THE FIFTH ELEMENT OF SHIVA EKAMBARESWARAR AND CHOLA STYLE BRONZEΒ STATUE
The Playful Incident of Shiva and ParvatiΒ
In the serene atmosphere of Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva was immersed in deep meditation. Parameshwara, who protects the entire world with His third eye, was absorbed in a state of intense penance. At that moment, Goddess Parvati approached with a playful spirit and, in jest, covered Shivaβs eyes with her hands.
Although this appeared to be a simple, affectionate prank, the consequences were immense. For the moment Shivaβs eyes described in the scriptures as the Sun, the Moon, and Fire were closed, the functioning of the universe came to a halt. Planets ceased their movement, the sun did not rise, and the entire world was engulfed in pitch darkness, with no distinction between day and night. Living beings were bewildered, and nature lost its rhythm.
When Ambal Understood Her MistakeΒ
Realizing within moments what she had done, Parvati sought Shivaβs forgiveness with deep remorse. She was tormented by the guilt of having disrupted the balance of the world. As atonement, Parameshwara instructed her to descend to the earthly realm and perform severe penance, meditating upon Shiva Himself.
For this penance, Ambal chose the sacred land in present-day Kanchipuram where the Ekambaranathar Temple stands today. Kanchi has long been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the South and a renowned center for education, art, and spirituality; thus, the Goddess's choice was indeed fitting.
The Sand Lingam and Ambal's PenanceΒ
In Kanchi, beneath the shade of an ancient mango tree, Goddess Parvati fashioned a Lingam out of sand with her own hands. She worshipped not any other deity, but the very sand Lingam she had fashioned with her own hands, regarding it as Lord Shiva Himself. Standing amidst the Pancha Agni (five fires) and undeterred by the scorching sun, she performed penance with an unwavering mind.
Wishing to test the depth of the Goddess's devotion, ShivaΒ presented a new challenge. He released the River Ganga. Who resides in His matted locks to flow down to earth. A massive flood of the Ganga surged towards Kanchi. Witnessing this, Ambal felt a singular fear: that the sand Lingam, crafted with such devotion, might be swept away and dissolved by the torrent.
A Divine Embrace That Led to MarriageΒ
At that moment, Ambal did not hesitate. She clasped the LingamΒ tightly with both hands, shielding it with her own body. Even as the floodwaters surrounded her, she remained motionless; scriptures describe how she held the Lingam so firmly that her body and ornaments suffered pain in the process.
Lord Shiva was deeply moved by this boundless devotion and sacrifice. He immediately quelled the Ganga's fury and appeared directly before the Goddess. In that sacred moment, beneath the mango tree, Shiva and Parvati were united in marriage. Because Ambal had embraced Him so closely, Shiva acquired the unique title "Thazhuvakkuzhaintha Nathar" meaning "He who was moved to tenderness by the embrace."
Devotees believe that a mark resembling a scarattributed to Ambal's embrace can still be seen on the surface of the sand Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum today. This is considered a unique feature of this holy site, unparalleled anywhere else.
The Story Behind the Name EkambareswararΒ
In the corridor behind the sanctum sanctorum, the ancient mango tree believed to be around 3,500 years old still stands today. It is believed that this is the sacred site where the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place.
The name "Ekambareswarar" is derived from the combination of "Ekam" (meaning 'one') and "Aamram" (meaning 'mango tree'). This tree is also known as the "Veda Mango Tree." Legend holds that it possesses four main branches representing the four Vedas, with each branch yielding fruits of a distinct taste sweet, sour, astringent, and pungent; this extraordinary natural phenomenon is considered a testament to the divine nature of the shrine.
The Earth Element in the Pancha Bhoota SthalamsΒ
In Tamil Nadu, there are five shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the forms of the five elements (Pancha Bhootas): Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.
The Fifth element of Shiva Ekambareswarar
The Fifth element of Shiva Ekambareswarar stands as the shrine representing the Earth element. A unique feature of this temple is that the Lord is worshipped not in the form of a stone or metal Lingam, but as a Lingam made of sand. Consequently, the ritual bathing (Abhishekam) customarily performed directly on the Lingam in other Shiva temples is here performed only on the Avudaiyar (the pedestal base) rather than on the LingamΒ itself; this practice, followed to prevent the sand Lingam from dissolving, appears to be a continuation of the protection Goddess Parvati once provided to it.
This shrine holds several other distinctions as well. History records that Sundaramurthy Nayanar, one of the sixty-three Nayanmars (Shaivite saints), regained his left eye at this sacred site. Furthermore, the shrine of Nilathunda Perumal. A significant Divya Desam (holy site) in the Vaishnavite tradition is located within the same temple complex; as a result, devotees from both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions visit this holy place.
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This exquisite idol is available at Idol Bronze.Β
FAQs
What is the fifth element of Shiva?
The fifth element associated with Shiva in the Panchabhoota tradition is Earth (Prithvi). Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram represents the Earth element.
What does Ekambareswarar mean?
The name Ekambareswarar is associated with Lord Shiva worshipped at the sacred Ekambara tree and the temple's ancient traditions.
Which element does Ekambareswarar represent?
Ekambareswarar represents the Earth element, known as Prithvi in Sanskrit.
What is the connection between Parvati and Ekambareswarar Temple?
According to temple tradition, Goddess Parvati performed penance and worshipped Shiva at Kanchipuram, with the sacred mango tree playing an important role in the temple's story.
Why is the Earth element important in Shaivism?
Earth represents stability, strength, support, and the physical foundation of life, making it an important symbol in the Panchabhoota tradition.
Β What are the five Panchabhoota Sthalams of Shiva?
The five temples represent Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, each expressing a different aspect of Shiva's cosmic presence.
Β What are Chola style bronze idols?
Chola style bronze idols are sculptures inspired by the classical South Indian bronze tradition known for graceful proportions, detailed ornaments, expressive features, and dynamic poses.
What is the connection between Ekambareswarar and Chola art?
Kanchipuram has a long history of South Indian temple art, and the Chola period played an important role in the development of temple architecture, sculpture, and bronze traditions.
Β Which Shiva forms are commonly made in Chola bronze style?
Popular forms include Nataraja, Somaskanda, Chandrasekhara, Dakshinamurthy, and other traditional forms of Shiva.
Can Ekambareswarar-inspired Shiva bronze idols be made?
Yes, a Shiva bronze idol can be designed in a traditional style inspired by the artistic heritage and iconography associated with South Indian temples.
Why is Kanchipuram important to Shiva devotees?
Kanchipuram is an important Shaiva pilgrimage centre and is especially significant because Ekambareswarar represents the Earth elementΒ among the Panchabhoota Sthalams.
What is the connection between temple heritage and Chola bronze art?
Both reflect the rich artistic and devotional traditions of South India, where sculpture, temple worship, craftsmanship, and religious storytelling developed together over centuries.
Why is Ekambareswarar important in the Panchabhoota tradition?
Ekambareswarar is important because the temple represents Earth (Prithvi), symbolising stability and the grounding aspect of Shiva's cosmic presence.
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