Arcot, Chenglepet and Nellore districts were referred to as Thondamandalam in olden days. Kanchipuram was the capital of Thondamandalam. The Pallavas ruled this place between third century and ninth century A.D. Inscriptions and other archaeological evidence indicate that this place was also ruled by the Cholas, and the Vijayanagara kings. Kanchipuram was regarded as a Temple city and its sanctity is well known. It has been called Sivapuram, Vishnupuram, Brahmapuram, Thudaripuram and Kailasam on the earth etc.
Swami Madhava Sivajnana wrote Kanchi puranam in view of the rich religious background associated with the temple city.
The famous Sri Kanchi Kamokoti Mutt, headed by Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya located in Kanchipuram. The city is unique in having the Kailasanatha temple, Vaikinta Perumal temple, among numerous other temples. Despite the presense of several temples, the Thevaram mentions only five temples: Thiruvekambam, Thirumetrazhi, Onakantonthazi, Kachnerikkarikkaadu, and Anekathangavatam.
The temple of Sri Ekambaranatha, known as the big temple, is none other than Kachi Thiruvekambam. Great saints like Manikkavachgar, Arunagirinathar, and Pattinathaar praised this temple. The temple city finds mention in the works such as Manimekalai, Dakkayaagapparani, Mathavilaasa praharsana, and Dandialankaaram.
Thiruvekambar, Ekambaranatha and Ekambareshwara are the names of the deity. The goddess is Elavaarkuzhali. The mango tree is considered as the sacred tree associated with this temple. The sacred pond is Sivaganga.
Sri Ekambaraswami represents Prithvi Linga. According to a legend, Umadevi was worshipping a Linga, made of sand, on the banks of river Kampaa. The Lord caused a flood in the river. In fear and anxiety, Umadevi embraced the Linga and prevented the Linga from being washed away.
As the Lord in the form of the Linga was under the mango tree, the name Ekamranatha came into existence. It is said that this name was modified to Ekambaranatha in course of time.
Although the goddess is known as Elavaarkuzhali, the popular name is Sri Kamakshi.
The temple gopuram is nine storeyed and is very imposing. At the main entrance, we can see the images of Vinayaga and Shanmuga. It was built in 1509 by the great Vijayanagara king Sri Krishnadevaraya. Once inside, we come across vahana mandapam. It is also known as Sharabhesha Mandapam. Nandanodyanam is to the left. Followed by the Kampaa river. The thousand pillared mandapam stands opposite to it. This is also called Pallava Gopuram. At the entrance to this gopuram, we see Vikatachakra Vinayaga. The customary way to enter the temple is to pay obeisance to Vikatachakra Vinayaka, turn to the right after crossing the entrance to the gopuram.
In front of the temple, there is the temple Thiru Kachimayaanam, praised by the Saint Appar.
Along the four sided of Ekambam, we have four temples: Kachimayaanam, Rushabhesham, and Satyanatesham. On the other side, we have Sivaganga, the sacred pond. It is large and flanked by big trees. The dwaja sthambam (temple flagstaff) is quite tall. At the entrance, we would be greeted by dwaara paalakaas. Inside, we can also see the image of Karikaalachola to one side.
Inside, we have Vaahana mandapam to the right and Pavitrotsava mandapam to the left from where the Mulaviraat can be seen. A little inside and to the left, we can see the image of goddess. To the right, we come across the image of the Devi known as Pralaya Kaala Sakti, as she is thought to protect the temple city even at the time of the great deluge (Pralaya). The image of Sri Ekambareshwara, meant to be taken in procession, is located in the sabha mandapam. At the sanctum Sanctorum, we see the form of Somaskanda – a form that Rajasimhapallava had built and installed. Behind this image, we can see the images of Umamaheswara, Chandrasekhara, Srikanta Sivacharya etc. During festivals and such special occasions, poojas and abhisekas are performed here. It is a sight to see Siva Lingas all along the insides of the outer wall.
