Kancheepuram Ekambareswarar Temple
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the ‘City of Temples’, Kancheepuram is Ekambareswarar Temple. The temple is one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalangal of Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Prithvi Lingam, symbolizing earth – one of the five primordial elements. His consort Parvati is worshipped as Gowridevi Amman.
The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
Image Atrribute : Hiroki Ogawa
The Temple – Legend
It is believed that Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a Lingam made out of sand, under a mango tree. Legend has it that, the nearby Vegavati River overflowed and threatened to immerse the Lingam. Parvati embraced the Lingam and Lord Shiva, touched by the gesture appeared before Parvati and married her.
Kancheepuram Ekambareswarar Temple Architecture
The temple covers an area of 23 acres. The temple houses Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple also houses the intricately carved 1000-pillared hall, a 192 feet high Gopuram, five spacious corridors and a huge outer stonewall. Around 1,008 Shivalingams adorn the inner walls of the temple.
The temple tree is a mango tree that is believed to be 3500 years old and an embodiment of the four Vedas. It is said to yield four different types of mangoes.
Reference to the Literature
The presiding deity of Lord Shiva is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva coronical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets the Nayanars and has been classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Temple Timings in Ekambareswarar Temple
The temple is open on all days from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Pooja Timings in Ekambareswarar Temple
| Pooja Details | Pooja Details |
|---|---|
| Usha kalam | 5:30 AM |
| Kalasanthi | 8:00 AM |
| Uchikalam | 10:00 AM |
| Sayaratchai | 6:00 PM |
| Irandam Kalam | 8:00 PM |
| Arthajamam | 10:00 PM |
Temple Festivals of Ekambareswarar Temple
The prominent festivals celebrated by the temple are:
- Panguni Brahmotsavam – 10 day festival in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April)
- Adi Krithikai (July–August)
- Avani Moolam (August-September)
- Navarathri (September-October)
- Karthikai Deepam (November-December)
- Thai Poosam (January-February)
- Chitra Pournami (April-May)
- Vaikashi Vishakam (May-June)
- Fortnightly rituals like Pradosham
- Amavasya (New Moon day) and Pournami (full moon day)
How to reach Ekambareswarar Temple
The temple is located at a distance of 2 kilometres from Kancheepuram bus stand. One can either take an auto or walk to the temple from the bus stand. Kancheepuram Railway Station is located at less than a kilometer from the temple. The temple is about 80 kilometres from Chennai and frequent buses are available from Chennai to Kancheepuram. The nearest international airport is also at Chennai.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple located in the holy city of Kancheepuram is one of 108 Divya Desams (Divine Abode) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple forms a part of the Vishnu Kanchi, a suburb of Kancheepuram. The temple is believed to have been visited by the Alwars (the 12 poetic saints).
The temple is located on the west of Gandhi Road, beside Vedapureswarar Temple and comes under the administration of same Trust.
Image Attribution : Nithi Anand
Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Religious Importance
The Varadharaja perumal Temple built during the reign of the Chola Kings in 1053 is one of the most sacred places for Vaishnavites. The temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kancheepuram is collectively known as Mumurtisivam or the abode of trio. It is believed that once upon a time, one of the greatest Hindu scholars Ramanuja resided in this temple.
The temple was originally known by the names Hastigiri and Attiyuran. The temple gets the name Hastigiri in association of Gajendra Moksham, from the myth that Indra elephant Airavatam in the form of a fill bears the image of Lord Vishnu. The name Attiyur is derived from the fact that the original image of Varadharaja Perumal was made from Attimaram (fig tree).
The Temple – Legend
The legend associated with the temple states that after the Lord created the universe, Lord Brahma wanted Lord Vishnu to come down to earth. He performed Ashwamedha Yagna with his other consorts Gayatri and Savitri, without his wife Goddess Saraswathi. The enraged Goddess flowed in spate as River Vegavati. At the end of the yagna, The Lord himself along with his consort appeared out of flames as Lord Varadharaja and granted Lord Brahma’s wish.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple Architecture
The Varadharaja Perumal Temple is a huge one built on a 23-acre complex. It has a magnificent hall of 100 pillars. The temple is a beautiful structure lying inside three grand circles. It was constructed at various stages by various kings.
