PANCHA BHOOTA STALAMS NEAR SANKARANKOVIL, TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

1.Pancha Bhoota Stalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Pancha indicates "five," Bhoota means "elements," and Stala means "place." 

2.The temples are located in South India, four in Tamil Nadu and one in Andhra Pradesh. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temples, with each lingam named based on the element represented

PANCHA BHOOTHA STHALAM
EARTH	PRITHVI LINGAM	KANCHIPURAM	EKAMBARESWAR
WATER	JAMBU LINGAM	THIRUVANAIKAL	JAMBUKESHWAR
FIRE	AGNI LINGAM	THIRUVANNAMALAI	ANNAMALAI
AIR	VAYU LINGAM	SRI KALAHASTHI	SRIKALAHATISWAR
SPACE	AKASA LINGAM	CHIDAMBARAM	NATARAJA

3. In Tirunelveli District, you can find Pancha Bhootha Sthalams located in and around Sankarankovil, Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu.

PANCHA BHOOTHA STHALAM NEAR  SANKARANKOVIL
EARTH	PRITHVI LINGAM	SANKARANKOVIL	SANKARANARAYANAR
WATER	JAMBU LINGAM	DHARUGAPURAM	MATHIYASTHANATHAR
FIRE	AGNI LINGAM	KARIVALAMVANDHANALLUR	PALVANNANATHAR
AIR	VAYU LINGAM	THENMALAI	THIRIPURANATHER
SPACE	AKASA LINGAM	DEVADANAN	NACHADAITHAVIRTHUARULIYANATHAR

4. According to Hinduism, life and the various species originated by the combination of planetary globes and the five manifestations of nature namely air, water, fire, land and sky. Bhoota in Sanskrit means compound and maha bhoota indicates a big compound. 

5. According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, the equilibrium of the body with the pancha bhoota is governed by the principles of tridoshas -kaph(phlegm), pitta(bile), vayu(gas), dhātu and malas(waste products).

6.Rabindranath Tagore, a nobel lauerate for literature, in his poem, Pancha bhoota, has explained the emotional faculty of the human mind is keenly sensitive to all objects of light, colour, sound, effect of speed, sun, moon and stars. 

7.These five celebrated Ishwarams or Pancha Ishwaram Temples were important landmarks of the country and had India's adoration. 

1.Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar Temple, Devadanam, Virudhunagar

Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Devadanam Village in Rajapalayam Taluk in Virudhunagar District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar/ Ammai Appan and the Mother is called as Thavam Petra Nayagi. The Temple is considered as equivalent to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Agaya Sthalam”(Sky Element).

Temple: Temple is built by Cholas. Presiding deity is called as Nachadai Thavirththu Aruliyanathar/ Ammai Appan and the Mother is called as Thavam Petra Nayagi. There is a sculpture of Tortoise at the bottom of Dwajasthambam. There are three shrines of Shiva, Kan keduththavar, Kan koduththavar and Kozhuntheeswarar. Lord Brahma can be found in meditation form in this temple.

Festival: 10 days Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, Vaikasi Visagam, Masi Magam, Navaratri, Maha Sivaratriand Skanda Shasti are celebrated here. People visit all Pancha Bhuta Sthalams during Sivaratri festival.

 Connectivity: The temple is located at about 7kms from Sivagiri; 16kms from Thenmalai;   23kms from Karivalamvandhanallur; 24kms from Dharugapuram; 34kms from Sankarankovil; 17kms from Rajapalayam; 55kms from Tenkasi; 98kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Tenkasi Route. The temple is situated 2kms from Devadanam Village.

2.Thiripuranathar Temple, Thenmalai, Tirunelveli

Thiripuranathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Thenmalai Village in Vasudevanallur Taluk in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Thiripuranathar and the Mother is called as Shivaparipoorni. The Temple is considered as equivalent to Sri Kalahasthi Temple. The Temple is famous for Sarpa Pariharam. The Temple is maintained by Sivagiri Zamin.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Vayu Sthalam” (Air Element).

Temple: The temple is west facing. The Prime deity is called as Thiripuranathar and the Mother is called as Shivaparipoorni. There is no window in the Sanctum.

Sthala Vriksham is Vilva Tree.

Festival: Paurnami Girivalam around the temple is very famous here.

Connectivity: The temple is located at about 9kms from Sivagiri; 11kms from Karivalamvandanallur; 14kms from Devathanam, 19kms from Dharugapuram; 22kms from Sankarankovil; 31kms from Rajapalayam; 55kms from Tenkasi; 86kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Tenkasi Route. Regular busses are available from Rajapalayam.

3.Palvannanathar Temple, Karivalamvandanallur, Tirunelveli

Palvannanathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Karivalamvandanallur Village in Sankarankovil Taluk in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Palvannanathar  Thirukula easar / Mugalingar and the Mother is called as Oppanaiammal. 

