Pancha Bhoota Sthalams

The five basic elements in nature are - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Aakash (Space). Pancha Bhoota Sthalams refer to the five Shiva temples each of which represents the manifestation of each of the above five elements. All these temples are located in South India – 4 in Tamil Nadu and 1 in Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that above 5 elements are enshrined in the Shiva Lingas at these temples. The following chart refers to these five Stalams

Elements	Shiva Linga	Temple	Name of Consort (Devi) of Shiva	Location
Earth	Prithvi Lingam	Ekambareshwar	Kamakshi	Kanchipuram, TN
Water	Appu (Jambu) Lingam	Jambukeshwar	Akhilandeshwari	Thiruvanaikaval (near Trichi), TN
Fire	Agni Lingam	Arunachaleshwar	Unnamalai Devi	Thiruvannamalai, TN
Air	Vaayu Lingam	Srikalahasteeshwar	Jananaprasannamba	Srikalahastee, (near Tirupati), AP
Space	Aakash Lingam	Thillainataraja	Sivakami	Chidambaram, TN

Thiruvannamalai

It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing fire element (Agni). It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as column of Fire whose ends could not be gauged by Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramha. On the request of Lords Bramha and Vishnu, the column of Fire became a Hill. The Hill itself is considered as Lord Shiva. Since Shiva manifested in a column of Fire at this place, it is known as Arunachalam and hence the Lingam is known as “Agni Lingam”.

Kanchipuram

It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing Earth element (Prithvi). The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Ekambareshwar). According to Puranas, Parvati worshiped Shiva in the form of Lingam made of sand (known as Prithvi Lingam) under a mango tree. According to another Sthala Puran, Prithvi Lingam is located at Thiruvarur, TN.

Thiruvanaikaval

It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the water element (Jala).  The name of this Lingam is Jambookeshwarar. The sanctum of Jambookeshwarar has an underground water spring. Parvati was directed by Lord Shiva to do penance for her misconduct. As per his directions, she found Jamboo forest (Thiruvanaikaval) and made a Lingam of water from the river Kaveri under a white jamboo tree. This place is located near Trichi.

Srikalahastee

It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing air element (Vaayu). This place is named after 3 staunch devotees of Shiva namely the spider (Sri), the serpent (Kala) and the elephant (Hasti). Pleased by their devotion Lord Shiva gave them the boon that their names will be merged with the Vaayu Linga and it will be called as Srikalahasteeswara. There are several legends connected with the glory of this temple. This kshetra is reputed to be Raahu-Ketu kshetra where people perform rituals to get rid of Raahu-Ketu dosh and Sarpa dosh.

Chidambaram

Shiva temple at Chidambaram represents the space element (Akash). In the Shiva puran this place is referred as the place where Lord Shiva strolled into Thillaivanam (spacey of Mangrove trees). He was followed by Lord Vishnu as Mohini. The rishis who were performing Tapas in this forest were disturbed by presence of Mohini and Lord Shiva. They tried to drive away Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu by their magical rituals and failed in their attempts. Then Lord Shiva with gentle smile and a serpent around his neck performed Aanand Tandava on the body of the demon (apasmara) under his foot. Hence deity is known as Thillainatarajan.

Paadal Petra Sthalam

In previous article - Nayanmars, we mentioned about Paadal Petra Sthalam where Nayanmars sang hymns praising Lord Shiva. These are 275 Shiva temples which were revered by Nayanmars in their hymns (sacred songs). These temples are considered to be among the greatest Shiva temples in the country. They, Nayanmars, had sung the sacred hymns in these temples during 6th and 9th century. The complete list of temples can be found with their location in WikiPedia. A short summary of all these is as follows

1. Temples in North of river Kaveri – This area is known as Cholanadu. There are 63 temples in this region. The districts of Chidambaram, Sirkazi, Mayiladurai; Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Kumbhakonam, Thanjavur, Trichi
2. South of river Kaveri – This area is known as Cholanadu. There are 128 temples in this region. It includes Trichi, Thanjavur, Kumbhakonam, Mayiladurai; Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam.
3. Eezanadu – This is the current Srilanka. There are 2 temples in this region 
4. Pandya Nadu – This region is around Madurai. There are 14 temples in this region. This includes Madurai, Rameshwarm, Karaikudi, Thirunelveli, 
5. Malai Nadu (Hilly Terrain) – There is only 1 temple at Kodungkolur
6. Kongu Nadu – There are 76 temples in this region. This area also includes Erode, Karur
7. Nadu (middle region) Nadu – There are 22 temples here. They include the regions Virudachalam, Cuddlore, Panruti, Ulundurpet, Vizupuram, Thiruvanamalai
8. Tondai Nadu – There are 32 temples in this region. They include Kanchipuram, Velore, Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpet, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh), Tindivanam
9. Tulu Nadu – This is the present day Gokarna in Karnataka. The temple is known as Gokarna Mahabaleshwar. 
10. Vada (North) Nadu – This covers all area north of Tamilnadu. There are 5 temples in this region. They are at Shri Shailam (Andhra Pradesh), Badrinath, Gauri kund, Mount Kailash

