Ekambareswarar Temple

 

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ekambareswarar Temple in Kancheepuram is one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu. This is believed to be in existence since 600 AD. Over time Pallavas, Cholas and particularly Krishna Deva Raya have made several contributions to this magnificent temple.   

It is one of the five major Shiva temples each representing a natural element. The other four temples in this category are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Chidambaram Natarajar (Sky), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

 

The Raja Gopuram or the entrance tower to the temple which rises to a height of 172 feet was built by the Vijayanagar Monarch - Krishnadevaraya.This tower has eleven stories and is one of the tallest towers in South India. The pillared hall in front of the sanctum was also built by the Vijayanagar Kings.

 

This vast temple which covers an area of 40 acres is full of exquisite sculptures! Every pillar in this temple is a piece of art! Statues of various dance poses and other Gods can be seen in every pillar!

Strangely there is no separate shrine for Pavathi in this temple! But there is a small shrine for Vishnu who is prayed here as Vamana Murthy!

 

One notable feature of the temple is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the "hallway with a thousand pillars", which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple's inner walls are decorated with an array of 1,008 Siva lingams.
 

 

 

 

The main Lingam is made of Sand so Abishekam is not done. It is covered with silver sheath. The priest told me that they use some special oil for this purpose.