of the holy cities in Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is said to shower salvation. It is  home to over a hundred temples with Ekambareswar temple being the largest. It is one of the pancha bootha lingas (or 5 element places or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva), representing the element ‘earth’.

It is among the most ancient temples in India and its architecture and beautiful sculptures speak of the bygone era and the excellent skills and art of its contributors, specifically, Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagaras and Marathas. The 59m tall, Rajagopuram is one of the tallest gopurams (gateway tower) in India and has 10 stories with intricate carvings. Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the “hallway with a thousand pillars” is another key attraction of the Ekambareswar temple. The inner walls of the temple are decorated with 1,008 Shiva lingams and is quite a sight. There is a temple tree or Sthala-virutcham, a 3,500 years old mango tree that is said to yield four different types of fruit from its four branches!

Dress conservatively for the temple and experience the pious vibes and ceremonial offering being conducted there.

A trip to Kanchipuram is incomplete without a visit to the Ekambaranathar Temple.

For more related information, you may refer to the following:

Kanchipuram map

Kanchipuram attractions

Temples and shrines in Tamil Nadu

Places to see in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Travel map