Ekambareshwara Temple in Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram Monuments and Historic Buildings: Ekambareshwara Temple
The Ekambareshwara Temple dedicated to lord Shiva is one of the main temples in Kanchipuram which spreads across a total area of 12.14 hectares. The word Ekamra is derived from the Kamba or pillar of fire.
A huge stonewall built in the 16th century surrounds this temple. The temple now encompasses numerous tanks, mandapams and gopurams. The gopurams of the temple dominate the skyline of the city of Kanchipuram and Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Prithvi Lingam at this temple.
The linga is made of sand and a mango tree near the sanctum has branches which are believed to represent the Vedas. The 57 m high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in the region.
A number of worship services are offered daily at the temple and colorful festivals are celebrated in great splendor such as the Panguni festival, Navaratri, Thai Poosam, Adi Kritikai and more.