Ekambareswarar Temple, Chennai

Ekambareswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in George Town featuring multiple ornate towers with detailed stone work. The most prominent tower, serving as the entrance gateway, rises approximately 57 meters and dominates the temple complex.

The temple was built in the 1680s by Alanganatha Pillai, a merchant connected to the British East India Company. Maps from that era labeled it as Allingall's Pagoda before it eventually became known by its current name.

Today, worshippers gather here especially during major festivals like Panguni Uthiram, filling the temple spaces with color, flowers, and devotional activity. The temple remains a living center where Hindu traditions are practiced and celebrated through daily rituals and seasonal observances.

The temple is located on Mint Street in the Sowcarpet neighborhood and is easily accessible. Note that opening hours vary by session with specific prayer times throughout the day, so planning your visit around these periods is recommended.

Inside the temple stands a five-foot sand shrine representing the god Shiva, along with four sacred trees. These features hold special meaning in Hindu tradition as representations of different creative forces of nature.