The story of Ekambaranathar and Kamakshi is about how Parvati sought to atone for her sins by performing penance under a mango tree. Shiva tested her devotion, but Parvati’s faith and love ultimately won him over.
Parvati, also known as Kamakshi, performed penance under a mango tree near the Vegavathi river. Shiva tested her devotion by sending fire and then the river Ganga. Parvati asked Vishnu to help her with the fire. Vishnu brought the moon to cool down the tree and Parvati.Parvati convinced Ganga that they were sisters and should not harm her.
Parvati created a Shiva Linga out of sand. Shiva was pleased with her devotion and appeared as Ekambaranathar, or “Lord of the Mango Tree”. Shiva is also known as Tazhuva Kuzhainthaar, which means “He who melted in Her embrace”.
