The Uniqueness of The Ekambareswarar Temple

On this religious journey I realized that the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the home of a lot of temples. One such temple is the Ekambareswarar Temple. This article will answer questions like, why this temple is special and what is the story behind it.

So here, we are trying to answer these questions to give the readers a feeling similar to the one they get, when they visit the Ekambareswarar Temple. This wonderful temple is located in a town called Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. How is the Ekambareswarar Temple different from other Shiva temples in India?

The first fact that separates the Ekambareswarar Temple from others is that, it is the biggest temple in Kanchipuram. There is no other temple in the town that can match the magnitude of the Ekambareswarar Temple. Apart from this, the temple authorities are proud of its 59m tall gopuram, making it the tallest gopuram in India. Did you know that before? I bet you didn't !

Another interesting fact about the Ekambareswarar Temple is that, it is one of the Pacha Bhootha Sthalams or representations of natures five elements. Among the five elements, the Ekambareswarar Temple represents - Earth while Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara temple represents - water, Chidambaram Natarajar temple represents - Sky, Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara temple represents - fire and Kalahasti Nathar temple represents - wind.

The legend narrates the story of Goddess Parvati doing penance to appease Lord Shiva and how he tested her before accepting her as his wife. While Goddess Parvati was engrossed in her meditation under a mango tree, Lord Shiva sent fire to disturb her. The goddess prayed to Lord Vishnu to prevent any break in her penance from the fire. Next, Lord Shiva sent Goddess Ganga for the same purpose. Goddess Parvati prayed to Goddess Ganga that they are sisters and that she should be protected. Goddess Parvati made a Shiva Lingam out of the sand and she united with Lord Shiva who emerged from the Lingam. Therefore the presiding deity of the this temple is also known as Ekambareswarar, meaning Lord of Mango tree.

There’s another story relating to the Ekambareswarar Temple. While Goddess Parvati meditated on the Prithvi Lingam under the Mango tree, the neighboring Vegavati river overflew and threatened to engulf the Prithvi Lingam. In order to protect the lingam, Goddess Parvati embraced it. Pleased by her devotion, he appeared before her and married her. This gave him the name, Tazhuva kuzhainthaar meaning he who melted in her embrace in Tamil. Did you enjoy reading about the Ekambareswarar Temple? Tell us in the comments below.

- Kruti Beesam 

జాగశ్వర్ మహాదేవ మందిరం

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