Nayanmars

During the period 5th and 10th century there lived a number of saintly devotees. They were staunch devotees of Lord Shiva. They were responsible to a large extent in spreading the Shaivism in South India (especially in TamilNadu). They were 63 in numbers and together they are known as Nayanmars. They hailed from almost all walks of life. Some of them were kings, farmers and so on. Some of them were bramhacharis, grahasthis, sanyasis and so on. In them also included some females. Besides these, wives of Nayanmars were also equally devoted to Lord Shiva. Some of the Nayanmars were highly learned scholars whereas some of them had not learnt any scripture and some of them were illiterate. They excelled in their poetic skills due to the grace of Lord Shiva. They sang a number of sacred hymns but all of them were devoted to Lord Shiva in their own way. They followed their routine service, profession but had a lot of time for their devotion to Lord Shiva. They visited number of temples and sang hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. The places where they sang hymns are 275 in numbers and are known as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The volumes of Tamil Saiva hymns sung by them are known as Tirumurai. In almost all these 275 Shiva temples and some other famous temples we find the idols of these 63 Naynmars. There we also come across, along with their idols, the Tamil month and Nakshatra in which they were born. During the festivals in most of the temples the idols of Nayanmars are also taken in procession along with idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganapati and Skanda. 

The life story of all Nayanmars can be found in Periya Puranam.

The names of Nayanmars and other relevant details can be found in Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayanars

Santhana Kuravars

The Kuravars may mean Gurus. Those who were cause of spreading the Shaiva Sidhanta were called as Shaiva Gurus (Kuravars). The Shaiva philosophy was given to the world by Santhana Kuravars. It is believed that this philosophy was given by Lord Shiva himself in his Dakshinamurty form. The Santhana Kuravars were classified in 2 categories, namely –

1) Agama Santhana Kuravars – They were 4 and they were not considered as normal human beings and are believed to be residing in Mount Kailash. They are as follows

a.       Thiru (Shri) Nandidev

b.       Shri Sanatakumara

c.       Satya-gyana-darshi

d.       Sage Paranjyoti

It is believed that the Guru-Shishya parampara started from Dakshinamurty and passed on in the order stated above.

2) Pura Santhana Kuravars – The job of spreading Shaiva Sidhanta was carried forward from Sage Paranjyoti by the following 4 kuruwars. They are namely

a.       Meykandar

b.       Arul Nandi Shivam

c.       Maraigyana Sambandhar

d.       Umapathi Shivachariyar

They resided in Tamilnadu and were responsible for spreading the Shaiva Sidhanta. Their disciples carried forward the tradition and established Mathas at Thiruvadurai and Dharmapuram. These 2 Mathas are known as Kailash parampara, as the tradition starts from Lord Dakshinamurty.

The 4 great saints who carried forward the parampara in 7^th & 12^th century are known as Samayshaivakuravars. They are also known as Nalwar. They are namely –

• Thirugyana Sambandhar
• Thirunavukkarasar
• Sundara Murty Nayanar
• Manikka vachakar

During 4^th, 5^th & 6^th century Budhism and Jainism were spreading very fast in south India and many rulers got converted. During this period the religious activity almost dwindled and came to a stop. But from 7^th & 12^th century due to the great effort of these 4, Shaiva Sidhanta attained glory again and many of the rulers came back into Shaiva Sidhanta.

Thevaram (Garland of divine songs / hymns) was sung in praise of Lord Shiva. The first 3 are considered foremost among the 63 Nayanmars. The Manikka vachakar composed verses known as Thiruvasagam.

Thiruvasagam – There are 12 volumes of hymns (sacred songs) sung by the Nayanmars in praise of Lord Shiva. These were sung in 275 Shaiva Sthalams. They are collectively known as Thirumurai.

