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Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple

🛕About Temple

Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple is a major Shiva temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The principal deity is Ekambareswarar, worshipped as the Prithvi or Earth manifestation of Shiva among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. The temple is also revered as a Paadal Petra Sthalam praised in the Tevaram hymns.

ℹ️Temple Information

🛕 Presiding Deity
Ekambareswarar
👸 Goddess
Elavarkuzhali Amman
⭐ Temple Classification
Shiva Temple | Paadal Petra Sthalam | Pancha Bhoota Sthalam
📍 District
Kanchipuram
📅 Built Period
The shrine is attested by the Tevaram hymns by the early medieval period; major Vijayanagara additions are associated with the 16th century CE.
🏛 Dynasty
Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara patronage are historically associated with the temple.
🙏 Sampradaya
Shaivism

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⭐Temple Significance

The temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the Earth element, and is a Paadal Petra Sthalam revered in Tamil Shaiva tradition. It is one of the most important Shiva temples of Kanchipuram.

📜History

Ekambaranathar Temple is an ancient Shaiva shrine of Kanchipuram and is attested by its praise in the Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmar saints. The temple complex has received patronage and additions across historical periods, including the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara periods. The tall southern raja gopuram is commonly credited to the Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century CE.

🕉️Mythology

According to the temple's Sthala Purana tradition, Goddess Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a lingam made of sand beneath a mango tree. The legend says that when floodwaters threatened the sand lingam, Parvati embraced it to protect it, and Shiva granted his grace. This tradition is connected with the temple's identity as the Prithvi Sthalam, representing the Earth element.

🏛Architecture

The temple is a large Dravidian-style temple complex in Kanchipuram. It is known for its tall raja gopuram and extensive mandapams. The southern raja gopuram is associated with the Vijayanagara period, and the temple complex reflects contributions from multiple historical periods.

🌳 Sacred Features

🌳 Temple Tree
Mango tree
The mango tree is the sthala vriksha of the temple and is central to the Sthala Purana tradition of Parvati worshipping Shiva here.
💧 Temple Tank
Sivaganga Theertham
Sivaganga Theertham is associated with the temple as a sacred temple water source.

✨ Temple Highlights

✨ Prithvi Sthalam
Ekambareswarar is worshipped here as the Earth manifestation of Shiva among the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
✨ Paadal Petra Sthalam
The temple is revered in the Tevaram hymns and forms part of the sacred Tamil Shaiva canon of Paadal Petra Sthalams.
✨ Sacred mango tree
The temple's sthala vriksha, the mango tree, is central to the temple legend of Parvati worshipping Shiva.
✨ Vijayanagara-period raja gopuram
The tall southern raja gopuram is associated with Vijayanagara patronage, especially Krishnadevaraya.

🎉 Major Festivals

🎉 Panguni Brahmotsavam
The annual Brahmotsavam celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni is one of the major festivals of the temple.
🎉 Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is observed with worship of Lord Shiva at the temple.

🚗 How to Reach

🛣️ By Road
The temple is located within Kanchipuram town, which is connected by road with Chennai and other towns in Tamil Nadu.
🚆 By Rail
Kanchipuram Railway Station serves the town; local transport is available to reach the temple.
✈️ By Air
The nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport, from where Kanchipuram can be reached by road.

🔗 Related Temples

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
📍 Thiruvanaikaval  •  Another Pancha Bhoota Sthalam, associated with the Water element.
View Details
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
 •  Another Pancha Bhoota Sthalam, associated with the Fire element.
View Details
Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, Srikalahasti
 •  Another Pancha Bhoota Sthalam, associated with the Air element.
View Details
Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
📍 Chidambaram  •  Another Pancha Bhoota Sthalam, associated with the Space element.
View Details
Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple

Visit Information

🕒 Temple Timings
6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
🍃 Best Time to Visit
The Tamil month of Panguni, when the temple's annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated, is a major festival period for visiting devotees.

⭐ Why Choose Karthi Travels for Temple Tours?

🛕 Expertly Planned Temple Pilgrimages
We specialize in temple tours across Tamil Nadu, helping you visit famous temples as well as hidden spiritual destinations with carefully planned itineraries.
🚗 Private Cab Throughout Your Journey
Travel in a dedicated chauffeur-driven vehicle with complete comfort, flexibility, and privacy throughout your pilgrimage.
🕉️ Well-Planned Darshan Experience
Our itineraries are designed around temple timings and darshan schedules, helping you make the most of your spiritual journey.
🏨 Comfortable & Verified Accommodation
We arrange clean, well-rated hotels near major temple destinations to ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay.
🍽️ Hassle-Free Travel Arrangements
From accommodation and sightseeing to route planning, parking, tolls, fuel, and driver allowances, we take care of every detail.
🌄 Temple Circuits & Nearby Attractions
Visit nearby temples and important spiritual attractions in a single trip with well-optimized travel routes.
👨‍✈️ Experienced Local Chauffeurs
Our courteous drivers are familiar with temple routes, local customs, and important pilgrimage destinations across Tamil Nadu.
💰 Transparent Pricing
Enjoy clear pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring complete peace of mind while planning your temple tour.
🏆 40+ Years of Trusted Travel Experience
Since 1986, Karthi Travels has been helping pilgrims and families explore Tamil Nadu with reliable service and personalized travel solutions.
❤️ Dedicated Customer Support
Our travel experts are always available before and during your journey to assist with any travel-related requirements.

Planning a Pilgrimage?

Our travel experts can help you with transportation, darshan timings, nearby sightseeing and complete temple tour planning.

💬 WhatsApp Chat Now 📞 Call 96555 02002
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Disclaimer

We strive to provide accurate and authentic information based on well-established historical, cultural, religious, and publicly available sources. However, temple timings, entry fees, rituals, festivals, special poojas, facilities, and other visitor information may change without prior notice.

While every effort is made to keep this information current and accurate, visitors are advised to verify the latest details directly with the official temple authorities before planning their visit.

Image Disclaimer: The images displayed on this website are digitally generated or AI-enhanced representations created for illustrative purposes. They are intended to reflect the appearance and atmosphere of the destination but may not exactly represent the current real-world condition, colours, surroundings, or architectural details of the temple or location.