PanchTatwa or PanchMahabhoota are the basic elements of the life. They are called as Aakash (Sky), Wayu (Wind), Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire) and Jal (Water). The life is a balance of these Panchtatwas. It is said that any imbalance of these Panchtatwas in the body is directly responsible for different deceases in the body.
God Shiva is said to be a master of these tatwas or Bhootas. That’s the reason he is also called as BhootNath. Nath means Master, the head. All these tatwas are controlled by Shiva. Na | Ma | Shi | Va | Ya – these five syllables indicate the five elements (known as Bhoota in Sanskrit) – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.
Five mysterious temples are present in South India representing these tatwas. All temples are more than fifteen hundred years old and have a specific spiritual importance associated. There is a specific reason, Katha, Story behind each temple. All stories are related to Shiva and Parvati. All temples are of Shiva family that is Shiv, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartikeya. In every temple there is a Bhagwan Vishnu with goddess Laxmi. All temples are built for centuries together by the dynasties present during the period called as Pallavas, Chalukyas, Vijaynagar etc…
These temples are Huge in Size and shape spread over acres of land. The largest is spread over more than 25 acres of land. All temples are built in typical Dravidian Architecture. All four entrances on four major directions (East, West, North South) are built with huge, very high Gopurams even upto 275+ fts high, full of fine sculptures of flowers and fine designs, deities and scenes from the stories related with temple. Some Gopurams are painted nicely increasing the beauty. Simply amazing, marvelous and fascinating. I recently visited these temples. I heard about them but actual visit to these temples left me speechless. Let us have a look to these temples.
- SRIKALAHASTHEESHWARA TEMPLE, (Wayutatva, Air) in Andhra Pradesh.
The temple is located at Kalahasti town near the river called as Swarnamukhi. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Vayu lingam. The name depicts Sri – a spider, Kala – a snake, and Hasti – an elephant.
The white-colored Lingam is said to be Swayambhu means they appeared on its own. The lamp fired inside the Garbhagriha, Gabhara or the place where the Lingam is continuously flickering, even when there is no window to flow air from anywhere.
Rahu, Ketu (two of nine grahas) poojas are performed here. Temple construction stated in 5th century and continued further for many centuries.
The main Gopuram is an architectural marvel with 120 feet height and built-in 15th century by the Vijayanagar King
2. EKAMBARESHWARAR TEMPLE (Earth/Prithvi tatva) in Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu
This is one of most ancient temples in India. It is existing well before 600 AD. Known as Ekambareshwarar temple.
Here the lingum of lord Shiva is made from Sand. Thus, representing the Earth tatva. Lord shiva is also called as Ekambaranatha means lord of Mango tree. Devi Parvathi was doing tapasya here under the mango tree. A mango tree is also present here and supposed to be 3000 years old.
The temple is the tenth largest temple in India, spread over 23 acres. It has one of the tallest Gopurams (monumental ornate gateway tower) in South India, at 190 feet.
Interesting journey for the Panchatatwa Temples continues in Part 2… I will post part 2 shortly…
Continue spiritual travelling…