The twelve volumes of Tamil Śaiva hymns of the sixty-three Nayanars
Parts	Name	Author
1,2,3	Tirukadaikkappu	Sambandar
4,5,6	Tevaram	Tirunavukkarasar
7	Tirupaatu	Sundarar
8	Tiruvacakam and Tirukkovaiyar	Manikkavacakar
9	Tiruvisaippa and Tiruppallaandu	Various
10	Tirumandhiram	Tirumular
11	Various
12	Periya Puranam	Sekkizhar

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Sadjyot Mukha Murti

5. Sadjyot Mukha Murti

During the 19th Kalpa, that is Shwetakalpa, Lord Shiva manifested in meditation form. This manifestation is known as Sadjyot. The direction of this face is west. This face represents Lord Shiva's Power of Creation. It is considered to be the first manifestation of Lord Shiva. 

Following murtis are considered to be originated from Sadjyot murti.

(a) Lingothbhava Mukha Murti

This manifestation has been discussed in our earlier blog.
(http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/09/lingothbhavar.html)

(b) Ardhanarishwar Murti

This manifestation has been discussed in our earlier blog.
(http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/10/ardhanarishwara.html)

(c) Harihara Murti

In this form, Lord Shiva manifested before Parvati at her request. 

Here Lord Shiva manifested with right half of his body as Lord Shiva and the left half as Lord Vishnu. Hence this manifestation is known as Harihara Mukha Murti or Shankarnarayana Murti. 

The place where this manifestation took place is at Shankarnarayankovil in Tamil Nadu. 

Details of this manifestation may appear in our succeeding blogs. 

Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara#/media/File:British_Museum_Harihara.JPG
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara#/media/File:Harihara_Badami.jpg

(d) Sukhasana Murti

In this manifestation, Lord Shiva is seen sitting with his consort Parvati. 

In this murti, Lord Shiva's right hand is giving upadesh (upadesh mudra) and his left hand is around the waist of his consort Parvati.

According to Vedas and Purans, this idol represents the time when Lord Shiva gives upadesh to Parvati and he appears to be in a pleasant mood.

It is believed that worshiping this form of Lord Shiva brings peace and happiness. 

Photo Source: 1. http://collections.artsmia.org/art/5369/uma-maheshvara-india
2. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1987.218.1/

(e) Umamaheshwar MurtiI

This is the 6th manifestation of Lord Shiva. Here He is seen sitting with his consort Uma, in an embracing position.

It is believed that by worshiping this form, we attain success, peace and happiness.

This form is found in Shiva temples in southern India. 

Photo Source: http://www.simbolarium.ru/iconography/hinduism/icon/siva/chandrashekhara-murti.htm

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Vamadeva Murti

4. Vamadeva Mukha Murti

During the 20th Kalpa, known as Raktakalpa, the manifestation of Lord Shiva took place with Red complexion. This manifestation os known as Vamadeva. The direction of this face is north. This face represents Lord Shiva's Power of Preservation.


Following murtis are considered to be originated from Vamadeva murti.

(a) Kankala Murti (Gangala Murti)

This manifestation of Lord Shiva highlights him as destroyer of evil forces.

In this form, he wears bones and skulls as ornaments and dances in high spirits.

This manifestation of Lord Shiva is discussed in detail at the time of destruction of whole universe. This form of Lord Shiva is rarely worshiped. 

The idol is found at Uthrapathishwara Swami temple in Thiruchengattankudi in Tamil Nadu.

Photo Source: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankalamurti#/media/File:Kankalamurti.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankalamurti)
2.http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/44806109.jpg

(b) Chakradhara Murti

According to Shiva Purana, Sudarshan Chakra was given by Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu. The murti depicting the scene is known as Chakradhara Murti.

Lord Vishnu, who is the protector of the universe, meditated on Lord Shiva and did penance to obtain a powerful weapon. He offered 999 or 1007 lotus flower to Lord Shiva but could not find the 1000th or 1008th lotus (reader may come across different numerical numbers). Hence he offered his own eye* as the final flower. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva gave the Sudarshan Chakra to Lord Vishnu.

The literary meaning of Sudarshan (Su + Darshan) is Good-Vision which justifies the above legend. 

Vishnu’s Eligibility / Devotion & Shiva’s Reciprocation
(*Beautiful Nayan/ Eyes are known as Kamal-Nayan/ Lotus-Eyed. Pictorial representation instead of Murti.)
Photo Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/fSoEqZJ82xg/T7jILn9NLJI/AAAAAAAACbo/
1hUgfIeoczc/s1600/ShivaVishnuSudarshanChakra.jpg
(http://hindumythologybynarin.blogspot.ae/
2012/05/lord-vishnu-receives-sudarshan-chakra.html?view=magazine)

(c) Chandikeshwar Murti

This manifestation has been discussed in our earlier blog. 
(http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/08/chandikeshwara.html)

(d) Gajantika Murti

In this manifestation Lord Shiva bestowed his grace on Indra's Mount i.e. the Elephant Airawat. 

