Significance: This temple has high rising gopurams dominates the skyline. Kanchipuram is considered is among the seven prime pilgrimage centers in India. Shiva is the presiding deity and is worshipped as Prithvi Lingam, symbolizing earth - one of the five primordial elements. This temple was built around 600 AD and there is no separate shrine for Parvati here.

Antiquity: The second century Tamil poetry talks about Kamakottam, and the Kumarakottam (now known as Kamakashi Amman temple and the Subramanya temple). The existing structure was pulled down and rebuilt by the Pallava Kings. The Cholas later added to the temple.

Architecture: The temple covers an area of 40 acres. The Raja Gopuram or the entrance tower is 172 feet high and was built by Krishnadevaraya. He also built the pillared hall in front of the sanctum.

Deities: The presiding deity is Ekambareswarar or Shiva, worshipped as the Prithvi Lingam. A Somaskanda panel features Shiva, Parvati and Skanda on the rear of the main shrine.

Legend: It is believed that Parvati, worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithvi lingam, or a lingam improvised out of sand, under a mango tree. Legend states that the Vegavati River overflowed and threatened to engulf the lingam when Parvati or Kamakshi, embraced the lingam, and Shiva, touched by the gesture materialized in person and married her. So Shiva is referred to as Tazhuvakkuzhainthaar in Tamil. There is no separate shrine for Ambal or the Goddess in the temple for she is worshipped with Shiva. There is another shrine of Shiva and Kamakshi under the Stala Vruksham or the Temple tree - mango tree said to be 3500 years old. The mango tree is said to be the embodiment of the four Vedas and the tree bears fruits of four different tastes.

Festivals: The Panguni festival lasts for 13 days and during this festival the wedding of the deity is celebrated.