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Ekambareswarar Temple Chennai – Shiva and Shani Temple at Sowcarpet in Chennai


Ekambareswarar Temple at Sowarpet in Chennai is dedicated to Shiva and is also an important Shani Temple. It is believed that worshipping in the temple brings relief from Shani related astrological problems. The temple is more than 1000 year old and houses numerous unique murtis (idols).

The main temple is dedicated to Shiva (Ekambareswarar) and Goddess Parvati (Kamakshi).

The main murti worshipped in the temple is a Shivling. The murti of Mother Goddess is located on the base of the Shivling. There is a Sri Chakra in front of the Goddess.

Story of Chennai Ekambareswarar Temple

Legend has it that there lived an ardent devotee of Shiva in the Sowcarpet region in Chennai. He used to visit the famous Ekambareswarar Temple at Kanchipuram on all important occasions and also on Pradosh days. But once on a Pradosham fasting day he had lot of work and his employer did not allow him to go to Kanchipuram. But still the devotee managed to reach the Kanchipuram temple.

While returning back he was dead tired and slept at place in Sowcarpet. Moved by his devotion, Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave him darshan in his sleep. They also told him that he need not go all the way to Kanchipuram again and told him that He is present in Swayambhu form in the place that he is taking rest. The devotee woke up and was surprised to see a Swayambhu Shivling in the place.

Shani Bhagvan and Ekambareswarar Temple

The temple attracts thousands of devotees during Shani Peyarachi (transit of Saturn). This is because Shani faces Mother Goddess Ambal in the temple. This is a separate shrine of Ambal. The belief is that She helps a devotee to overcome troubles associated with the bad positioning of Shani in horoscope.

Rare Murtis in the Temple

Hanuman Murti

There is a rare Hanuman murti in temple known as Shiva Anjaneyar. The belief is that 0ffering silver color silk thread – zari and Tulsi leaves garland to this Hanuman murti will help in fulfillment of dreams. Those who had good dreams can offer prayers here for its fulfillment. Those that had bad dreams can do prayers for non-fulfillment of the dream.

Ganesha and Muruga Murti

The temple houses a Ganesha Murti which has a canopy made by serpent. The back portion of the same murti is has Muruga murti with another serpent canopy. It is rare to have Ganesha and Muruga in the same murti – one facing front and another facing back.