Pancha bootha Sthalam

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The Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (பஞ்சபூத ஸ்தலங்கள்) are five sacred temples in South India dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing one of the five classical elements (Pancha Bhootas) of nature in Hindu philosophy: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space (Ether).

Earth -Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

The Lingam here is believed to be made of earth and was worshipped by Goddess Parvati herself under a sacred mango tree.

Water – Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

In this temple, there is an underground water stream beneath the sanctum, and water constantly seeps around the Shiva Lingam.

Fire – Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

The temple is associated with the deep spiritual symbolism of fire, and the hill itself (Arunachala) is considered a manifestation of Shiva. The Karthigai Deepam festival is world-famous here.

Air  – Srikalahasti Temple

The lamp inside the sanctum is said to flicker continuously even in the absence of any visible air movement, symbolizing the presence of the Vayu (air) element.

Space – Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

The Chidambara Rahasyam (“Secret of Chidambaram”) represents the concept of space or the formless nature of divinity – worshipping the invisible, unmanifest aspect of Shiva.