The image of Panchamukha Vinayaka belongs to a much later period (1979).
The Sacred mango tree represents the Vedas. As there are four Vedas, so there are four branches to the tree. All the four branches bear fruit and it is said that the fruits of these four branches have four distinct tastes! According to the experts, the tree is more than 3600 years old. The childless believe that they will be blessed with progeny if they tie a small swing to the tree.
It is said that it was under this mango tree that the Lord appeared before the goddess. The mango tree can be circumambulated. Then there is aplace known as Sahasralinga Sannidhi (a place where a hundred lingas are present). After a flight of steps, we come across the beautiful idol, Utsavamurti, of goddess Elvaarkuzhali.
On the side, we have the idol of the Lord Subrahmanya. There is a separate temple for this Lord known by the name Kumara Kottam. Skandapuranam, the famous work giving the details of devotional stories and of miracles of Lord Subrahmanya, originated here. One can see the utsavamurtis of Lord Subrahmanya flanked on either side by his consorts Valli and Devayani. Behind these utsavamurtis, we can see the corresponding stone images. On the left, we can see the Nataraja sabha mandapam consecrated in 1961. Here, Lord Nataraja can be seen along with goddess Sivakami and the saint Manikkavaachagar. Next to it, there is the idol of Bhairava. Opposite to the yaaga saala, we have the idols representing the Navagrahas (the nine heavenly bodies), with Surya (the sun) at the centre and other idols facing the eight appropriate directions.
To the left we have the images of Nayanars – Thirukkurippu Thodar, Iyadigazhkaatava Bhupati, Chakya Nayanar among others. Next to these, there is the Nalwar Sannidhi, followed by the idols of the sixty-three Nayanmars. Towards one end, we come across the idol of Santhanaacharya. In the front, one can see Svetakambar Linga. In the next praakara, there are Siva Lingas arranged in a row, followed by Kallakambar Linga, the idol of Chanseshwara, the utsavamurtis of the sixty three nayanmars, Nallakambar Siva Linga, the idol of Surya, the place where Thirumangai Alwar received divine instructions, and the Nilaathunda Perumal Sannidhi.
As the Lord manifests prithvi Linga,made of Sand, water is not allowed to fall on it. Abhishekas are carried out only on the panapatham. Somaskanda’s image can also be seen. Worshipped by the goddess, this Linga belongs to the class of Devika Lingas. Every Monday, a shield is kept during the worship to commemorate the significance of the temple’s history. In the open, we have the dwaja sthambha and a alarge image of nandi (the Bull) sculpted in stone. At some distance, there is a temple for Vaalisham. Along the banks of the sacred pond, there is this temple for Vrishabhesham. On the pillar in front of Kachiyamaanam, the images of Adi Sankara and Dakshinamurti can be seen. On two pillars in the Sabhanayakar mandapam, the images of Manmadha (cupid) and his consort Rati can be seen seated on the Chiluka (parrot) vaahana and Hamsa (swan) vaahana.
Beyond the Navagrahas, going down the steps, we come across a pillar on which the scene depicting Lord Narasimha tearing open the demon Hiranyakaship placed on his thighs. On the pillar opposite to this, the sculpted image of Bhikshaatana can be seen.
Pooja is conducted at eight times of the day, everyday. On Radha saptami day, we can witness the Lord bathed by Sun’s rays.
Beginning with Jeernodharana Pooja on 25 October 1976 and concluding with Kumbhaabhishekam on 2 February 1979, the various poojas were performed by Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati, the head of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt.
Inscriptions were found in the temple belonging to the periods ruled by Rajarajacholadeva, Vijayakantagopaladeva, Kampannaudayar, Achyuta Udayar, Kulothunga I, Kulothunga III. These inscriptions reveal a wealth of information regarding the injunctions, donations, and procedures for conducting the worship.
