The Lingam Never Bathed in Water: The God Held Captive in the Goddess's Embrace

The Complete History of Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

THE MISTAKE IN KAILASH

Once on Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva was deep in meditation. Goddess Parvati came from behind and playfully covered his eyes with both her hands. Shiva's eyes are the sun and the moon — the moment they were covered, darkness fell over all creation. All living beings were filled with terror and panic. Shiva immediately opened his third eye to restore light to the world.

However, he told Parvati: "Even though it was in play, this caused harm to the world. To atone for this sin, you must go to Earth and perform severe penance."

THE SAND LINGAM — PARVATI'S PENANCE

Following Shiva's command, Goddess Parvati arrived in Kanchipuram on Earth. On the banks of the river Vegavathi (Kampa river) flowing there, she began penance under a great mango tree. To worship, she took sand/mud from the river bank and fashioned a Shiva Lingam with her own hands. Since it was made of Prithvi (Earth — one of the five elements), it became the "Prithvi Lingam." She installed that Lingam and stood amidst the Five Fires (Pancha Agni) meditating upon Shiva.

THE GREAT FLOOD — SHIVA'S TEST

To reveal Parvati's devotion to the world, Shiva performed a divine act. He suddenly created a terrible flood in the Vegavathi river. The floodwaters rushed rapidly toward the sand Lingam that Parvati had made.

GOD HELD CAPTIVE IN THE EMBRACE (Thazhuvakuzhaindaar)

Parvati was terrified the sand Lingam would dissolve in the flood. Willing even to sacrifice her own life to protect it, she immediately clasped the Lingam tightly to her heart in a firm embrace. Overwhelmed by her immense love and devotion, Lord Shiva himself became permanently established within that sand Lingam.

Because she held him so tightly, her bangles and the marks from her bosom were permanently imprinted on the sand Lingam. Even today, when devotees view the Lingam, those marks are clearly visible on the back. That is why the deity here is called in Tamil "Thazhuvakuzhaindaar" (The God who melted in the embrace).

Lord Shiva then manifested from that Lingam and married Goddess Parvati.

THE 3,500-YEAR-OLD MANGO TREE

In one of the temple's enclosures stands a mango tree (Sthala Vriksha) believed to be approximately 3,500 years old.

• Four Vedas: The four main branches of this tree are symbolic of the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharvana Veda). • Four Tastes: The mangoes from this single tree bear four different tastes (sweet, sour, astringent, bitter). This is an unexplained wonder of nature. • Devotees believe that childless couples who receive the fruit of this tree as prasadam will be blessed with children.