SPIRITUAL-TEMPLES-INDIA

A Spiritual Morning at Ekambareswarar Temple

My Visit to the amazing Ekambareswarar temple, Tamil Nadu, India

Photo by author — Ekambareswarar temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, india

I had once made a pilgrimage trip lasting for a week to Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. My first visit was to the fascinating Ekambareswar Temple, about which I had heard a lot.

Ekambareswarar Temple is an ancient temple located in Kanchipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, originally built by the Pallavas. This temple is among the seven most important pilgrimage centers in India.

Photo by author — Ekambareswarar temple, Kanchipuram, india

Kanchipuram is a destination for historical, cultural and religious purposes.

I was not just awestruck but humbled and speechless when I stepped inside this ancient temple, which was originally built during the period of Pallava kings and was later modified by other subsequent rulers.

Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Prithvi Lingam. He is also known as Ekambareswarar and Ekambaranathar here. His consort, Goddess Parvati, is revered as Elavarkuzhali.

Photo by author — Ekambareswarar temple, Tamil nadu

Ekambareswara Temple is considered one of the three Pancha Bhutha Sthalas.

What is Panch Bhoota Stalam?

Panch Bhoota Stalam constitutes the five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. And these five temples hold prominent fundamental meanings. Being the manifestation of the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, Representing the fundamental meaning of life itself, the five elements with which every life is made.

Ekambareswarar Temple is a huge temple spread across 40 acres.

The temple has 4 gopurams (towers) and the largest one being the southern one, with 11 stories and a height of 192 ft.

According to the legends, Lord Shiva’s consort Parvati once played a prank on Lord Shiva, which resulted in plunging the entire world into darkness. An angry Shiva cursed Parvati, and she descended on this place to do the penance, under a mango tree, making a Lingam out of the Earth.

The mango tree found in the outer court is believed to be 3500 years old.

After the darshan and taking the prasadam, we spent some time in the huge temple, enjoying the wonderful vibe of spirituality and admiring the wonderful architecture there.

As I was leaving the temple premises, my mind silently said, “I wish I had more time to spend there.”

The temple is a point of intersection between heaven and earth. In this sacred place, holy work will be performed through selfless service and love. The temple reminds me of all that is good and beautiful in the world.

~ David A. Bednar

Have you been to any such temples? What was your experience?

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