The Lord of this temple is Swayambhu (self manifested form). The idol of the Lord is 40 feet long in reclining posture. The Goddess of the temple is worshipped as Perundevi Taayaar. The other shrines of the temple include the Alwars, the Acharyas, Ramar, Andal and Varaaha Perumal.
One of the unique features of the temple is that the temple tank is drained once in every 40 years revealing a huge wooden statue of Lord Vishnu that is worshipped for 48 days.
The East Gopuram (temple tower) is 125 feet high and 99 feet wide. The West Gopuram is 96 feet and 92.5 feet wide. The engraved lizard carvings and ancient inscriptions add to the main attractions of the temple.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Timings & Pooja Details
The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 12:30 Noon and 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Poojas are performed as below:
| Pooja Details | Pooja Details |
|---|---|
| Vishwaroopa Darsanam | 6:00 AM |
| First Thiruvadhanam | 6:30 to 7:30 AM and 7:30 to 9:00 AM |
| Second Nivedanam | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Thirukkapu Sathudal (Closing of Sannidhi) | 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM |
| Sarva Darshan | 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Third Thirumalai Sathupadi & Nivedanam | 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Fourth Thiruvadanam | 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Manna Senai Theermanam | 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
The Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Festivals
- Brahmotsavam Festival (10 days) in the month of Vaikasi (May-June)
- Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October)
- Vaikunda Ekadasi in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January)
How to reach Varadharaja Perumal Temple
The temple is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Kancheepuram. Kancheepuram is connected to major cities by road and is at a distance of about 75 kilometres from Chennai. Varadharaja Temple is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Kancheepuram Railway Station. Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple at a distance of about 60 kilometres.
Epilogue
The Varadharaja Temple is an important religious center in the holy city of Kancheepuram and one of the well-visited temples in Tamil Nadu. Tourists are sure to get mesmerized by the intricate carvings and the majestic architecture of the temple in a serene atmosphere.
Kancheepuram Kailasanathar Temple
One of the prominent places highlighting the historical glory of the district of Kancheepuram is the Kailasanathar Temple. One of the oldest temples in Kancheepuram, Kailasanathar Temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style during the Pallava dynasty that ruled over the region.
The temple with its intricate design was built under the reign of the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimhar), during the period of 680 AD to 705 AD.
The temple located on the banks of Vegathy River at Pilayar Palayam is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped here as Lord Kailasanathar. The temple is referred to as the Sand Temple owing to the sandstone used in its construction.
Currently, the temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Image Attribution : Sridharan Sivakumar Ji
The Temple and its Structure
The temple consists of around 60 shrines with its prime attraction being tits innermost pathway that circles the shrine of Lord Kailasanathar. The main shrine of Lord Kailasanathar in the Shiva Lingam form has the feature of having 16 faces and is 10 feet high. The 8 Meditation Caves at the temple are found in front of the main temple with 8 shrines of Shiva Lingam installed in them.
The main temple has a blue wooden door in the front with two large-sized Lord Shiva sculptures on either side. At the feet of the sculptures are the animal lions that are the signature stamp of the Pallava dynasty. The temple tower or Shikara is as captivating as the temple itself.
The Parikrama or circumambulatory path that goes around the sanctum is very narrow and one has to crawl over the pathway and climb up steps to reach the exit. This pathway signifies the entrance of a person and his exit from Paradise symbolizing life and death.
The Nandi Mandap facing the sanctum is about 100 metres away from the temple.
Temple Timings in Kailasanathar Temple
The temple is open for worship on all days from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Temple Festivals of Kailasanathar Temple
Maha Shivarathri is celebrated with great grandeur in the temple, in the Tamil month of Maasi (February). A visit to the temple during this time is considered highly auspicious and also to experience the temple is all its glory.
How to reach Kailasanathar temple
The temple is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Kancheepuram bus stand from where one can avail buses to major cities including Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupati, Vellore etc. Kancheepuram is located just about 75 kilometres from Chennai.
Kancheepuram Railway Station (3 kilometres away), Arakonnam Railway Station (29 kilometres away) and Chennai Railway Station (around 75 kilometres away) are the nearest rail heads. Chennai International Airport (around 70 kilometres away) is the nearest airport.
