Na | Ma | Shi | Va | Ya – Pancha Bhoota Sthalams – Pancha Bhoota Lingas
The five syllables “Na Ma Shi Va Ya” symbolize the quintet of elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether—referred to as Pancha Bhoota in Sanskrit. These fundamental constituents form the basis of all that exists within the Universe, encompassing the human form. It is Lord Shiva who reigns supreme over these elemental forces.
The term “Pancha Bhuta Sthalam” denotes a group of five sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, with each temple symbolizing one of the primary elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These elements are considered the fundamental components of the natural world.
The Pancha Bhuta Sthalams consist of a quintet of temples in the southern region of India, each a homage to Lord Shiva and symbolizing the fundamental elements of the cosmos:
- Ekambareswarar Temple –Bhumi Lingam in Kanchipuram: Embodies the element of earth and stands as one of India’s most ancient sanctuaries, with origins tracing back to at least 600 AD.
- Thiruvanaikovil Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple – Varuna Lingam (Jambu Lingam) in Thiruvanaikaval: Signifies the element of water.
- Thiruvannamalai Temple – Agni Lingam (Jyothi Lingam) in Thiruvannamalai: Represents the element of fire and is situated at the foothills of Mount Arunachala.
- Srikalahasti Temple – Vayu Lingam in Srikalahasti: Denotes the element of air – and is revered as the sole temple dedicated to the deity of Vayu, the wind god.
- Chidambaram Temple – Indra Lingam (Akasha Lingam) – Symbolizes the element of space.
Enclosed are the directions from Google Maps for reference – https://maps.app.goo.gl/eQiBeW8PgsqLzpUE6
Aum namah shivaya shivaya namah aum!
Aum namah shivaya shivaya namah aum!
