The five fundamental elements of nature—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether—hold the immense power of creating, preserving, and destroying the universe. Lord Shiva is revered as the embodiment of these Pancha Boothams.
In the heart of South India, a unique spiritual circuit known as the Pancha Bootha Sthalas emerges—a collection of five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, with each temple representing one of the five elements. "Pancha" signifies "five," while "Bootham" refers to the natural elements.
These sacred temples are not only places of worship but also profound manifestations of the harmony between the divine and the natural world, reflecting the eternal connection between Shiva and the cosmic elements.
1. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram (Earth)
The Ekambareswarar Temple holds immense religious importance for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the element of earth (Prithvi). Shiva is worshiped here as Ekambaranathar or Ekambareswarar, and the deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, Tevaram, written by the saint poets known as the Nayanars. This classification places the temple among the Paadal Petra Sthalams 275 temples of Lord Shiva that are considered the most sacred.
Spiritual Significance
According to the Scriptures, Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithvi Lingam (a Lingam made of sand) under a mango tree. When the nearby river Vegavati threatened to wash away the Lingam, Parvati embraced it. Touched by her devotion, Shiva appeared before her and married her. This episode is why Shiva is known as Tazhuva Kuzhainthaar ("He who melted in Her embrace").
History
Its origins date back to at least 600 CE, with mentions in Sangam literature like Manimegalai and Perumpāṇāṟṟuppaṭai around 300 BCE. Initially built by the Pallavas, it was later expanded by the Cholas and remodeled by Adi Sankara in the 10th century, alongside the Kamakshi Amman and Varadaraja Perumal Temples. During the Vijayanagar era (15th century), Krishnadevaraya built the eleven-storied southern gopuram, standing at 57 m (187 ft), one of the tallest in India.
Architecture
The Ekambareswarar Temple is a massive complex that covers over 9.3 hectares (23 acres). The Raja Gopuram (entrance tower) reaches a height of 59 m (194 ft) and is one of the tallest in South India. This grand structure was built by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar dynasty.
The bottom portion of the gateway tower houses shrines dedicated to Vinayaka and Murugan. After passing through the entrance, visitors encounter two halls: the Vahana Mandapam (vehicle hall) and the Sarabesa Mandapam (also known as the Navaratri Hall).
Temple Special:
- The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam (hall with a thousand pillars) showcasing exquisite stone carvings.
- The Sthala Vriksha (sacred mango tree) is believed to yield fruits of four different tastes from its four branches.
- Celebrations of the Panguni Uthiram festival attract thousands of devotees each year.
Temple Address: Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple, Ekambaranathar Sannathi Street, Kanchipuram - 631501.
2. Jambukeswarar Temple, Trichy (Water)
Jambukeswarar Temple, also known as Thiruvanaikaval or Jambukeswaram, is a sacred Shiva temple located in the Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu, India. This represent the five fundamental elements of nature. this ancient temple symbolizes the element of water. Its spiritual significance draws countless devotees seeking blessings from the presiding deities—Lord Shiva as Jambukeswarar and Goddess Parvati as Akilandeswari.
Spiritual Significance
Goddess Parvati’s Penance
According to legend, Goddess Parvati once jested at Lord Shiva’s austerities, prompting her to undertake penance on Earth as Akilandeswari. She crafted a lingam from the waters of the River Cauvery beneath a Venn Naaval tree and worshipped it with unwavering devotion. This lingam, known as the Appu Lingam or Water Lingam, symbolizes the temple’s association with the element of water.
The Elephant and the Spider
Another captivating tale speaks of Malyavan and Pushpadanta, two of Shiva’s attendants, cursed to take the forms of an elephant and a spider. Despite their differences, they both worshipped the lingam at Thiruvanaikaval in their own unique ways. However, their conflict over worship ultimately led to their demise. Moved by their devotion, Lord Shiva liberated them from their curses.
The temple’s name, Thiruvanaikaval, is derived from the words Thiru (holy), Aanai (elephant), and Kaa (forest), symbolizing its deep-rooted connection to these legends.
Historical and Architectural Highlights
Built approximately 1,800 years ago by Kocengannan Chola, an early ruler of the Chola dynasty, Jambukeswarar Temple showcases the architectural grandeur of its era. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams—temples praised in the sacred hymns of the Nayanars, the esteemed Saivite saints.
- Vibudi Prakara: A colossal outer wall extending over a mile, standing 25 feet high and 2 feet thick—a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Chola era.
- Concentric Enclosures: The temple boasts five concentric enclosures, with the fourth precinct housing a magnificent hall supported by 796 intricately carved pillars.
Temple Address: Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, Thiruvanaikoil, Tiruchirappalli - 620005.
3. Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar temple, Tiruvannamalai (Fire)
The Annamalaiyar Temple, also known as the Tiruvannamalai Temple, is a revered Hindu temple situated in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and holds a significant place among the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, symbolizing the element of fire (Agni).
