Ekambara Nathar Temple
Location
This temple is located in the northwestern part of Kanchipuram town, approximately one kilometer from the town bus stand.
Architecture
The temple is set within a vast 23-acre campus and features a majestic 192-foot Rajagopuram at its southern entrance. It boasts five grand Prakarams and Mandapams with 100 and 1000 pillars. Originally constructed by Mahendra Varman I as a brick structure with a black granite Mandapam in front, the pillars of this early Mandapam are now housed in the State government museum in Chennai. After the Pallavas, the Cholas expanded the temple into a fully granite structure, adding a 100-pillared Mandapam and additional Prakarams. Near the Kodikkambam, you can find a west-facing shrine known as ‘Kacchi Mayanam,’ built in the Chola style. A small Pallava-era temple is also located near the western bank of the temple tank, Sivagangai Theertham.
The Vijayanagar rulers later constructed the 1000-pillared Mandapam and the outer Prakarams. Although the Mandapam is named for its 1000 pillars, only 616 remain today. In 1509 AD, Vijayanagar King Krishna Devaraya erected the massive 192-foot, nine-story Rajagopuram, which features images of the King and his consort. The Sanctum Sanctorum and Prakarams built by the Cholas were later reconstructed in Nagarathar style during the early 19th century.
Sculpture
Near the western bank of the temple tank, Sivagangai Thirtham, there is a Mandapam-like structure where the temple office is currently located. The lower sections of its walls are adorned with sculptures depicting the story of Saint Siruthonda Nayanar preparing food for a devotee of Lord Shiva using his own child’s flesh. The Kacchi Mayanam Sannidhi also features sculptures from the Chola period.
Painting
In the 1000-pillared Mandapam, the ceiling displays paintings from the Vijayanagar period. Additional paintings are found on the northern side of the Prakaram. The color scheme of this period features yellow, black, and saffron. In the Mandapam where the temple elephants are tethered, Nayaka period paintings can be seen, which have been overlaid on the earlier Vijayanagar period artworks.
Inscription
Several columns with inscriptions from Mahendra Varman I were discovered near the 1000-pillared Mandapam and are now displayed at the entrance of the State government museum in Chennai. The temple also features numerous other epigraphs that document donations from Chola, Telugu Chola, and Vijayanagar kings.
Hymns
This temple is revered in the hymns of Saints Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar, and Manikkavasagar. Saint Appar specifically consecrated the Kacchi Mayanam Sannidhi within the temple.
Mythology
(1) Once, in a moment of joy, Goddess Parvati playfully covered the eyes of Lord Shiva at Kailash. This angered Shiva, who ordered Parvati to leave immediately. She descended to Earth and settled on the banks of the Kambai River in Kanchi. There, she crafted a Shiva Lingam from sand and began her devotion. To test Parvati’s dedication, Shiva caused floods in the Kambai River, threatening to wash away the sand Lingam. Parvati embraced the Lingam to protect it. Moved by her devotion, Shiva softened and brought Parvati back to Kailash. The sand Lingam then solidified into a permanent structure, and it is believed that the Lingam bears the marks of Parvati’s embrace.
(2) The divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once took place at Kailash, drawing all the Gods and Sages to the Himalayas to witness the event. This caused the northern part of the Earth to tilt downward. To balance the Earth’s weight between the north and south, Lord Shiva instructed Sage Agasthya to journey south. Although Agasthya was disappointed about missing the wedding, Shiva promised him that he would marry Parvati again in Kanchi so that the Sage could attend. Consequently, the sacred wedding of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated annually as a festival in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). Additionally, the temple features a shrine dedicated to Sage Agasthya, as mentioned by Pallava King Mahendra Varman I in his drama Matta Vilasa Prahasanam.
(3) Saint Sundarar once lost both of his eyes. After arriving at this temple and praying to Lord Shiva, it is believed that he regained the vision in his left eye.
Events
Robert Clive’s defense of Arcot was a pivotal moment in the East India Company’s efforts to establish control over South India. During this period, the temple was utilized as a fortress. The main Gopuram bears visible marks from cannonball strikes. Additionally, a section of the wall near this Gopuram was rebuilt in 1799 AD by Hudson, who was the head assistant to Lionel Place, the Collector of Chingleput district at the time.
Religion : Saivism
Timing : 6 AM to 12 PM; 4 PM to 8 PM
Deity : Ekambara Nathar
Built By : Mahendra Varman I
Period : 7th Century