Panchabhuta Kshetras

Panchabhuta Kshetras are a group of five temples regarded as the most sacred places for worshipping Lord Shiva. The word ‘panchabhuta’ literally means ‘five elements,’ refering to the basic elements of nature with reference to Hindu mythology. Each of these five temples enshrines a form of Lord Shiva, representing a manifestation of a particular element.

The Ekambareshwar Temple at Kanchipuram represents ‘prithvi’ (earth). The Tiruvanaikka Temple at Tiruchirappalli represents ‘jala’ (water). The Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil at Thiruvannamalai represents 'tejas'(light). The Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram represents ‘akasha’ (sky or ether). The Kalahastiswara Temple near Tirupati represents ‘vayu’ (wind).