shaiva · Tamil Nadu
Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
एकाम्बरेश्वर
Presiding deity: Lord Shiva as Prithvi Lingam (one of 5 Pancha Bhoota Stalams — Earth element)
Established: Pre-Pallava antiquity; current complex 7th century CE under Pallavas, expanded by Cholas + Vijayanagara
Significance
One of Pancha Bhoota Stalams (5 element-temples — Earth element here). Kanchipuram is among Sapta Puri (7 moksha cities). Its 1000-year-old mango tree (under which Parvati did tapasya) still bears fruit.
Legend
Parvati made a Shiva lingam from the sand under a mango tree and embraced it during a flood — the marks remain on the lingam. Shiva tested her by sending a flood; she protected the lingam, and they were wed here.
How to reach
Kanchipuram town center, 75 km from Chennai. Direct buses + trains.
Where to stay
Tamil Nadu Tourism Cottages; many small lodges around temple
Primary pujas performed here
- Rudrabhishek
- Pradosha Pooja
- Kalyana Utsavam (Shiva-Parvati wedding reenactment)
- Maha Shivratri Jaagaran
What to offer: Bilva leaves, white lotus, vibhuti, Ganga jal
Modern access
Kanchipuram silk sarees originate from temple weavers. Town has 1000+ temples — including Kamakshi Amman (Shakti Peeth) + Varadaraja Perumal (108 Divya Desam).
Nearby tirthas
- Kamakshi Amman
- Varadaraja Perumal
- Kailasanathar
- Mahabalipuram (60 km)
- Tirupati (70 km)