Kanchipuram Temples
SRI EKAMBARESWARA TEMPLE
The most famous Siva temple at Kanchipuram is the Ekambareswara temple where
he is worshipped in the form of Earth Linga and its 11 storey structure temple
tower which is adorned with beautiful sculptures is one of the tallest temple
tower in south india.
The sthalapurana says that when Lord Siva was deeply immersed in the task of
creating, protecting and destroying the Universe, Parvati, his consort, in a
jocular mood, closed his eyes.This resulted in staying the process of creation
and destruction as well as obstruction to the natural law of things. It was
a serious matter and Siva became angry and cursed Parvati to go to the Earth
and expiate her misdeed.accordingly Parvati came to the banks of the river Kampa
under a single mango tree at Kanchi and made a Shivalinga out of sand and worshipped
it.
To test her sincerity Siva placed various obstacles and hindrances in the way
of Parvati's penance. But with the help of Vishnu she could tide over all the
difficulties. At last Siva hurled a deluge by taking out the Ganges from his
matted hair, to wash away the Linga worshipped by Parvati. She clasped it with
all veneration to her breasts and this pleased Siva who took her again as his
consort. The temple is said to have been built at the spot where the lord forgave
her. In the month of Phalguni on the 10th day of Uttiram the marriage of Siva
and Parvati is celebrated with great pomp and splendor.
The ancient mango tree in the courtyard is worshipped by all even today with
great veneration. It has got four branches representing the four Vedas. Each
branch bears fruit with a different taste and the leaves are also different
in appearance. It is a popular belief that if a childless woman takes the fruit
of the tree she is blessed with children. In the prakaram round the mango tree
is a lingam. Which is a composite of 108 small lingams and another one of 1008
small lingams. There are idols of the 63 Nayanmars also. There are two tanks
in the temple, Kampa Nadi and Sivaganga.
There is a Vishnu shrine in the Siva temple and the name of the Vishnu is Nilatingal
Tundattan. The temple has silver and gold-plated vahanams of considerable value.
Originally built by the Pallavas, this large Siva temple was later reconstructed
by the Chola and Vijaynagara kings. Here, Lord Siva is worshipped as Earth or
Prithivi, which is one of the five elements. The dimensions of this temple are
reflected in its 20 - acre spread and its tall south gopuram which soars to
a height of 58.5m.
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