In this temple, a fourteen-day grand festival takes place in the latter half of the month of Phalguna. Thirumanjanam in the month of Jyeshta, Pooram in the month of Thai, Vaikunta ekadasi, the Mondays occurring in the month of karthika and Thiruvaadirai are among the significant festivals associated with this temple.
Swami Madhava Sivajnana wrote Kanchi puranam in view of the rich religious background associated with the temple city.
The famous Sri Kanchi Kamokoti Mutt, headed by Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya located in Kanchipuram. The city is unique in having the Kailasanatha temple, Vaikinta Perumal temple, among numerous other temples. Despite the presense of several temples, the Thevaram mentions only five temples: Thiruvekambam, Thirumetrazhi, Onakantonthazi, Kachnerikkarikkaadu, and Anekathangavatam.
The temple of Sri Ekambaranatha, known as the big temple, is none other than Kachi Thiruvekambam. Great saints like Manikkavachgar, Arunagirinathar, and Pattinathaar praised this temple. The temple city finds mention in the works such as Manimekalai, Dakkayaagapparani, Mathavilaasa praharsana, and Dandialankaaram.
Thiruvekambar, Ekambaranatha and Ekambareshwara are the names of the deity. The goddess is Elavaarkuzhali. The mango tree is considered as the sacred tree associated with this temple. The sacred pond is Sivaganga.
Sri Ekambaraswami represents Prithvi Linga. According to a legend, Umadevi was worshipping a Linga, made of sand, on the banks of river Kampaa. The Lord caused a flood in the river. In fear and anxiety, Umadevi embraced the Linga and prevented the Linga from being washed away.
As the Lord in the form of the Linga was under the mango tree, the name Ekamranatha came into existence. It is said that this name was modified to Ekambaranatha in course of time.
Although the goddess is known as Elavaarkuzhali, the popular name is Sri Kamakshi.
The temple gopuram is nine storeyed and is very imposing. At the main entrance, we can see the images of Vinayaga and Shanmuga. It was built in 1509 by the great Vijayanagara king Sri Krishnadevaraya. Once inside, we come across vahana mandapam. It is also known as Sharabhesha Mandapam. Nandanodyanam is to the left. Followed by the Kampaa river. The thousand pillared mandapam stands opposite to it. This is also called Pallava Gopuram. At the entrance to this gopuram, we see Vikatachakra Vinayaga. The customary way to enter the temple is to pay obeisance to Vikatachakra Vinayaka, turn to the right after crossing the entrance to the gopuram.
In front of the temple, there is the temple Thiru Kachimayaanam, praised by the Saint Appar.
Along the four sided of Ekambam, we have four temples: Kachimayaanam, Rushabhesham, and Satyanatesham. On the other side, we have Sivaganga, the sacred pond. It is large and flanked by big trees. The dwaja sthambam (temple flagstaff) is quite tall. At the entrance, we would be greeted by dwaara paalakaas. Inside, we can also see the image of Karikaalachola to one side.
Inside, we have Vaahana mandapam to the right and Pavitrotsava mandapam to the left from where the Mulaviraat can be seen. A little inside and to the left, we can see the image of goddess. To the right, we come across the image of the Devi known as Pralaya Kaala Sakti, as she is thought to protect the temple city even at the time of the great deluge (Pralaya). The image of Sri Ekambareshwara, meant to be taken in procession, is located in the sabha mandapam. At the sanctum Sanctorum, we see the form of Somaskanda – a form that Rajasimhapallava had built and installed. Behind this image, we can see the images of Umamaheswara, Chandrasekhara, Srikanta Sivacharya etc. During festivals and such special occasions, poojas and abhisekas are performed here. It is a sight to see Siva Lingas all along the insides of the outer wall.
The image of Panchamukha Vinayaka belongs to a much later period (1979).
