The Sri Ekambareswarar temple is a historical hindu temple located next to Parry's corner(George Town), Chennai. It was dedicated to lord Shiva and was constructed by Alanganatha Pillai. This temple borders two Jain shrines and Kandaswami temple.
This temple was constructed by Alanganatha Pillai, a dubash in the service of British East India company in 1680s. It was marked as Allingall's Pagoda. This temple was built in Dravidian architectural style containing Raja Gopuram, inner shrine(garbha griha) with lord Shiva & consort Kamakshi devi idol, Mandapam, circumambulatory path(Pradikshanam Path), sub shrines, stone carvings and temple tank in the temple.
Festivals:
Festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Tamil new year, Panguni Uthiram, Navaratri are celebrated grandly. Also special rituals on Pradosham days(13th lunar day of fortnight - Trayodashi) will be held. Special spiritual events will be held during the Tamil months of Aadi(mid-July to mid-August) and Margazhi(mid-December to mid-January).
Significance:
The temple has developed its own unique rituals and traditions with traditional music & dance during festivals. The temple dates back to the colonial era of Chennai, with origins likely in the late 17th or early 18th century.
During the British Colonial rule in Chennai, George town emerged as commercial center. It serves as a important landmark and reference point of George Town area and occasionally hosts traditional performances. It preserves the traditional Tamil culture & architecture.
How To Reach:
T.Nagar bus stand is located at a distance of around 9.8 KM from the temple. Buses like 102 K, 109, 102 P frequently passes from bus stand to George town. Broadway MTC Bus Terminus is the bus stop near the temple at a distance of 1 KM.
