Pancha Bootha Sthalams of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva is worshipped and venerated for a plethora of reasons all across India. In South India, however, He is idolized as the supreme lord of the five natural elements and is regarded as Bhootapati or Bhootnath.

Na Ma Shi Va Ya – The holy chant symbolize five elements (known as Bhoota in Sanskrit): Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky. Lord Shiva is the exemplar of the five elements, which comprise the fundamental building block of all things in Creation, including the human body. The Pancha Bhoota Sthalams - the five Shiva temples, each portraying one of Nature's five elements - honour this facet of Lord Shiva (as the upholder of the five elements). All of these temples are in southern India, and each one has a unique story to tell as well as a unique religious significance.

Let me take a tiny effort to take you on a fictitious tour of the five temples while you wait for the chance to visit them in person.

Pancha Bhootha Sthalams

1. Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, which represents the element of Earth (Prithvi)

2. Jambukeshwarar Temple in Thiruvanaikaval, Tamil Nadu, which represents the element of Water (Jala)

3. Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, which represents the element of Fire (Agni)

4. Kalahasti Temple in Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, which represents the element of Air (Vayu)

5. Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, which represents the element of Sky (Akasha)

On the day of Mahashivaratri, these temples will be especially crowded with devotees who come to offer prayers and perform puja to Lord Shiva. Many of the temples will conduct special pujas and rituals, and devotees may participate in all-night vigils and perform "Shiva Puja" at home.

1. Ekambareshwarar temple

Ekambareswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu's city of Kanchipuram. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the city's five major Shiva temples, also known as Pancha Bootha Sthalams (five natural element temples), with the element of Earth represented (Prithvi). The temple is one of the region's oldest Shiva temples, with a history dating back to the Pallava dynasty. The temple complex is known for its architectural splendour, with numerous shrines, mandapams, and gopurams, including a five-tiered Rajagopuram. The temple's main deity is Lord Ekambareswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, and it is regarded as one of the most important Shiva temples in South India.

The temple also has historical and cultural significance, as it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, or temples that the Nayanars have praised in the Tevaram hymns. It is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivaites, with thousands of devotees visiting each year.

2. Jambukeswarar temple

Jambukeswarar Temple, also known as Thiruvanaikaval Temple, is a Hindu temple in the city of Thiruvanaikaval, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams (five natural element temples) representing the element of earth and is dedicated to Lord Shiva (prithvi). The temple is well-known for its architectural splendour, with numerous shrines, mandapams, and gopurams, including a five-tiered Rajagopuram. The temple is located on a small island surrounded by water and is known for its one-of-a-kind water feature, the Jambu Theertham, which is thought to have medicinal properties. The temple's main deity is Lord Jambukeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, and it is regarded as one of the most important Shiva temples in South India.

The temple is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, or temples that the Nayanars have praised in the Tevaram hymns. It is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivaites, with thousands of devotees visiting each year.

3. Arunachaleswarar temple

Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is a Hindu temple in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu's city of Thiruvannamalai. It is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams (five natural element temples) representing the element of fire and is dedicated to Lord Shiva (agni). The temple is located at the foot of the Arunachala Hill, which is revered in Hinduism. The temple complex is one of the largest in India, with numerous shrines, mandapams, and gopurams, including a massive Rajagopuram, the tallest temple tower in South India. The temple's main deity is Lord Arunachaleswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, and it is regarded as one of the most important Shiva temples in South India.

The temple is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, or temples that the Nayanars have praised in the Tevaram hymns. It is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivaites and is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year, especially during the annual Karthigai Deepam festival, which involves the lighting of a massive fire-lamp on top of the hill.

4. Kalahasti temple

The Kalahasti Temple is a Hindu temple in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh's town of Kalahasti. It is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams (five natural element temples) representing the element of air and is dedicated to Lord Shiva (vayu). The temple is known for its architectural beauty and a naturally formed Sri Chakra Yantra, which is considered sacred by devotees. The temple complex features numerous shrines, mandapams, and gopurams, as well as intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple's main deity is Lord Sri Kalahasteeswara, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, and it is a popular pilgrimage destination for Shaivaites, especially during the annual Kalyanotsavam festival.

5. Thillai Nataraja temple

Thillai Nataraja Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja, Lord Shiva's dancing form, located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of South India's five holiest Shiva temples, known as Pancha Bootha Sthalams, and represents the element of space. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and is one of the country's oldest temples. The temple complex is well-known for its golden roof, which is said to symbolise cosmic space. Its sanctum sanctorum houses a statue of Lord Nataraja performing the cosmic dance of creation, preservation and destruction. It is also a popular Hindu pilgrimage site.