Pancha Bootha Sthalams( 5 Shiva Temples) to Visit
The Pancha Bootha Sthalams, also known as the Five Elements Temples, is a group of five ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing one of the five elements of nature – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.
These temples hold immense significance in Hindu mythology and spiritual practices. Let's explore the mystique and divine aura surrounding these sacred sites.
List of Pancha Bootha Lingam Temples
Following is the list of the Pancha Bootha Lingam temples:
5 Pancha Bootha Sthalams
The following Pancha Bootha Sthalams represent the five elements of nature and are revered pilgrimage sites for devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings:
1. Ekambareswarar Temple | Kanchipuram
Ekambareswarar Temple, representing the Earth element, is one of the largest temple complexes in Kanchipuram. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple boasts magnificent Dravidian architecture and is surrounded by a vast temple tank and lush greenery. Devotees flock here to seek blessings for stability, fertility, and prosperity.
- Best Time to Visit: March to April.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Kanchipuram Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple.
2. Jambukeswarar Temple | Thiruvanaikaval
Jambukeshwarar Temple, representing the Water element, is situated on an island surrounded by the River Cauvery in Thiruvanaikaval. This ancient temple is renowned for its unique architectural style and sacred water tank. Devotees visit to seek blessings for emotional well-being, purification, and harmony.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Srirangam Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Tiruchirappalli Central Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple, SriRangam Island.
3. Arunachaleswara Temple | Tiruvannamalai
Arunachaleswara Temple, representing the Fire element, is nestled at the foothills of Mount Arunachala in Thiruvannamalai. This sacred shrine radiates divine energy and attracts devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and liberation. The temple's grand architecture and serene ambiance create a mesmerising atmosphere.
- Best Time to Visit: November to December.
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Puducherry International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Thiruvannamalai Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Virupaksha Cave, Skandashramam, Ramana Ashram.
4. SriKalahasti Temple | Kalahasti
SriKalahasti Temple, representing the Air element, is situated amidst the scenic beauty of Kalahasti town. This ancient temple is famous for its magnificent gopurams and awe-inspiring architecture. Devotees visit to seek blessings for clarity of thought, intellect, and spiritual awakening.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kalahasti Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Kalahasti Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Srikalahasti Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhakta Kannappa Temple, Ubbalamadugu Falls.
5. Thillai Nataraja Temple | Chidambaram
Thillai Nataraja Temple, representing the Ether element, is located in the heart of Chidambaram town. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja, is revered for its mystical significance and divine dance form. Devotees visit to experience spiritual bliss and witness the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva.
- Best Time to Visit: December to February.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Chidambaram Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Pondicherry Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Chidambaram Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, Thillai Kali Amman Temple, Pichavaram Backwaters.
The Pancha Bootha Sthalams stand as symbols of divine energy and cosmic harmony, representing the fundamental elements of the universe. These temples offer spiritual seekers an opportunity to connect with the cosmic forces and attain inner peace and enlightenment.
Whether you seek blessings for prosperity, emotional well-being, or spiritual awakening, a pilgrimage to these sacred sites promises an enriching and transformative experience.
FAQs about Pancha Bootha Sthalams, India
Who is under the feet of Nataraja?
Under the feet of Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, is depicted Apasmara, the demon representing ignorance or illusion. Apasmara symbolises the conquest of ignorance by divine knowledge and enlightenment.
What is kalahasti pancha bootha sthalam?
The Kalahasti Pancha Bootha Sthalam refers to the Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple located in Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. This temple represents the element of Air (Vayu) among the Pancha Bootha Sthalams dedicated to Lord Shiva.
What is the significance of Pancha Bhutas?
The significance of the Pancha Bhutas lies in their representation of the fundamental forces shaping the universe. Earth symbolises stability and sustenance, water signifies purification and fluidity, fire represents transformation and energy, air embodies vitality and movement, and ether symbolises space and consciousness.
What are the 5 Pancha Boothas?
The Pancha Boothas, or the five elements, are Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akasha).
What is the sequence of Pancha Bootha Sthalam?
The sequence of Pancha Bootha Sthalams is Ekambareswarar Temple (Earth), Jambukeshwarar Temple (Water), Arunachaleswara Temple (Fire), SriKalahasti Temple (Air), Thillai Nataraja Temple (Ether).
Where are Pancha Bhoota Lingas located?
The Pancha Bhoota Lingas are located in Kanchipuram, Tiruvanaikkaval, Thiruvannamalai, Kalahasti, and Chidambaram.
Is sunlight a Pancha Bhuta?
No, sunlight is not considered one of the Pancha Bhutas. The Pancha Bhutas refers specifically to the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space).
How long is Pancha Bhuta Kriya?
Pancha Bhuta Kriya typically lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the practitioner and the specific techniques employed during the practice.
What are the colours of Panch Tatva?
The colours associated with the Panch Tatva are Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, and White.
Which temple is Lord Shiva in human form?
The temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped in human form is the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu.
What is Agni in Pancha Bhoota?
In Pancha Bhoota, Agni is the third element, which represents the element of fire and contains energy and transformation.
Who is the god of Pancha Bhoota?
Lord Shiva is considered the god of Pancha Bhoota, embodying the five elements of nature.
What is the mystery of Pancha Bootha Sthalam?
The mystery of Pancha Bootha Sthalam lies in its spiritual significance and symbolism. Each temple is uniquely associated with one of these elements, reflecting the divine connection between the physical and spiritual realms.