Hence in this idol, Lord Shiva is seen with the Elephant Airawat. 

Photo Source: http://indianmandirs.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-world-heritage-place-of.html

(e) Ekapada Murti

In this manifestation Lord Shiva is seen standing on one leg. 

This idol represents the manifestation of Lord Shiva in which he destroys all beings (i.e. destruction of the universe).

In this form he had Lord Brahma on one side and Lord Vishnu on the other.

This aspect is mainly found in southern India, Odisha and occasionally in Rajasthan and Nepal.

In this form, Lord Shiva is often accompanied by ascetics (sages). This emphasizes His connection to severe penance and being a universal teacher. 

Photo Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada#/media/File:Ekapada_shiva.jpg
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada#/media/File:Ekapada.JPG
3. https://aryayogi.wordpress.com/2014/03/11/ekapada-shiva-an-unusual-yogic-form/

Ekapada Shiva – An Unusual Yogic Form

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Aghoramukha Murti

3. Aghoramurti

This manifestation of Lord Shiva, i.e. Aghoramurti, took place after Peetvasa Kalpa. It is one of the five faces of Lord Shiva. This faces south direction. This face represents Lord Shiva's Power of Dissolution.

As the legend goes, there was an asura named Marutwasura who caused trouble to sages. Responding to the prayers of sages, Lord Shiva commanded his vahana i.e. Nandi to go and defeat the demons. Nandi fought with demon and defeated him and threw demon into the sea. Still alive, Marutwasura performed penance by praying Shiva and as a result obtained a sula and again started troubling sages. Again responding to prayers, Lord Shiva sent Nandi. However this time Nandi could not defeat demon and demon caused hurt to Nandi using sula. This caused anger to Lord Shiva and he opened his third eye to kill demon. Since this manifestation is out of anger of Lord Shiva, it is called Aghoramurti.

Following murtis are considered to be originated from Aghoramurti.

a) Gajasamhara Murti

The idol of this manifestation is located at a temple in Vazhvoor in Tamil Nadu, about 9 kms from Mayiladuthurai.

When Lord Shiva was wandering in Darukhvanam as a lunatic, the sages over there performed a yagna in order to annihilate Him. From the yagna rose a gigantic, monstrous and ferocious elephant. This elephant started destruction all around. All the people around there, including Parvati (who was with child Skanda) were scared. Lord Shiva killed this rogue elephant. He had manifested in a manner by which even Goddess Parvati was scared. He tore that elephant and wrapped its skin around him. Then the sages realized that the lunatic was none other than Lord Shiva Himself. This manifestation of Lord Shiva is known as Gajasamhara Murti.

   

Photo Source: https://kshetrapuranas.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/to-kill-a-rogue-elephant-vazhuvoor/

b) Veerbhadra Murti: 

(mentioned in our earlier blogs http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/09/veerabhadrar.html)

c) Dakshina Murti: 

(mentioned in our earlier blogs http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/09/dakshinamurty.html)
 

d) Kirata (Hunter) Murti:

This manifestation of Lord Shiva depicts wherein He grants Astra to Arjuna during the Mahabharata war. The idol depicting this incident is found at the Shiva Temple at Thiruverkalam near Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu.

According to Kshetra Purana, Arjuna did penance at this place to obtain the Astra. To disturb his penance, Duryodhana sent an Asura (demon) in the form of a pig. In order to test Arjuna, Lord Shiva appeared as a hunter. Hence the manifestation is known as Kirata Murti.

Both Lord Shiva and Arjuna killed the pig with an arrow and each of them started claiming the honor. It resulted in a fierce battle between them. Finally Lord Shiva lifted Arjuna with his leg and blessed him for his valor and gave the Pashupata-astra.

Photo Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiratarjuna.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kir%C4%81t%C4%81rjun%C4%ABya)

e) Neelkantha Murti:

The temple at Suruttappalli in Chithoor district of Andhra Pradesh is the place where the idol of Lord Shiva is known as Neelakantheshwara (Pallikondeshwara as it is in lying position) Murti.

In this place Lord Shiva is reclining on the lap of His consort Parvati. The Gods Ganesha, Karthikeya, Surya, Chandra, Indra and sages such as Narada are seen standing around Him. Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan to rescue the beings of the Universe. His consort Parvati stopped the poison from going down the throat by clutching His throat tightly. Due to this, Shiva’s neck became blue and He got the name Neelakantheshwara. Then Shiva proceeded to Kailash along with Parvati and others. On the way, He felt exhausted due to the effect of the poison and lied down to relax at this place that is Suruttappalli. This is depicted at the temple here.

Photo Source: http://hindumythologybynarin.blogspot.com/?view=classic