Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple belongs to the Hindu religion. It is worshipped in the honour of Lord Shiva. It is sited in Kanchipuram which lies in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is the largest temple of the town. There are five major Shiva temples (PanchaBoothaSthalams) in which Ekambareswarar Temple is also countable. Panch stands for five, Booth stands for element and Sthalams stands for Place. As PanchaBoothaSthalams signifies Earth, air, water, sky and fire therefore Shiva Linga is also known as PRITHIVI linga symbolizing Earth. The temple has gained its solid structure around 600 AD in 23 acres of land by ParanthakaChola. This temple is well known among the people due its sculpture. The temple’s gopuram (meaning gateway tower) is tallest one in India as it has a height of 59m.It is a saying that the shivlinga was prepared by Mata Parvati herself.
Getting There
This temple is located in Kanchipuram and to reach there are three modes bus, train and air. There are so many buses running from different cities to Kanchipuram. The journey through train is carried out by mean of Ariyalur Railway Stations and the journey through air can be carried out by Trichy Airport.
When To Visit
The best time to visit this temple is during the month of January, February, March, September, October, November and December. This temple is opened for all the days of the week. Its timings are 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The duration of its visit is 2 to 3 hours. There is no entry fee of this temple.
What To See And Do
The Lord use to get heated by the rays of sun which falls during 19, 20 and 21 of Panguni month which is the time period of march-April. There are 12 zodiac signs on the roof of the temple and it is a belief if any visitor prays for its zodiac sign then he will be free from the defect of horoscope (Jatakadosha). There is also deity of Kubera in the temple who will grant treasures if its worship is done truly. There is a mango tree in the premises of the temple under which Shiv and Parvati had got married and according to the belief of local people holy thread with his/her wish use to tie on it and after wish completion it (holy thread) use to be untied. The inner passage of the temple is covered by the 10 pillars which produces musical sound if a stick is passed over on them. The presiding deity of the temple is of Shiva which is made up of sand. As the shivling is made up of sand so the ceremony of abhishek is not used to be taken place. Special puja is performed at the time of festivals.
Where To Stay
There are so many lodges available in Kanchipuram where yatri can have their stay. These lodges avails the accomodations and services at budget prices.
Where Else To Stay
Visitors can also stay at hotels which provide luxury but are expensive in price. There are two hotels near this temple, they are: M M Hotel and Sree Sakthi Residency.
Festivals
The festivals are celebrated here with great zeal of entertainment and devotion. The festivals which are celebrated here are:
- Brahmotsavam along with Thaipoosam
It is celebrated in January and February. During the festival the golden car carry out the procession of lord Shiva.
- Shivratri
It is celebrated in the month of February and March.
- PanguniUthiram
It is celebrated in the month of March and April.
- Aadipooram
It is celebrated in the month of July and august.
- Vinayakachavithi
It is celebrated in the month of August and September.
- Navarathri
It is celebrated in the month of September and October for 9 days.
- Diwali
It is celebrated in the month of October and November.
Side Trips
There are many places near Ekambareswarar Temple to have a visit. These places are: punniya kodeeswarar kovil, csi church, Eswar Temple, Ahobila Mutt, Aanchaneyar Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Indira Theatre, manigandee shwarar temple, Ramkrishna Math, jerusalem worship tabernacle, Miracle Ag Church, Backspace Theatre, Government Museum, Melbourne Zoo, national gallery of victoria, Sangam Theatre, aruna theatre complex etc.
Travel Tips
Visitors should carry video camera and personal diary with them so as to trap each and every moment of the visit and also to have a complete description of the feelings at that moment. Yatris should also hire a travel guide with them so as to have a complete knowledge of the mandir.
Hence, the journey to Ekambareswarar Temple is a visit of deep faith and true devotion.
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