Panchabhoota Shiva Temples
Lord Shiva is worshipped for many reasons across India and all over the world. In South India, however, he is also called Bhoothnath and He is the presiding deity of Na|Ma|Si|Va|Ya – the five elements (known in Sanskrit as Bhoota) that make up everything in the universe, including human life. These elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. There are five Shiva temples in South India, each dedicated to one of the five elements. Each temple is distinct and has its own spiritual essence.
Kancheepuram
This is the location of the Ekambareshwarar Temple, where Lord Shiva is represented as a Lingam made of sand to correspond with the Earth element.
Thiruvanaikaval
This is where the Jambukeshwarar Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of a water Lingam ((Appu Lingam) is located. In this temple, the lingam is placed on a stream of water. This water flows over the Lingam and embodies the Water element.
Thiruvanamalai
This is where the Arunachaleswarar Temple is located. This shrine is dedicated to the Fire elements, so Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of the Agni (Fire) Lingam. This is one of the most visited Shiva temples and is also the largest Shiva temple anywhere in the world.
Srikalahasti
The Kalahastheeshwara Temple, situated on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva in the form of the Air element. A Vayu Lingam, which represents the Wind, is the deity in the shrine.
Chidambaram
This is the location of the Thillai Nataraja Temple which is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva in the form of Ether or the Sky. There is no Lingam in the shrine and Lord Shiva is formless, as is the sky.
Exploring these five destinations offers a deeply enriching experience, not only due to the chance to pay homage to Lord Shiva in his five forms, but also because these towns are steeped in the ancient history and vibrant culture of South India.
Jambudvipa Tours has a tour package that covers these five temples to offer visitors a complete Na|Ma|Si|Va|Ya experience. For those who may be unable to visit all the temples, we can create special tour packages to suit the specific needs of groups and individuals.