The Sacred mango tree represents the Vedas. As there are four Vedas, so there are four branches to the tree. All the four branches bear fruit and it is said that the fruits of these four branches have four distinct tastes! According to the experts, the tree is more than 3600 years old. The childless believe that they will be blessed with progeny if they tie a small swing to the tree.
It is said that it was under this mango tree that the Lord appeared before the goddess. The mango tree can be circumambulated. Then there is aplace known as Sahasralinga Sannidhi (a place where a hundred lingas are present). After a flight of steps, we come across the beautiful idol, Utsavamurti, of goddess Elvaarkuzhali.
On the side, we have the idol of the Lord Subrahmanya. There is a separate temple for this Lord known by the name Kumara Kottam. Skandapuranam, the famous work giving the details of devotional stories and of miracles of Lord Subrahmanya, originated here. One can see the utsavamurtis of Lord Subrahmanya flanked on either side by his consorts Valli and Devayani. Behind these utsavamurtis, we can see the corresponding stone images. On the left, we can see the Nataraja sabha mandapam consecrated in 1961. Here, Lord Nataraja can be seen along with goddess Sivakami and the saint Manikkavaachagar. Next to it, there is the idol of Bhairava. Opposite to the yaaga saala, we have the idols representing the Navagrahas (the nine heavenly bodies), with Surya (the sun) at the centre and other idols facing the eight appropriate directions.
To the left we have the images of Nayanars – Thirukkurippu Thodar, Iyadigazhkaatava Bhupati, Chakya Nayanar among others. Next to these, there is the Nalwar Sannidhi, followed by the idols of the sixty-three Nayanmars. Towards one end, we come across the idol of Santhanaacharya. In the front, one can see Svetakambar Linga. In the next praakara, there are Siva Lingas arranged in a row, followed by Kallakambar Linga, the idol of Chanseshwara, the utsavamurtis of the sixty three nayanmars, Nallakambar Siva Linga, the idol of Surya, the place where Thirumangai Alwar received divine instructions, and the Nilaathunda Perumal Sannidhi.
As the Lord manifests prithvi Linga,made of Sand, water is not allowed to fall on it. Abhishekas are carried out only on the panapatham. Somaskanda’s image can also be seen. Worshipped by the goddess, this Linga belongs to the class of Devika Lingas. Every Monday, a shield is kept during the worship to commemorate the significance of the temple’s history. In the open, we have the dwaja sthambha and a alarge image of nandi (the Bull) sculpted in stone. At some distance, there is a temple for Vaalisham. Along the banks of the sacred pond, there is this temple for Vrishabhesham. On the pillar in front of Kachiyamaanam, the images of Adi Sankara and Dakshinamurti can be seen. On two pillars in the Sabhanayakar mandapam, the images of Manmadha (cupid) and his consort Rati can be seen seated on the Chiluka (parrot) vaahana and Hamsa (swan) vaahana.
Beyond the Navagrahas, going down the steps, we come across a pillar on which the scene depicting Lord Narasimha tearing open the demon Hiranyakaship placed on his thighs. On the pillar opposite to this, the sculpted image of Bhikshaatana can be seen.
Pooja is conducted at eight times of the day, everyday. On Radha saptami day, we can witness the Lord bathed by Sun’s rays.
Beginning with Jeernodharana Pooja on 25 October 1976 and concluding with Kumbhaabhishekam on 2 February 1979, the various poojas were performed by Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati, the head of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt.
Inscriptions were found in the temple belonging to the periods ruled by Rajarajacholadeva, Vijayakantagopaladeva, Kampannaudayar, Achyuta Udayar, Kulothunga I, Kulothunga III. These inscriptions reveal a wealth of information regarding the injunctions, donations, and procedures for conducting the worship.
In this temple, a fourteen-day grand festival takes place in the latter half of the month of Phalguna. Thirumanjanam in the month of Jyeshta, Pooram in the month of Thai, Vaikunta ekadasi, the Mondays occurring in the month of karthika and Thiruvaadirai are among the significant festivals associated with this temple.
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