Chennai Day Tour

On the 20th December 2012, the BNP members and students were fortunate to have a city tour of Chennai. The following places were visited.

Our first stop was the Ekambareshwarar Temple situated in the northern part of Kanchipuram. This is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the largest temple in the town.

It is one of the 5 Shiva Temples representing the 5 elements, the Ekambareshwarar Temple representing the "Earth" element.

Solid Door to the Temple

Legend has it that once Parvati, the consort of Shiva was doing penance under the temple's ancient Mango tree near Vegavathi river.^[3] In order to test her devotion Shiva sent fire on her. Goddess Parvati prayed to her brother, Vishnu, for help. In order to save her, he took the Moon from Shiva's head and showed the rays which then cooled down the tree as well as Parvati. Shiva again sent the river Ganga (Ganges) to disrupt Parvati's penance. Parvati prayed to Ganga and convinced her that both of them were sisters and so should not harm her. Subsequently, Ganga did not disturb her penance and Parvati made a Shiva Linga out of sand to get united with Shiva. The God here came to be known as Ekambareswarar or "Lord of Mango Tree". 

(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekambareswarar_Temple)

The Temple was not only stunning on the outside, but on the inside too. We all were stunned by the amazing 6th Century Detail of the temple namely, the perfect spacing and precise engravings.

Dravidian Structure

Wishing Well within the Temple

Temple Nandi - Shiva's Sacred Vehicle

This temple is considered very auspicious for married couples. Legend has it , that if a married couple circles the sacred mango tree, they would be together/united forever.

Most people wish to be married at this temple and some couples come here to renew their vows, like the couple below celebrating 50 years of marriage.

While circling the temple we suddenly heard music!

Loud , Vibrant Music!

We were under the impression that a Bhajan group may be rendering a service to the temple. Much to our surprise we found the two men below playing drums. Here too we were in such awe about the acoustics of this 6th Century Temple.

If there is any form of music being played anywhere in this temple, it will echo throughout so that all worshipers can enjoy it. 

Any temple visited in India will always have the presence of cows/bulls/calf's.

This little one was not afraid of us, in fact he was waiting for us to pet him :)

A few of the BNP members at the temple.