Dedicated to Lord Shiva and representing element Earth, Ekambareswara Temple is the largest temple of Kanchipuram. Built at the western end of Kanchipuram by the Pallavas and later developed by the Cholas and the Vijayanagar dynasty, Ekambareswara Temple is a huge structure. As the legend goes, Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, exercised penance under a mango tree, the very site of the temple. That’s why, this temple is named after Lord of Mango Tree i.e. Ekambareswara. The Ekambareswara Temple is adorned with a 3500 year old mango tree. There are four branches in this mango tree. These four branches as specialty bear four different varieties of mangoes. These four branches refer to the four Vedas, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. Sprwaling over 23 acres of land, Eambareswara temple is known for 59 meter high ‘gopuram’, the tallest in south India. The Rajagopuram of the temple was built during the period of Krishna Dev Raya 1509. This is one of the beautiful ‘gopurams’ in Tamil Nadu. Its thousand-pillared hall is famous. The massive outer walls and the Gopuram were built by Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar, in 1509. Many festivals like Panguni Utharam, Navaratri, Avani Moolam are celebrated with religious fervor. Panguni Utharam, a 13 days long festival in March – April, is the most important cultural and religious event. Wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is organized and celebrated during this festival.