Across India, Lord Shivan is worshipped in countless forms, but in South India, His divinity is deeply connected to the very foundation of creation, the five elements of nature. These elements are represented in the five powerful syllables: Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya, symbolising Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Together, they form the fabric of all that exists, and Shiva is revered as the one who sustains and governs them.

Ancient wisdom reminds us that nothing in this universe moves without Shivan’s will not even a blade of grass swaying in the wind. Honouring this profound cosmic truth are the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, five Shivan temples in South India where each shrine represents one of the five elements. Every temple tells a story, carries a unique spiritual story, and offers a deep spiritual experience.

Let us look at these sacred spaces, one element at a time.

Earth - Ekambareshwarar Temple, Kanchipuram

In the sacred city of Kanchipuram stands the Ekambareshwarar Temple, home to the Earth element. Here, Shivan is worshipped as a sand Lingam, known as the Prithvi Lingam. The temple carries a gentle story of devotion: Goddess Parvathi once performed penance beneath a mango tree. When Shiva tested her devotion by sending the river Ganga to disturb her, she prayed earnestly, and her penance remained unbroken. She fashioned a Lingam out of sand and offered worship with pure devotion. Even today, the abhishekam is done with jasmine oil to protect the fragile Lingam.

Means : Divinity does not demand grandeur. Even a handful of sand becomes sacred when offered with a sincere heart.







Fire – Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

At the top of the Annamalai Hills lies the temple of Arunachaleswarar, representing the Fire element. Fire here symbolises divine light and the burning away of ignorance. One popular legend tells of Parvathi playfully covering Shiva’s eyes, plunging the universe into darkness for ages. When He finally revealed Himself, He appeared as an infinite column of fire atop Annamalai.

Another story describes Shiva manifesting as a vast flame when Brahma and Vishnu debated their supremacy. Unable to find its beginning or end, they surrendered before Shiva’s brilliance.

Means : Fire purifies. The light of Shivan dispels ignorance and fills life with clarity, energy, and knowledge.







Ether (Space / Akasha) – Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

The Chidambaram Temple celebrates the Ether element, the space in which everything exists. Here, Shivan is worshipped as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The legends of Chidambaram are rich and symbolic. When arrogant sages attempted to overpower Shiva with their rituals, He transformed their threats, a serpent, a tiger, an elephant into ornaments and attire, before performing the Ananda Tandava, the dance of eternal bliss.

Chidambaram is also home to the Chidambara Rahasya, a symbolic “empty space” behind a curtain, signifying the profound truth that divinity can be experienced only when the veil of ignorance is lifted.

Means : True spiritual awakening begins when one becomes empty - free of ego, attachments, and illusions.







Water – Jambukeshwarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

In Thiruvanaikaval, Lord Shivan is worshipped as the Appu Lingam, representing the Water element. A natural spring flows continuously beneath the Lingam, symbolising the constant movement of wisdom. Legend says that Parvathi, in the form of Akhilandeshwari, performed penance here by creating and worshipping a Lingam made of water. Shivan blessed her by sharing divine knowledge, a moment so sacred that, to this day, the priests dress as Parvathi during certain rituals to honour this tradition.

Means : Water represents wisdom. Just as water flows, wisdom too must move freely through the mind and heart.








Air – Kalahastheeshwara Temple, Srikalahasti

Located by the Swarnamukhi River, the Srikalahasti Temple honours the Air element through the Vayu Lingam. Inside the sanctum, a flame flickers constantly even without visible airflow, and the Lingam itself appears to move ever so subtly. This Lingam is believed to be self-manifested and is never touched by the priests. The temple’s name comes from a spider, snake, and elephant, devotees whose love for Shiva earned them a place in its sacred story.

Means : Air is life. By honouring the Air element, we acknowledge the divine presence that breathes through every living being.






This sacred journey through the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams reminds, each element teaches us something vital which are - grounding, clarity, purity, wisdom, and the breath of life itself.

Source / Image Credit : artofliving / Respectives Owners