Origin/History :-
The Sri Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram is one of the most ancient temples in India, with a history dating back to at least 600 CE. The temple finds mention in classical Tamil Sangam literature, such as Manimegalai and Perumpāṇāṟṟuppaṭai (dated to around 300 BCE). It was originally constructed by the Pallavas. The Vedantist Kachiyapper is noted to have served as a priest at the temple.
The original structure was later demolished and rebuilt by the Chola Kings. In the 10th century, Adi Sankara, the revered philosopher and saint, played a key role in remodeling Kanchipuram, including expanding the Ekambareswarar Temple, alongside the Kamakshi Amman Temple and Varadaraja Perumal Temple, with the support of local rulers.
Inscriptions dated to 1532 CE (record 544 of 1919) reveal a gift of numerous villages made by Achutaraya. However, his minister Vira Narasingaraya Saluva Nayaka violated the royal instructions by giving more land to Ekambaranathar Temple than to Varadaraja Swamy Temple. In response, Achutaraya intervened and ensured an equal distribution of land between the two temples.
The southern gopuram, one of the tallest in India, was constructed by Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century. The eleven-storied gopuram stands at 57 meters (187 feet) and is an iconic feature of the temple.
During the 15th century, the Vijayanagara kings also made significant contributions to the temple's development. Vallal Pachiyappa Mudaliar, a philanthropist, regularly visited the temple from Chennai and spent a substantial amount of money on renovations during British rule. His efforts include the installation of his statue on horseback at the temple. To reduce the travel time to Kanchipuram, Pachiyappa Mudaliar later constructed a similar temple in Chennai, also dedicated to Ekambareswarar.
In the early 20th century, the temple underwent extensive renovations, as noted in the Archaeological Survey of India report (1905–06), which mentions efforts by the Nattukottai Chettiars. Today, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Puranic Significance :-
- Lord of Mango Tree (Ekambareswarar Temple)
The Ekambareswarar Temple is steeped in rich legends and myths surrounding Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One of the most notable legends speaks of Parvati, who, cursed to become dark like Kali, sought penance under a sacred mango tree near the Vegavathi river to cleanse herself. To test her devotion, Lord Shiva opened his third eye, setting the tree aflame. In her distress, Parvati prayed to Lord Vishnu for assistance. Vishnu, taking the moon from Shiva’s head, used its rays to cool the tree and save Parvati. Thus, the Lord of this temple, Vishnu, is revered as Nilathingal Thundathan. Shiva then sent the river Ganga to disrupt Parvati’s penance, but Parvati prayed to Ganga, convincing her to not harm her. As a result, Parvati was able to complete her penance and create a Shiva Linga from sand, reuniting with Shiva. Shiva, pleased by her devotion, is referred to as Ekambareswarar, meaning “Lord of the Mango Tree.”
- Tazhuva Kuzhainthaar
Another legend related to the temple speaks of Parvati worshiping Shiva in the form of a Prithivi Lingam (sand Lingam) under the mango tree. When the Vegavathi river threatened to engulf the Lingam, Parvati embraced it, leaving an impression of her bangles on the Lingam. Touched by her devotion, Shiva materialized in person and married her. This moment is commemorated by referring to Shiva as Tazhuva Kuzhainthaar ("He who melted in her embrace").
Sthala Vriksham (Temple Tree)
The sacred tree of the temple is the Mango Tree, located behind the sanctum. It is said to be over 3500 years old and is closely associated with Parvati’s penance. Special poojas are performed to honor this ancient tree, and it is believed that the tree’s four branches represent the four Vedas. The tree is said to bear four different types of mangoes in four different seasons. The mango leaves are also used to decorate homes during auspicious events like marriages, symbolizing the blessings of the mango tree under which Lord Shiva and Parvati were united.
- Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar
Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar, the 19th Nayanar saint, is known for his service to Shiva devotees by reading their facial expressions to understand their needs. His service as a launderer, washing the clothes of devotees, earned him great reverence. When Lord Shiva tested his devotion by sending a poor, ragged devotee to him, Nayanar’s determination to fulfill the task despite heavy rain impressed Shiva, who appeared before him and granted him salvation. Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar’s Guru Puja is observed in the Tamil month of Chithirai.
- Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar
Aiyadigal Kadavarkon, the 46th Nayanar, was a ruler of the Kadava dynasty. He renounced his kingdom and embarked on a pilgrimage, composing hymns in praise of Shiva. He ultimately merged with Shiva at the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.
- Kalarsinga Nayanar
Kalarsinga Nayanar, often identified as the Pallava king Narasimha Varman II, was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. His devotion was tested when he witnessed the queen of his kingdom violate temple customs by smelling a flower meant for Shiva. He punished her in the presence of other devotees, who showered him with praise, recognizing his just action. Kalarsinga Nayanar eventually attained Kailash, Shiva’s abode. His worship is observed during the Tamil month of Vaisakhi.
- Mother Parvati Performing Dharmas in Kanchi
To atone for closing Lord Shiva’s eyes and plunging the world into darkness, Parvati was instructed by Shiva to perform 32 Dharmas in Kanchipuram. These included various acts of devotion, service, and charity, such as conducting yagnas, donating to the poor, helping the disabled, and promoting Shiva bhakti. Through these acts, Parvati absolved herself of her sin.
- Vigada Chakra Vinayagar
Lord Vishnu once used his chakra to destroy a demon, but it got stuck in a skull on Lord Veerabhadra’s garland. Lord Vinayagar performed a dance to retrieve the chakra, causing the skull to laugh and release it. Hence, Lord Vinayagar at this temple is known as Vigada Chakra Vinayagar.
- Sundarar’s Miracle
The saint Sundarar is believed to have regained his eyesight in this temple after losing it during a journey to Kanchipuram. His devotion to Lord Shiva and his miracle at the temple are commemorated here.
- Other Names of the Temple
The Ekambareswarar Temple is also known by several other names, including Pralayasiththu, Sivapuram, Vindupuram, Mummurthyvaasam, Brahmapuram, Kaamapeedam, Tapomayam, Sagalasththi, Kannikaappu, Thundeerapuram, and Thandagapuram.