Kanchipuram - Ekambareshwarar

Ekambareshwarar temple, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu

• Meditation: I meditate on Devi Parvati performing penance in Kanchipuram worshipping Lord Shiva under a Mango tree.

• Ekambareshwarar: Ekambareshwarar temple of Kanchipuram is a Pancha Bhoota Sthalam associated with the element of Prithivi (Earth). It is also a Paadal Petra Sthalam whose glory is sung by the Nayanmars.

• Penance of Devi Parvati: The legend of the Ekambareshwarar temple is associated with the penance of Devi Parvati which is mentioned in the Skanda Purana - Arunachala Mahatmya. According to this legend, once when Lord Shiva was engaged in the task of creation, Devi Parvati in a jocular mood closed His eyes from behind. This led to a halt in the natural process. Shiva became angry and cursed Devi Parvati to be born on earth and perform penance to expatiate her misdeed. Accordingly, Devi Parvati came to the present Kanchipuram on the banks of river Kampa. She created a Parthiva Lingam (Shiva Lingam out of sand) under a Mango tree and started worshipping Lord Shiva. Shiva tested her devotion by creating various obstacles in Her penance. She overcame all of them. Finally Lord Shiva released river Ganga from His matted hairs to wash off the Lingam. Devi Parvati clasped it tightly to Her bosom and protected it. Lord Shiva was pleased. He gave darshan to Devi Parvati and took Her back as His consort. The marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated here in the month of Phalguni on the 10th day of Uttiram. Refer to:
- Penance of Devi Parvati at Kanchipuram (Skanda Purana - Arunachala Mahatmya - 3 to 4)

• Association with Arunachala: According to Arunachala Mahatmya, after the penance at Kanchipuram, Lord Shiva directed Devi Parvati to go to Arunachala, listen to its greatness from sage Gautama, and perform penance at Arunachala. Refer to:
- Penance of Devi Parvati at Arunachala (Skanda Purana - Arunachala Mahatmya - 4 to 9)

• Ekambareshwarar temple is located in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.

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