Epilogue
The Kailasanathar temple with its serene holy ambience and beautiful architectural style attracts tourists from all over the country. The temple is an ultimate epitome of divinity and is hence a must visit place.
The intriguing and unique architecture is a paradise for art lovers and students of architecture. Photography enthusiasts could spend a quality time with their camera in the beautiful backdrop of the temple. Devotees in huge numbers visit this temple due to its alluring structure and religious eminence.
Kancheepuram Kamakshi Amman Temple
Kamakshi Amman temple is located in the traditional city of Kancheepuram. The temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati is an important religious worship center in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peetam in the country.
Temple Legend
Kamakshi Amman is worshipped in the temple as Parabrahma Swaroopini. The Goddess is said to have become Shantha Roopani (she was initially depicted as furious in the form of Ugra Swaroopini) after the great philosopher Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya personified the Goddess and installed Sri Chakra in the place in front of the Goddess deity.
According to the temple history, Goddess Kamakshi meditated on a Lingam made of sand for gaining Lord Shiva’s hand in marriage. Lord Shiva pleased with her devotion married Goddess Kamakshi.
Temple Architecture
The main deity inside the sanctum sanctorum is that of Kamakshi Amman in seated posture bounded by the trinity Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple occupies an area of 5 acres and has four entrances. The temple also house smaller shrines of Bangaru kamakshi, Adi Shankara and Maha Saraswathi.
The main entrance to the the temple is marked by the shrines of Mahishasura Mardhini (Goddess Durga) on the right and Kala Bhairavar (fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva) on the left. At the centre of the entrance is the huge Dwajasthamba and moving further, one can see the shrine of Lord Vinayagar.
Goddess Kamakshi Amman is surrounded by shrines of Ayyappan, Saraswathi, Annapoorani and Adi Shankaracharya on its outer prakaram. The sanctum of the Goddess is surrounded on the Gayathri Mandapam by the shrines of Varahi, Arupalakshmi Kalvarperumal, Roopalakshmi and Arthanariswarar.
The temple tank is found inside the temple. The temple premises have a gallery of Adi Shankaracharya’s life history.
Goddess Kamakshi Amman
The Goddess is in a sitting posture or the Padmanasana in the temple. The Goddess holds a lotus and parrot in her upper right arm and a sugarcane bow in her upper left arm. The Goddess also holds the divine chakras called Pesa and Angusa in her arms and a moon shaped structure in her forehead.
Temple Timings in Kamakshi Amman temple
The temple is open in the morning from 5:30 AM to 12:15 PM and in the evening from 4:00 PM to 8:15 PM. The temple is open until 9:30 PM at night on Fridays and until 10:30 PM on Pournami (full moon) day.
Pooja Details of Kamakshi Amman temple
The temple follows the below mentioned pooja timings, the timings however is subject to changes on festive days.
| Pooja Details | Pooja Details |
|---|---|
| Abhishekam (3 times in a day) | 5:30 AM, 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM |
| Sahasranama Archana (everyday) | 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Ashtotthara Archana (everyday) | 7:00 AM to 12 Noon and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Chandana Alankara (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) | 4:30 PM |
| Navavarana Pooja (on Pournami/Full Moon days every month) | After 9:30 PM |
| Swarna Ratha (on Fridays, Full Moon Days, New Moon Days, and 1st Day of Tamil months) | 7:30 PM |
Temple Festivals in Kamakshi Amman temple
The annual festival is held during the Tamil month of Masi (February-Mid), suring which the Ther (chariot) festival and Theppam (float) festival is celebrated. Other festivals observed in the temple include Aadi and Aippasi Pooram, Navarathri, Sankara Jayanthi and Vasantha Utsavam.
How to reach Kamakshi Amman temple
Kancheepuram city is well connected of the state through national highways and roads. The main bus stand is located at a distance of less than one kilometer from the temple. Kancheepuram Railway Station (3 kilometres away), Arakonnam Railway Station (29 kilometres away) and Chennai Railway Station (around 75 kilometres away) are the nearest rail heads. Chennai International Airport (68 kilometres away) is the nearest airport to the temple.
Epilogue
The spirituality of this historical temple is an experience in itself and its scenic beauty should be witnessed especially during early mornings and at night. The temple with its sculptures and bright lights at night make it an excellent site for photography.
