Arulmigu Ekambareswarar Temple (Ekambaranathar Temple)
Periya Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district · Lord Shiva as Ekambareswarar (Ekambaranathar), worshipped as the Prithvi (earth) Lingam; Parvati as Elavarkuzhali (Kamakshi is regarded as her form in Kanchi)
The earth element of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams – a linga of sand that Parvati shaped and embraced under a mango tree.
Ekambareswarar is the largest Shiva temple in Kanchipuram and the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam for earth (prithvi). The presiding linga is believed to be made of sand, shaped by Parvati herself, so abhishekam (ritual bathing) is offered only to the pedestal. The complex covers roughly 23–25 acres, and its southern Raja Gopuram, built under Krishnadevaraya, is among the tallest temple towers in South India. A Kumbhabhishekam (re-consecration) was held on 8 December 2025, the first in about 17 years.
Timings
- Temple open (morning): approx. 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Temple open (evening): approx. 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Festival days: Hours are extended, especially during Panguni Uthiram. Check with the temple office (044 2722 2084).
Darshan types and costs
- Free (dharma) darshan – Free
- Special entrance darshan – approx. ₹5 (older published list – check at the counter)
Sevas and costs
- Kala Poojas (six daily poojas) – Free to attend (Daily, dawn to night (approx. 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM; see daily schedule))
- Moolavar Sannathi Abhishekam (with milk, curd, garland and prasadam) – approx. ₹1,500 (older published fee list – check official rate) (During morning pooja hours; timing fixed by the temple office)
- Moolavar Abhishekam (basic abhishekam fee) – approx. ₹151 (older published fee list – check official rate) (During pooja hours)
- Abhishekam at other sannidhis (sub-shrines) – approx. ₹101 (basic) / approx. ₹1,000 with milk, curd, garland and prasadam (older published list – check) (During pooja hours)
- Archanai (Vilva / Kunkuma archana) and Sahasranamam – approx. ₹2 (archanai) / ₹3 (Sahasranamam) on an older published list – current rates are likely higher; check at the counter (Throughout darshan hours)
- Pradosham – Free to attend (Twice a month, on Trayodasi (13th lunar day), approx. 4:30–6:00 PM)
- Marriage at the temple – approx. ₹1,250 (₹250 fee + ₹1,000 donation on an older published list – check) (On auspicious muhurtham days, mornings)
- Panguni Uthiram Kalyanotsavam – Free to attend (Final day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam (March–April))
How to book darshan
Darshan is free and walk-in. Archanai and abhishekam tickets are sold at the temple counters; some Tamil Nadu temples also list sevas on the HR&CE online services portal.
Dress code
Traditional, modest dress. A published guide notes that dhoti or trousers with an upper cloth for men, and saree, half-saree or churidar for women, are accepted. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and short skirts. Men may be asked to remove shirts at some inner shrines.
Best time to visit
October to March (cooler). Visit early morning for the Ushathkala pooja and fewer crowds. Panguni Uthiram (March–April) is spectacular but extremely crowded.
How to reach
- air: Chennai International Airport, approx. 60–65 km (1.5–2 hours by road).
- rail: Kanchipuram railway station, approx. 1–2 km; Chengalpattu and Arakkonam junctions have more trains.
- road: Kanchipuram bus stand is about 1.5 km away. Frequent buses from Chennai (CMBT/Koyambedu and Tambaram, approx. 75 km, 2 hours), Vellore and Tiruvannamalai.
Festivals
- Panguni Uthiram Brahmotsavam – March–April (10–13 days, ending on Panguni Uthiram)
- Karthigai Deepam – November–December
- Aani Thirumanjanam – June–July
- Aadi Krithigai and Thai Poosam – July–August; January–February
- Maha Shivaratri – February–March
- Navaratri – September–October