Temples of the Five Elements

Join me in January 2000 to the five temples of my pilgrimage: the Pancha Bhoota, or five elements temples. Each temple specializes in the celebration of Shiva in one of the five elements: Wind, Water, Fire, Earth, and Space (Ether).

Take a look at the map for the locations of these temples, all but one of which lies within the state of Tamil Nadu.

Vayu Stalam (Wind): Sri Kalahastiswarar temple in Sri Kalahasti near Tirupathi
Apustalam (Water): Jambukeswarar temple in Tiruvanaikka near Tiruchirappalli
Agni Stalam (Fire): Annamalaiyaar temple at Tiruvannamalai
Prithvi Stalam (Earth): Ekambranathar temple in Kanchipuram
Akasa Stalam (Space): Natarajar temple at Chidambaram

Photo courtesy of TempleNet

Thousands of temples with lofty towers dot the skyline of the entire state of Tamil Nadu The Tamils have been the greatest of temple builders. Temples from the pre Christian era as well as those from the 20th century exist in this state, where the ancient rulers have made outstanding contributions to the growth of these monuments of great artistic value." The most ancient temples were built of brick and mortar. Up to about 700 AD temples were scooped out of caves. The Pallava Kings (up to 900) were great builders of temples in stone. The Cholas (900-1250 AD) have a number of monuments to their credit. Mention must be made of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur. The Cholas added many ornate mandpams or halls to temples and constructed large gopurams - towers. The Pandya Style (Up to 1350 AD) saw the emergence of huge towers, high wall enclosures and enormous towered gateways. The Vijayanagar Style (1350 - 1560 AD) is noted for the intricacy and beauty especially for the decorated monolithic pillars. The Naik style (1600 - 1750 AD) is noted for the addition of large prakarams (circumambulatory paths) and pillared halls. Excerpted from TempleNet

 

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