Lord Shiva is an important deity in Hindu religion and he is the creator and the destroyer too. People pray Lord Shiva to appease him the utmost so that they are blessed with his blessings for imparting happiness in their lives. Some of the important Shiva temples are:
Ancient Shiva Temples of Ekambreshwar–Kanchipuram-(Earth), Arunachaleshwar–Tamilnadu (Jambukeshwar)-(fire), Tiruvanaikval (Tamilnadu)- (Water), Nataraj (Tamilnadu) Chidambram– ( Space ) and Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) – (Air)
Hindu temples are home to various sets of beliefs, faiths, values and varied modes of worship by different people. Temples are a connecting link between God and Human and Universality. Temple is basically aligned on a sacred geometrical design based on vastupurush mandala and ancient Vastu principles. East direction is considered too auspicious and sacred as sun rises on the East. An ideal temple should take into consideration the entrances, placement and various other food criteria. These guidelines to build a temple have been described on scriptures including the Mayamatam and Manasara.
Lord Shiva has five major temples built in its name and are based on Panchbhootas/tatvas i.e. Earth, Fire, Water, Fire and Space. These 5 specific Shiva temples are:
1. Ekambreshwar–Kanchipuram-(Earth),
2. Arunachaleshwar–Tamilnadu (Jambukeshwar- Thiruvannamalai)-(fire),
3. Tiruvanaikval (Tamilnadu)- (Water),
4. Nataraj (Tamilnadu) Chidambram– (Space) and
5. Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) – (Air)
According to Yogic science all Shiva temples are placed geographically aligned in an axis. It gives extraordinary power to on a suitable place. Lord Shiva is one of the members of trinity Gods of Vishnu and Brahma. Shiva is regarded as God of Gods and representation of Supreme Being. Shiva controls and 5 Panch Mahabhootas i.e. Earth, Water, Fire and Space.
Tiruvanaikval (Tamilnadu) denotes water and spring in the innermost sanctum and is a manifestation of water element. The lamps and the light of the lamp that flickers show the wind element in the Srikalajhasti temple. The Karthikai Deepam festival at Tiruvannamalai with a giant lamp is lighted atop the Annamalai hill. The self-originated lingam of sand at Kanchipuram is a mark of the deities’ association with the earth element. The formless space element at Chidambaram temple in Tamilnadu denotes an association of the Supreme Being with formlessness or nothingness.