Vedathangal Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary covering a total area of 30 hectares, located in the district of Kancheepuram. It is one of the oldest Water Bird sanctuaries in India, 48 kilometers from Kancheepuram. The sanctuary is home to numerous migratory birds.
The Sanctuary is located in the Kancheepuram District and Madurantakam Taluk in the state of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is about 75 kilometres from Chennai on National Highway (NH) 45. The nearest towns are Madurantakam and Chengalpattu.
History of Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Vedathangal in Tamil Language means ‘hamlet of the hunter’. During the early 18th century, it was a favourite hunting ground for local landlords. The local people were concerned about the winged residents who affected the productivity of their crops. They were aware of the fact that the bird droppings in the water acted as a fertilizer. Realizing the ornithological importance (relating to the study of birds), the British Government undertook steps to develop the place into a bird sanctuary in the year 1798, making it the oldest of its kind in the country. The sanctuary was established in the year 1858 by the order of the Collector of Chengalpattu.
Unique Attributes of Vedathangal Bird Sanctuary
- The Lake – The Vedanthangal Lake is situated 122 metres above sea level.The maximum depth of the lake id 5 metres. The Lake is a source of water for 250 acres of agricultural lands in the vicinity of the Lake. Water into the lake comes through four small canals.
- Bird Species – The Sanctuary attracts a large variety of species owing to the various small lakes that makes the place a conducive fertile ground for the birds.
Some of the birds that migrate from Europe to escape the frost setting in are :
garganey teals, glossy ibis, grey heron, grey pelican, open-billed stork, painted stork, snake bird, spoonbill, spot bill duck, cormorants, darter, grebes, large egret, little egrets, moorhen, night herons, paddy bird, painted stork, pintails, pond heron, sandpiper, shovellers, terns, white ibis. - The breeding waterbirds found at the Sanctuary are:
Grey Pelican, Large Cormorant, Indian Shag, Little Cormorant, Darter, Grey Heron, Large Egret, Smaller (Median) Egret, Little Egret, Night Heron, Open-billed Stork, Black-headed Ibis and Spoonbill. - Flora & Fauna – The Sanctuary also provides an incredible mix of flora and fauna. The flora that can be traced here are: Barringtonia acutangula (common names include freshwater mangrove and mango-pine, Acacia nilotica (common names include gum Arabic trees, babul, etc.) and Alangium salviflorum trees and dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests.
Apart from this, monkeys and other common mammals can be spotted. - Spot for Photography – A nature lover can seize every opportunity not just for bird watching but also to capture nature through a camera. It is the right place for photography enthusiasts to explore this scenic landscape while chasing its vast array of birds and fowl.
- Accommodation Facilities – Forest Guest House provides well-maintained rooms with catering arrangements at reasonable price. One can also opt for P.W.D. Rest House available at Karunguzhi (around 12 kilometres from Vedanthangal).
- Additional Travel Tips – Tourists can get snacks and essential refreshments outside the sanctuary. A tourist guide facility can be availed from the interpretation centre located at the entrance. Weekends are usually crowded. To enjoy the experience of bird watching, do carry a pair of binoculars, a camera and preferably a bird book too.
Vedanthangal Birds Sanctuary Timings & Fees
- The Sanctuary is open from 6 A.M. TO 6 P.M.
- The entry fee is Rs. 25 per adult and Rs. 5 per child.
- The parking charges applicable are Rs. 10, Camera Fee is Rs. 25.
Conservation
The Government of Tamil Nadu has been continuously taking measures for the protection of the area. The channel of the lake has been desilted and deepened so as to hold more water. Public Works Department has built water channels to facilitate the supply of water from neighbouring lakes.
Ideal time to visit Vedathangal Bird Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is between November to March. The landscape beauty is at its peak during this time with lush greenery and colourful birds chirping all around.
How to reach Vedathangal Bird Sanctuary
By Road, Vedathangal is easily accessible from Chennai by bus or by hiring a taxi. There are three different routes that take you to Vedanthangal from Chennai – via Vandalur, via Sriperumbudur and one via Kovalam. The route via Vandalur is the fastest and scenic too as enroute you have the option of visiting Kolavai Lake and Vandaloo Zoo. The nearest railway station is at Chengalpattu (30 kolimetres). The nearest airport is at Chennai (around 58 kilometres).
