Pancha Bhoota Sthalam – The 5 Shiva Temples (Part 2)

Located at the base of Arunachala Hill in the Tiruvannamalai town of Tamil Nadu, Arunachalesvara Temple is locally known as Annamalaiyar Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Agni lingam, the fire element of the Pancha Bhoota. Lying over 25 acres, the present structure of the shrine dates back to the 9th Century, as seen from an inscription made on the structure by the Chola Rulers whose reign existed during that period.

According to Hindu Ithihas, Maa Parvati once closed the eyes of Lord Shiva playfully in a flower garden at their abode Kailash Parvat, leading to a blackout in the entire universe which was only for a moment for the gods but eventually, it brought years of darkness on earth. One more katha tells about the contest of superiority that took place between Lord Vishnu (Srushti Sanrakshak) and Lord Brahma (Srushti Racheta) which led to the formation of Jyotirlingas on earth. Lord Shiva appeared as a pillar of flame and challenged them to find the source of it. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew to the sky whereas, Lord Vishnu became the boar (3rd incarnation of Dashavatara) to search for its base. On being unsuccessful, Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat but Lord Brahma lied and said that he found the pinnacle. Shiva was enraged by this and he punished Brahma that there would be no temples on earth to worship him.

Maa Parvati is worshipped as Unnamalai Amman whose abhishekam, alankaram, naivedyam and, deepa aradhanai is done along with the deity of Arunachalesvara Swamy in the pooja performed here daily.

Often called Dakshina Kailasham and Dakshina Kashi, Sri Kalahastheeswara Swamy Temple is a temple that depicts Vayu Bhoota, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Vayu Lingam. It is situated on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi in the Chittoor town of Andhra Pradesh. This shrine is often regarded as the site where Kannappa was ready to offer both of his eyes to prevent the blood flow from the Shiva Lingam. Shiva was impressed by his devotion and stopped him from doing so and granted him moksha.

Hindu Ithihas says that during the initial phase of the creation of this universe, Vayu Deva performed penance for years and years to “Karpoora Lingam”. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and granted him three boons. Vayu Deva wished to his Swami, Lord Shiva that I want to be present everywhere in this world, I want to be an integral part of every Jiva, the manifestation of Paramatma and, the last is to name this Karpoora Lingam after me, keeping this Bhakt alive in the soul of his Swami.

Being Rahu-Ketu kshetra, the temple is famous for Rahu-Ketu pooja which is believed to free the people from the astrological effect of Rahu and Ketu. It’s the only temple in India that remains open during Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan.

Dedicated to the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva which means the ‘Lord of dance’, Thillai Nataraja Temple is also referred to as Chidambaram Nataraja Temple which depicts the Aakash Bhoota out of Pancha Bhoota. The temple architecture is of the Dravidian type built in the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest surviving temple complexes among South-Asian countries.

Situated in the city depicting “atmosphere of wisdom”, this shrine symbolizes a deep connection between the arts and spirituality by wall carvings displaying all the 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni, whose efforts led to the foundation of Indian Classical Dance form, Bharatanatyam. Mahashivratri is the major festival here which includes cultural and artistic events including the annual Natyanjali dance festival.