| Ekambaranathar Temple |
| About: |
| The Sri Ekambaranathar Temple was originally built before the mid-9th century by the Pallavas, but its most significant feature, a massive, 200-foot gopuram with more than 10 stories of intricate sculptures, was a 16th-century addition by the Vijayanagar kings. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, who appears in the form of earth, one of Hinduism’s five sacred elements. Inside the courtyard is a mango tree believed to be 3,500 years old; each of its four main branches is said to bear fruit with a different taste, representing the four Hindu Vedas (sacred texts). The temple’s name may be a modification of Eka Amra Nathar (Lord of the Mango Tree). Of the original 1,000 pillars that once stood in the mandapam, fewer than 600 remain.All the temples in the southern part of India mainly reflect the Dravidian style of architecture. Every temple has a huge gopura or gateway, which is a trademark of all the temples located in south Indian states.The Ekambaranathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the largest temples in the city of Kanchipuram.The temple is spread over a huge area of 12 hectares, which is one of the primary features that attract the attention of the visitor. The construction of the temple began during the reign of the Pallavas and continued even during the Chola dynasty that followed the reign of the Pallavas.The gopura, which has been built by a famous king, Krishnadevaraya who dominated one of the most illustrious empires of Vijayanagar. The height of the gopura is a stunning 59 meters and is one of the tallest gopuras among the south Indian temples.The temple hallway hallway is known as “Aayiram Kaal Mandapam”, which means a hallway with thousand pillars. This expanse of the hallway leaves every visitor spellbound. Apart from this hallway, the interior walls of the temple consist of 1008 Shiva Lingams. |
| Location info: |
| Address:Chidambaram,Chidambaram Taluk Cuddalore District Tamil nadu ,India |
| District: Cuddalore |
| Nearest City: Cuddalore,Pondicherry |
| Best time to visit: Throughout the year |
| Climate/Weather: |
| The climate of Chidambaram is tropical with mercury touching up to 37°C in the summers and around 20°C in the winters. |
| History: |
| The Ekambareshvara temple is the principle Shaiva sanctuary and its soaring gopuras dominate the city’s skyline. This temple was erected in 1509 by the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadeva Raya. The temple is preceded by a long columned mandapa into which earlier shrines and altars have been incorporated. A corridor surrounds the principle shrine on four sides, presenting a continuous sequence of receding piers. |
| Interesting things to do: |
| Take a bus ride of about fifteen kilometres through breath taking green paddy fields and observe village life centred around a canal that runs along the bus route |
| Interesting places to Visit: |
| Thillaikaliamman Temple:The Thillaikaliamman Temple is on the northern end of the town. Kopperunjingan, king who ruled between AD 1229 and 1278, built this temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is said that Goddess Kali’s anger did not subside even after killing the demon Tarakasura. Hence, Lord Nataraja performed tandava dance to contain her anger. It is enjoined that all those who visit Chidambaram should pay a visit to Thillaikaliamman temple.Annamalai University :The Annamalai University owes its existence to the farsighted vision, enlightened wisdom, benefaction and philanthropy of a single individual – Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar of Chettinad. As early as 1920, he founded the Sri Meenakshi College at Chidambaram, a great pilgrimage centre and also a centre for South Indian traditional culture and learning. In 1928, the Annamalai University Act was passed and Sri Meenakshi College became the nucleus for the University which is unitary, residential, rural in its settings and progressive in its outlook. During his tenure as Pro-Chancellor for 19 years he paid immaculate care and detailed attention to the growth and development of the University in every field. He paid great attention in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. Equal attention was also paid by him in the appointment of enlightened staff, especially the Professors and Heads of Departments. The Professors of Annamalai University were always scholars and scientists of great renown in their own field. |
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| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Chidambaram |
| Nearest Airport:Tiruchirapalli(195 km),Chennai (245 km) |
| Road Transport:There are good number of buses available to various places in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Pondicherry states from Chidambaram. |
| Nearest Visiting places: |
| Pichavaram :This is a seaside resort and has backwaters and mangroves and lies 15 km east of Chidambaram. It is also a birdwatcher?s paradise with a wide variety of bird life to be seenVaitheeswaran koil:The famous Nadi astrologers can also be found in a nearby village 25 km from here.Tiruvakkarai:country’s first national fossil wood park |
| Nearest Petrol Pump: |
| Chidambaram,India |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Vandaiyar Hotel :Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil NaduHotel Sharadham :Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
Hotel Ayshwariya:Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu |
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| Police Station:Kurinjipadi Police Station Kurinjippadi, Cuddalore, Tamil NaduWomen’s Police Station Neyveli Township, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu |
| Nearest Hospital:RMMC Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil NaduGovernment Hospital ,Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu |
