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Abodes of Lord Shiva • Curated by Padmani

239. Arulmigu Kamakshi sameda Ekambareshwarar Temple, Thirukachi Ekambaram

Prithvi (Earth) Pancha Bootha Stalam — Thondai Region

Temple Overview & Shrine Details

Mulavar (Presiding Deity) Thiruvegambar, Ekambaranadar, Ekambareshwarar
Ambal (Consort) Ealavarkuzhali, Kamakshi
Theertham Sivagangai, Kambaa Nadi
Sthala Vruksham Maa (Mango Tree)
Paadiyavar Appar, Gyanasambandar, Sundarar
Travel Base Kanchipuram
Nearest Railway Station Kanchipuram
Continent / Region Thondai
Circle / Taluk Kanchipuram
District Kanchipuram
State Tamil Nadu

Location & Accessibility

It is around 77 kms from Chennai. There are plenty of buses from Chennai, Chengalpet, Arakonam & Vellore.

Architecture

It is one of the Largest temple in Kancheepuram. The Raja gopuram is of 9-tier and is supposed to have been built in 1509 A.D.

History & Sacred Legend

Ekambar means one mango tree. It is said that Kamakshi meditated upon Shiva Lingam of Earth under one mango tree and then married him here. According to Mythology, Kamakshi made a Lingam out of sand in the banks of River Kamba and worshiped him. The River Kamba now stands near the 1000 pillar Mandapam as a pond. As Lord Shiva rose underneath a mango tree, He is called as Ekambaranathar. There is a Somaskanda Panel in the sanctum and a Somaskanda shrine under the towering centuries-old Mango tree. In Kanchi, the Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi & Kandakottam temples denote Somaskandar.

Nilaathungal Tunda Perumaal - Vishnu is worshipped in a small shrine in one of the corridors. The works of the Alwars refer to the Vishnu shrine here and it is revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams as well.