Pancha Bhuta Sthalams 5 Shiva Temples representing elements of Nature

Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and sky. 

Pancha Bhuta Temples:

The temples are located in South India, four in Tamil Nadu and one in Andhra Pradesh. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temples, with each lingam named on the element represented. Among the Panchabhoota Sthalams: Jambukeswarar denotes Water, Arunachaleswarar denotes Fire, Kalahasthi denotes Wind, Kanchi Ekambareswar denotes Land and Chidambaram denotes the Sky.

1. Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikal

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval is located in Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) district, in the state of Tamil Nadu.  Jambukeswar temple represents the element of water. In  Jambukeswarar Temple, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested himself in the form of water Varuna Lingam (Jambu Lingam) or Appu Lingam. The sanctum of Jambukeswara has an underground stream. 

2. Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 

Arunachalesvara Temple also known as Annamalaiyar Temple is located at the base of Arunachala hill in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. In Arunachaleswarar Temple Lord Shiva is worshipped as Arunachalesvara or Annamalaiyar, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Agni lingam. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Arunachala hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly. 

3. Kalahastheeswarar Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, in Tirupati district in the state of Andhra Pradesh.  According to Hindu beliefs it the place where Kannappa was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Siva stopped him and granted him moksha.Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kailasam.

Srikalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh

4. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

In Ekambareswarar Temple, Lord Shiva is worshiped as Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar or Rajlingeswaram  and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Prithvi lingam. It is the temple with tallest temple tower and is one of the largest temple in India . The tallest is the southern tower, has a height of 58.5216 metres. The temple is known for its "The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the "hallway with a thousand pillars" which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings. 

5. Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Thillai Nataraja Temple, popularly known as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. In Chidambaram Lord Shiva is manifested as  Nataraja, the form of Shiva as the lord of dance. Among the Pancha Bootha temples, Chidambaram denotes the Sky.