Pancha Bhoota Sthalam
Pancha Bhoota refers to the 5 fundamental elements of nature- the Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. The entire universe and all that is present there, including our own physical frames, are said to be made principally of only these elements.
Lord Shiva, the Supreme God of Dissolution, is regarded as the Presiding Deity of these elements of nature. His Sacred name Namashivaya- Na Ma Shi Va Ya, itself is said to represent these components, with the 5 syllables standing for the 5 elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, respectively.
As per legends, Shiva appeared in the form of these Pancha Bhoota, the elements at 5 holy spots where grand Shiva Temples stand today. This group of 5 Temples is together known as the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the Sacred Shiva Temples of the 5 Elements. These are the Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram representing the Earth; Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy denoting Water; Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai standing for Fire; Sri Kalahastheeswara Temple, Kalahasti symbolizing Air; and Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, signifying the Space.
Of these, Kalahasti is in Andra Pradesh state, and the rest in Tamil Nadu.
Here, let us learn about each of these Temples in brief.
Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Earth Element
Legends claim that Parvati once made a Shiva Lingam out of the sand on the banks of the Vegavathi River and worshiped him here under a mango tree when Shiva tried to test her devotion by flooding the place with river waters. But Parvati embraced the Lingam tightly to prevent any damage to it. Moved by her dedication, Shiva blessed her and took her back to his Kailash abode.
Devotees worship Ekambareswara-Shiva in this huge Temple with a massive tower and exquisite stone carvings, as a sand Lingam along with his consort Elavarkuzhali Amman. Many Shaivite saint-poets have sung in praise of the Lord here.
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy – Water Element
According to mythology, Parvati performed penance under a Jamun tree here by making a Shiva Lingam out of Cauvery River water when Shiva appeared and graced her. Another story speaks about an elephant and spider, born out of the curses they incurred, worshiping this Lingam but developing enmity subsequently, fighting with each other and dying in the process. But honoring their devotion, Shiva relieved them of their curses.
The small Jambukeswara-Shiva Lingam in this impressive Temple on the banks of Cauvery remains in the water, ever seeping from the ground, where we can worship him along with his consort Goddess Akhilandeswari.
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai- Fire Element
As per a famous legend, once Shiva stood as a vast column of fire here, whose top or bottom, Brahma and Vishnu could not find. Thus establishing himself as the Supreme Lord, Shiva, at their request, manifested as Agni Lingam. Devotees regard the Thiruvannamalai hill itself as Shiva as a Mountain of Fire.
Arunachaleswara-Shiva, in Linga form, occupies this spectacular Temple, along with his consort Unnamulai Amman. People celebrate the legendary event of Shiva appearing as a massive pillar of fire, as the grand Karthigai Deepam festival when they light a gigantic flame on top of the hill, witnessed by lakhs of devotees. This holy place is also well-known for many saints who lived and attained salvation here.
Sri Kalahastheeswara Temple, Kalahasti- Air Element
The place and deity derive their name from Sri (spider), Kala (snake), and Hasti (elephant), which have said to have worshiped Shiva here, but unfortunately got killed in a feud. However, recognizing their devotion, Shiva appeared here as Vayu Lingam and gave them salvation. This place is also famous for devotee Kannappa Nayanar, who offered even his own eyes in the service of the Lord.
The flame next to the principal deity, the Sri Kalahastheeswara Lingam, in the sanctum keeps flickering, indicating that the Lord is present here in the wind form. Devotees pray to him in this big Temple, along with his consort Gnana Prasunambika Devi.
Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (Thillai)- Space Element
According to legends, this is where Shiva performed his celebrated Ananda Tandava, the Dance of Bliss; hence he is hailed as Nataraja, the King of Dance. Mythology speaks about Shiva appearing as a handsome mendicant and quelling the ego of the arrogant sages when he performed Ananda Tandava and stayed put as Akasha Linga.
In this famous Temple known for its beautiful architecture and sculptures and revered by many saints and devotees, we can worship the dancing Nataraja as a processional deity and his consort Goddess Sivakami.
Let us also visit these holy spots, pray to the deities there and receive their grace.
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