Earth Element | Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

In the Ekambareshwarar temple, Lord Shiva is represented by a Lingam made out of sand to depict the Earth element. This is also known as Prithvi Lingam. Here, Lord Shiva is fondly worshipped as Ekambaranathar and Ekambareshwar. Ekambareshwarar means Lord of the Mango Tree and there is a legend regarding the origin of the temple.

Once upon a time, Goddess Parvathi was in deep penance under a mango tree. In order to test her devotion, Lord Shiva sent the river Ganga to disrupt her penance and test her devotion. Goddess Parvathi then prayed to Ganga not to harm her as they were sisters. Ganga then did not disturb her penance. Goddess Parvathi made a Shiva Lingam from the sand near the Mango Tree in remembrance of the Lord, and consecrated it. Even today, to prevent the sand-made Shiva Lingam from deteriorating, the Abhishekam is done with jasmine oil (as it is a low-density fluid).

Essence of the Story

One does not need special idols or sculptures to enshrine God, but just a fistful of sand with all of one’s devotion.

Water Element | Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy, Tamil Nadu

The Jambukeshwarar Temple in Trichy depicts the water element. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Appu Lingam (a water Lingam). In the shrine of the temple, a stream of water flows under the Lingam. This engulfs the Lingam with water, embodying the water element.

As the story goes, Goddess Parvathi as Akhilandeshwari found the Jambu forest to perform her penance. Here, she made a Lingam out of water and worshipped it, which is known as the Appu Lingam. Legend goes that it was then that Lord Shiva appeared to her and taught her the Shiva Gnana (the ultimate knowledge by Lord Shiva).  

As Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi share a Guru and disciple relationship here, the Shivaratri celebrations of Girija Kalyanam (wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi), which is otherwise conducted in Shiva temples is not performed in this temple, and the idols in the temple are installed opposite each other.

It is believed that the Mother Divine (Goddess Parvathi) worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, and so even today the priests of the temple dress up like a woman and offer prayers to the Lord as a symbolic depiction of Goddess Akhilandeshwari’s worship. This daily ritual is attended by many pilgrims every day.

Essence of the Story

Lord Shiva is worshipped as the highest teacher in the ancient Indian tradition. Water symbolises wisdom and the flow of water represents learning. The Jambukeshwarar temple therefore symbolises the significance of wisdom and learning in the most beautiful way.

It is said that those who offer worship at this temple will be bestowed with wisdom and intelligence.

Fire Element | Annamalai Hills, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

The Arunachaleswarar Temple depicts the Fire element bestowed by Shiva and is represented by the Agni Lingam. The Arunachaleshwarar Temple is one of the most visited and revered pilgrim centres in India.

As the story goes, once upon a time, Goddess Parvathi playfully closed the eyes of Shiva. This led to a blackout in the universe for thousands of years. Upon penance by His devotees, Shiva appeared as a column of fire on the Annamalai hill in Thiruvannamalai.

There is another story that explains the Fire element of Shiva – When Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame and challenged Them to find His source. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew up towards the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became a boar and went downwards. This scene in Hindu Mythology is called lingothbava. Brahma and Vishnu failed to find the source. While Vishnu conceded His defeat, Brahma lied that He had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on Earth in his worship.

Essence of the Story

Fire represents purity, Fire represents light, and Fire represents energy. And worshiping, chanting, and remembering the Divine brings purity into our lives, our minds, and our hearts.

The Arunachaleswarar deity is said to bless seekers with the light of knowledge, a cleansing of karmic impressions, and positive energy.

Air Element | Srikalahasti, Andra Pradesh

Located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, the Kalahastheeshwara Temple depicts the Air element. Lord Shiva is worshipped at this temple in the form of Vayu Lingam, representing the wind.

Srikalahasti is known as the Kailash of the South. Srikalahasti gets its name from Sri – a spider, Kala – a snake, and Hasti – an elephant. These creatures had pleased Shiva with their selfless devotion.

There is a lamp inside the inner sanctum that is constantly flickering despite the presence of air inside. The Vayu Lingam can be observed to move even when the priests close off the entrance to the main deity room, which does not have any windows. The Lingam is white and is considered Swayambhu, or self-manifested.

Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a Vayu Lingam when Vayu Deva—the God of Wind—prayed for a boon to be present in all living creatures across the Universe, like the Almighty himself. Lord Shiva then manifested himself as a white Lingam, which is also called Karpoora Linga. Even today, the lingam is white in colour, adding credence to the tale.

Essence of the Story

Air represents life. Without air, there is no life on this Universe. Just as we worship the Air element, we worship the Shiva Tattva present in each and every living being on this Creation.

Ether Element | Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

The Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram worships the Ether (Sky) element, the subtlest of the five elements. Lord Shiva is worshipped in His formless form in the Thillai Nataraja Temple.

The town of Chidambaram has a fascinating story that reveals a lot of rich information about Shiva. Lord Shiva was once strolling in the mangrove forests (Thillai Vanam) located at Chidambaram. The forest housed sages who believed in magic and that God can be controlled by rituals and mantras. The sages and their wives were enchanted by the beauty of Lord Shiva. On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the rishis got enraged and invoked scores of serpents. Lord Shiva lifted the serpents and donned them as ornaments on his matted locks, neck, and waist.

Further enraged, the sages invoked a fierce tiger, whose skin was used by Lord Shiva as a shawl around His waist. Then followed a fierce elephant, which was devoured and ripped to death by Lord Shiva. The Rishis finally invoked Muyalakan, who symbolizes the arrogance and ignorance in all of us. Lord Shiva crushed the demon under His feet and performed theAnanda Tandava (the dance of Eternal Bliss) and disclosed His real form. The idol of Nataraja in Chidambaram depicts the deity performing theAnanda Tandava.

Apart from Nataraja, the Chidambara Rahasya, or the greatest secret, is said to have originated from this temple. The Chidambara Rahasya depicts the priest unveiling the curtain to an empty space within the inner sanctum of the temple. This symbolises the removal of the curtain of ignorance to attain the Ultimate Bliss. The Chidambara Rahasya is hence a representative of that time when one, in total surrender, allows God to intervene and remove our ignorance, even as we get to see and experience His presence and hence experience Deep Bliss.

Essence of the story

The goal of spiritual practices is to attain Bliss. The motive of the path is to make you hollow and empty. Thillai Nataraja symbolizes the path spiritual seekers need to take to attain the ultimate divinity.

Thillai Nataraja therefore symbolizes that the ultimate motive of a seeker is to achieve emptiness.