Kancheepuram, admired as "Nagareshu Kanchi" by the renowned poet Mahakavi Kalidasa, holds a significant position in history and literature. There are numerous temples in this city and is among the seven sacred cities believed to offer salvation. Kancheepuram is recognized and associated with the earth element, within the five sacred places associated with five elements of nature known as 'Pancha Bhootam'. Here, The presiding deity Ekambareswarar is worshipped as 'Prithvi Lingam'. The ritual of 'Abishekam' is conducted exclusively for the 'Avudayar' and not for the lingam as it is sand-made. The temple spans an area of 23 acres, with a 9-tiered Rajagopuram that stands at a height of around 190 feet. The Ayirankaal Mandapam (1000 pillared hall) in the fourth prakaram, showcases a plethora of intricate sculptures. Housed within the Ekambaraeshwarar temple is a divya desam. The sannidhi of Nilathunda Perumal Sannidhi is in the east corner of the first prakaram, standing as a tenstimony to the unity of Shaiva/Vaishnava cults.
Sthala Puranam - At Kailash, Parvathy once closed Shiva's eyes in a playful moment which caused the entire world to plunge in darkness. Shiva then opened his third eye to illuminate the world. Desipite the beningness, Shiva asked Parvathy to perform penance to atone for the hardship caused to all living beings. Parvathy came to Kancheepuram, crafted a Shiva Linga out of sand beneath a mango tree along the river Kamba. Legend has it that the Vegavati river overflowed, threatening to engulf the Shiva Lingam; Parvati as Kamakshi embraced the Lingam leaving the impression of Her Bangles and Her upper body on the Sand Linga. Shiva touched by the gesture materialized in person and married her. In this context he is referred to as Tazhuva kuzhainthaar ("He who melted in Her embrace") in Tamil. This incident of Devi Parvathy's penance is described in detail in 'Thirukurippu Thondar Puranam' and 'Kanchee Puranam'.
Kamakshi - After Shiva married Parvathy beneath the mango tree, He presented her with two 'nazhi's of paddy (nazhi is an ancient measuring tool - 1 nazhi weighs 200gms approximately) to Parvathy and implored her to carry out the 32 virtuous deeds with it. According to ancient texts, Parvathy is said to have demonstrated these virtues while seated in Kama Kottam, known as Kamakshi. The sacred mango tree, where the divine union of Shiva and Parvathy took place, is regarded as an ideal location for prayer. It is believed that the Vedas symbolize the mango tree, with its four branches representing the four types of Vedas. Experts have estimated the age of this mango tree to exceed 3600 years. A clear circular path around the tree facilitates 'pradakshina'. Moving further beyond the revered mango tree, we can see Sahasra Lingam accompanied by its grand 'Avudayar' . A fleet of steps nearby lead to the 'Urchava' sannidhi of 'Elavar Kuzhali Amman'. In Kancheepuram, there is a temple called 'Kumara kottam' which is dedicated to God Muruga. However, the verses in Skanda Purana, specifically 'kanchi mavadi vaigum sevvel potri', actually refer to the 'Mavadi Sevvel Sannidhi' located within the premises of this temple. This sannidhi is situated next to 'Elavar Kuzhali Amman Sannidhi'. The temple showcases the Urchava idols of Muruga along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai at the forefront, while their Primary Idols are placed at the back.
Iyadi Kadavargon Nayanar, Thirukuripupthonda Nayanar, and Sakya Nayanar, renowned for singing 'KShetra Venbha's, received blessings at this sacred location. Within this temple, there are Lingams revered by Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra, known as Vellakampam, Kalla Kampam, and Nalla Kampam respectively.
Among the 108 Vaishnava Divyadesas, 15 are situated in Kancheepuram, with Nilathuntap Perumal being one of them at the Ekambareswarar temple. Additionally, within the temple premises, there is a 'Thevara Vaippu Sthalam' known as Kachchi Mayanam located in front of Swami Sannidhi's dwajasthambam.
Words cannot describe all the features of this massive temple with its numerous sannidhis and stunning sculptures. To admire its beauty and to experience its sanctity one shoud explore each and every section of this temple.
Sundara Moorthy Nayanar married Sangili Naachiyar under a bakula tree at Tiruvotriyur with God Shiva as witness, vowing never to abandon her. However, he broke his promise and left Sangili Nachiyar, to go to Tiruvarur. Since he broke his promise, Sundarar lost sight in both eyes. Sundarar later regained sight in his left eye at Kancheepuram by singing the praises of Shiva in his pathikam.
Front view
Nandhi
pillars
Maavadi sannidhi
Maavadi sannidhi and temple tower
Mavadi entrance-Vinayaka and Muruga on either side
Dwara Palaka
Dwara Palaka