As per Hinduism the entire physical existence is a combination of five physical elements known as Pancha Bhootas viz. Prithvi (Earth - the solid state), Aakaash, (Space / Ether), Agni (Fire), Jal / Neer (Water i.e the liquid state) and Vaayu (Air i.e the gaseous state)
Lord Shiva is believed to manifest Himself in 5 different elements in the Lingam form. In South India there are five Shiva temples that are dedicated to Pancha Bhoota Lingams. These are known as Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. These five places are considered highly sacred for Shaivites. These temples are heavily crowded with devotees on Maha Sivaratri day.
There is one Pancha Bhoota Shivalinga temple in Andhra Pradesh while the rest of the four temples are in Tamil Nadu. Following are the five Panchabhoota Shivalinga temples in South India:
Lord Shiva is believed to manifest Himself in 5 different elements in the Lingam form. In South India there are five Shiva temples that are dedicated to Pancha Bhoota Lingams. These are known as Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. These five places are considered highly sacred for Shaivites. These temples are heavily crowded with devotees on Maha Sivaratri day.
There is one Pancha Bhoota Shivalinga temple in Andhra Pradesh while the rest of the four temples are in Tamil Nadu. Following are the five Panchabhoota Shivalinga temples in South India:
Ekamreswara Temple in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu - Prithvi Lingam
Ekamreswara / Ekambareswara temple in Kancheepuram (also known as Shiva Kanchi) is located in Tamil Nadu. Kancheepuram is at a distance of around 70 Km from Chennai. The main deity, Ekambareswara represents Earth and is in Prithvi Lingam form. The temple was rebuilt by the Pallava Kings, Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings. It dates back to 600 C.E (Current Era).
The Raja Gopuram i.e the tower of the main entrance gate is one of the tallest one in India. It has 11 storeys with beautiful sculptures.
Goddess Parvati Devi resides in Kancheepuram in the form of Kamakshi Devi which is one of the Ashtadasa (18) Shakti PeethamsJambukeswara Temple in Jambukeswaram, Tamil Nadu - Jala Lingam
Jambukeswara temple is located in Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) in Tamil Nadu. Due to the popularity of the temple, the place is also known as Jambukeswaram. Lord Shiva is known as Abhisheka Priya i.e the one who is fond of 'abhishekams'. The Jala Lingam in this temple is immersed in pool of water. In this temple Goddess Parvati Devi is worshiped as Akhilandeswari. It is said that Lord Siva meditated under the Jamun tree here, hence known as Jambukeswara.
The temple is very spacious with tall gopurams i.e towers.Arunachaleswara in Arunachalam, Tamil Nadu - Tejo (Agni) Lingam
As per the mention in the legends, Lord Siva has evolved in the form of Agni Lingam on Mahasivaratri night. Arunachalam also known as Tiruannamalai gained popularity as Siva Lingam in this temple is in the form of Agni. As per sthala puranam i.e legend of the place, it is said that to settle the dispute between Lord Vishnu and Brahma, Siva took the form of Tejo Lingam at this place. Parvati Devi is worshiped in the named of Apeetakuchalamba Devi in this temple. It is a large temple complex.
Kartika Masam is specially celebrated in this temple with specially lit Kartika Deepam. The temple is heavily crowded with devotees to see the oil lit lamp. Many devotees do giri pradakshina i.e going round the sacred hill.Sri Kalahastiswara in Srikalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh - Vayu Lingam
Pilgrims from Tirumala, compulsorily visit this place as it is believed that visiting the temple is equivalent to visiting Kailash - the abode of Lord Siva.
The temple gained popularity for Rahu-Ketu pooja specially performed to get rid of doshas. This is the only temple in India that remains open even during Grahan / eclipse time.Nataraj temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu - Akasa Lingam
In this temple, Parvati Devi is worshiped as Sivakama Sundari. The temple architecture here is awesome.
These five famous Siva temples together make the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam temple. A visit to these temples makes one spiritually elevated.