Spiritual Significance
The Annamalaiyar Temple is steeped in rich mythology, particularly associated with the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to one of the most popular legends, Parvati playfully closed Lord Shiva's eyes while they were in a garden atop Mount Kailash. This act caused the entire universe to be engulfed in darkness for several years. Realizing the consequences, Parvati requested Shiva to restore light to the world. In response, Lord Shiva manifested as a column of fire on top of Arunachala Hill, thereby bringing back light and illumination to the universe.
The Arunachala Hill, also known as the "red mountain," is considered sacred as it is believed to embody the presence of Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam. This also speaks of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of Ardhanarishvara, symbolizing the inseparable combination of the male and female divine energies.
History and Architectural Grandeur
The current structure of the Annamalaiyar Temple was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE, with later expansions carried out by the Vijayanagara rulers of the Sangama Dynasty. The temple is a marvel of Dravidian architecture, spanning over 25 acres, and features intricately designed gopurams (gateway towers). The most notable of these is the Raja Gopuram, which stands at an impressive height of 66 meters.
The temple’s sanctum houses the deity of Lord Annamalaiyar (Shiva) and his consort, Goddess Unnamalai (Parvati). The temple complex is also home to several halls, with the Thousand-Pillared Hall being the most significant in the temple.
- Annamalaiyar Temple is renowned for its grand festivals, attracting millions of devotees worldwide. The most significant is Karthigai Deepam, celebrating Lord Shiva's manifestation as a column of fire on Arunachala Hill.
- Maha Shivaratri, a night of fasting, prayer, and vigil, is another major event.
- The temple also hosts the Adi Karthigai festival, honouring Arunachala, the fire pillar symbolizing Shiva's supreme power.
- A unique ritual, Girivalam, involves circumambulating Arunachala Hill, especially during full moon nights, for spiritual blessings and purification.
Temple Address: Annamalaiyar Temple, Pavazhakundur, Annamalai R.F., Tiruvannamalai 606601
4. Sri Kalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh (Air)
The Sri Kalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh is a revered ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly worshipped as Kalahasti. It is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the Air element (Vayu). This temple is considered the "Kailash of the South". It is famous for the Rahu-Ketu pooja, performed to alleviate the astrological effects of Rahu and Ketu.
Legends and Historical Significance
Vayu’s Penitence and Blessings:
According to legend, the wind-god Vayu worshipped the Karpoora Lingam (camphor lingam) of Lord Shiva through intense penance. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted Vayu three boons: omnipresence as air, existence in all living beings as vayus, and worship through the Vayu Lingam, which remains a focal point of devotion.
Chola Dynasty Renovations:
The temple underwent major renovations in the 11th century CE under King Rajendra Chola I, with his successor, Kulottunga Chola I constructing beautiful gopurams. Inscriptions from prominent Chola kings like Rajaditya Chola and Rajaraja Chola I are found throughout the temple.
Vijayanagar Empire Contributions:
During Krishnadevaraya’s reign in the 16th century, the temple's 120-foot main gopuram and the intricately carved, hundred-pillared hall were constructed.
Temple Architecture
The presiding deity is the Vayu Lingam, made of white stone believed to be solidified camphor. Despite camphor’s flammability, the lingam remains unharmed when surrounded by numerous lamps.
The temple features several shrines, including a rock-cut shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located 9 feet below ground. Other deities worshipped include Kasi Viswanatha, Annapurna, Surya, Sadyoganapathi, and Kartikeya. The temple complex also includes two large halls (Sadyogi Mandapa and Jalkoti Mandapa) and water tanks (Surya Pushkarani and Chandra Pushkarani).
Temple Address: Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh 517644
5. Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (Ether)
The Thillai Nataraja Temple, also known as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva. The temple has ancient origins dating back to when the town was called Thillai. This sacred site is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of Ether (Akasham).
Spiritual Significance
Chidambaram, meaning "stage of consciousness," symbolizes the union of art, spirituality, and the divine. Celebrated in Shaivism, it uniquely depicts Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, representing creation, preservation, and dissolution.
The temple's walls feature the 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni, forming the basis of Bharatanatyam. Uniquely, it is the only Shiva temple included in both the Pancha Sabha Thalam and Pancha Bhuta Thalam, enhancing its spiritual and cultural significance.
History
The current structure of the Thillai Nataraja Temple was constructed during the 10th century when Chidambaram was the capital of the Chola dynasty. The Cholas consecrated the temple and revered Nataraja as their family deity. Over time, the temple has been damaged, restored, and expanded, particularly during the 12th and 13th centuries.
Architecture
- An architectural marvel, the Thillai Nataraja Temple exemplifies the grandeur of Dravidian architecture.
- It is home to multiple shrines, with the main deity, Shiva as Nataraja, housed in the Pon Ambalam (Golden Hall).
- It is here that Nataraja is depicted performing the Ananda Tandava, the "Dance of Delight."
- Additionally, it includes several mandapas (pillared halls), such as choultry, ambalam, and sabha, which provide spaces for pilgrims to gather and reflect, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Special Events
A key annual event is the Natyanjali Dance Festival, held during Maha Shivaratri. This festival brings together dancers from across India, particularly those specializing in Bharatanatyam, to offer their performances to Lord Nataraja, blending the temple's artistic heritage with devotion.
Temple Address: Sri Thillai Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram, Cuddalore -608 001