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A Journey across India: The call to Adventure

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An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
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Meaning of Pancha bhoota sthalas pilgrimage: SHIVA & the elements of Nature

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Nature is made of five basic elements Pancha bhoota~ 

Agni 🔥 Fire

Vayu 🍃 Air

Jal 💦 Water

Prithvi Earth

Akash 🌌 Space

A combination of each of these 5 basic elements leads to the creation of a Life form or Matter. That is why SHIVA who is the Ultimate Truth Ishwara is manifested by each element. Similarly, He is the spark of pure consciousness within each of us.  

Shiva and the 5 elements of Nature
Pancha bhoota sthala pilgrimage (blog)

Satyam Shivam Sundaram ~ all things true, all things good and all that is beautiful is GOD. 

It is said that the kings of Chola dynasty, who were great worshippers of Shiva propagated deifying each element by a SHIVLING. For this reason perhaps that all 5 temples are in South India, thereby making a Pancha bhoota sthala pilgrimage achievable. 


How to do the Pancha bhoota sthala pilgrimage?

The correct sequence for doing this pilgrimage is : Prithvi (Earth) --> Jal (Water) --> Agni (Fire) --> Vayu (Air) --> Akasha (Space/ sky) 

Pancha bhoota sthalas pilgrimage tour

However, the most practical way to cover this pilgrimage is by following my itinerary. This will help you cover other important temples as well. 

Starting from Chennai follow Pilgrim's progress Route1 by visiting~ 

KANCHIPURAM for Ekambaranathar temple 

  

#1 Ekambareswarar temple at KANCHIPURAM, TAMILNADU 

 

Ekambaranathar temple, KANCHIPURAM
Ekambaranathar temple, KANCHIPURAM

Lord Shiva is called Ekambareswarar. The lingam in this temple represents the element EARTH and is made of clay. Interestingly no abhishek is done to the Prithvi lingam. There is a 3500+ years old mango tree and according to legend Kamakshi AMMAN consecrated Ekambareswarar under the mango tree.

Next continue to SRIKALAHASTI 


#2 SRIKALAHASTI temple at Chittoor, A.P. represents the element AIR

Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple in Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh has the Vayu Lingam. It represents Air. The garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum) does not have any circulating air. There is just 1 deepam hanging from the roof which continuously flickers as if it is infused with airflow. It is said that the deepam has been kept burning continuously for centuries (oil is fed ).

The interesting part is that this lingam is not touched by human hands, not even the priest touches it.

An expression of SHIVA as Vayu
An expression of SHIVA as Vayu

Then follow Pilgrim's progress Route2 by visiting TIRUVANNAMALAI


#3 Arunachaleswara Temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 

is the abode of the Agni Lingam. It represents Fire. According to legend, the now extinct volcano of Arunachala mountain was once active 🌋 and hence revered as the Agni lingam.

The Arunachaleshwara Temple is situated at the foothills of the sacred mountain. Full moon nights are most auspicious when devotees circumambulate GIRIVALAM the mountain.

Continue onward to CHIDAMBARAM 


#4 Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 

is home to the Akasha Lingam. It represents Space. There is emptiness with no lingam if seen with physical eyes. It is said one who can see SHIVA in Chidambaram can see SHIVA everywhere in the Universe. It tests the perceptual ability of an average human being.


And finally end the pilgrimage at JAMBUKESHWAR at Trichy

#5 Jambukeshwarar Temple in Thiruvanaikaval near Trichy, Tamil Nadu

 is home to the Jambu Lingam. It represents Water. 


Thanks for reading.


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