"The Five Sacred Elemental Manifestations of Lord Siva"
According to ancient scriptures, Lord Siva manifests in five distinct elemental forms: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Sky). These five temples, located in South India, form a sacred geometric alignment and are believed to represent the very fabric of the universe.
Representing the stability and foundation of life. The Lingam here is made of sand (Prithvi Lingam). Devotees pray here for stability in life and removal of worldly obstacles.
Located near Trichy. The sanctum here has a perennial underground water stream that keeps the Lingam (Appu Lingam) constantly wet. It represents the flow of life and purity.
Our own Arunachala. Siva manifested here as a massive column of fire (Agni Stambha) to remove ego. It represents the light of wisdom that burns away ignorance.
Located in Andhra Pradesh. The lamp inside the sanctum flickers constantly even though there is no entry for air, signifying the presence of the Wind God (Vayu). It is also a Rahu-Ketu Parihara sthalam.
Representing formlessness. Here, Siva is worshipped as the Cosmic Dancer (Nataraja) and as the "Chidambara Rahasyam" (empty space), signifying that God is beyond form and attribute.