The Temple is considered as equivalent to Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple. 

The Temple is famous for Sukhra Parihara Sthalam. People pray here for Child boon and to remove marriage obstacles.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Agni Sthalam”(Fire Element).

Temple: The temple is east facing temple with 9 tiered Gopuram. The Prime deity is called as Palvannanathar  Thirukula easar / Mugalingar and the Mother is called as Oppanaiammal. The temple is built by Puli Devan.

Sthala Vriksham is Kala Tree; Theerthams associated with this temple is Shukra Theertham and Nadhi is Nitcheba nadhi.

Festival: Avani Thapasu similar to Sankarankovil Thapasu is celebrated here.

Connectivity: The temple is located at about 9kms from Thenmalai;  25kms from Devathanam, 19kms from Dharugapuram; 11kms from Sankarankovil; 25kms from Rajapalayam; 55kms from Tenkasi; 75kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Sankarankovil Route.

4.Mathyasthanathar Temple, Dharugapuram, Tirunelveli

Mathyasthanathar Temple is a Shiva Temple located at Dharugapuram, Village in Vasudevanallur Taluk in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Mathyasthanathar / Pinakkarutha Peruman and the Mother is called as Akilandeswari. The Temple is considered as equivalent to Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeshwarar Temple. The Temple is famous for Guru Parihara Sthalam.

This is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams around Sankarankovil. Pancha Bhuta Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, fire, air, space. Pancha indicates “Five” Bhuta means “Elements” and Sthala means “Place”. The temples are located around Sankarankovil. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temple, with each lingam named based on the element represented.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Neer Sthalam”(Water Element).

Temple: Temple is believed to be 1500 years old. The temple is being traditionally maintained by Thalaivan Kottai Zamin.

Sthala Vriksham is Mango Tree; There was a spring in the sanctum but it is permanently closed.

 Festival: People visit all Pancha Bhuta Sthalams during Sivaratri festival.

Connectivity: The temple is located at about 5kms from Vasudevanallur; 8kms from Chinthamani; 10kms from Puliangudi; 19kms from Thenmalai;  23kms from Devathanam, 20kms from Karivalamvandhanallur; 24kms from Dharugapuram; 14kms from Sankarankovil; 40kms from Rajapalayam; 38kms from Tenkasi; 79kms from Tirunelveli; The temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Tenkasi Route.

5.Sankara Narayanan Temple, Sankaran Kovil, Tirunelveli

Sankara Narayanan Temple is dedicated to God Sankara Narayanan, located at Sankaran Kovil, Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built by Pandya King Ukkira Pandyan in 11^th Century. The temple also gives the town its name. In this temple you can see an unusual sight of Shiva and Vishnu put in the same sanctum sanctorum.

Shiva lingams usually represent one particular natural element. This temple is considered to be representing one of the five elements Nilam (Land / Prithvi /Earth). In this area, the other being Karivalam Vandha Nallur (Agni / Fire), Dharukapuram (Neer / Water / Jal), Thenmalai (Vayu) and Devathanam (Sky / Akash / Sky)

The Temple is considered as equivalent to Kanchipuram Ekambareswar Temple.

Sankarankovil is the second largest town in the district.

Element: This sthalam is called as “Nilam” (Land / Prithvi /Earth Element)

Temple: The Temple is a representation of fusion of two faiths Saivism and Vaishnavism.The main deities in the temple are Sankara Lingam (Southern Portion inside the temple)  and Gomathy Amman (Northern Portion of the Temple). There is another deity in between to that of two is of Sankara Narayanar.

Festival: It is very noted for the Adi Thapasu Festival.

Prasad: Puthuman or ant hill sand is offered as Prasad to the devotees which can cure a lot of diseases.

Connectivity: Sankara Narayanan Temple is  located at Sankaran Kovil, Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Sankaran Kovil is situated in the train route from Chennai Shencottah route. Sankaran Kovil is located  at about 65kms from Tirunelveli; 20kms from Vasudevanallur; 30kms from Kadayanallur; 36kms from Rajapalayam; 44kms from Tenkasi; 40kms from Kovilpatti;110 kms from Thooththukkudi and 140kms from Madurai. Bus and Train facilities are available from Madurai. Nearest Airports are Madurai, Thooththukkudi and Thiruvananthapuram.

THE GREAT IRULAPPA SWAMY TEMPLE

The Great Irulappa Swamy

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The Great Irulappa Swamy Temple needs a separate mention. Apart from the Kula Deivam  of Ilayarasanendal rulers, he is the Kula Deivam of many cutting across various communities / castes in  Southern districts of Tamilnadu - Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli. One can find his abodes in Srivillipuththur, Elayirampannai, Krishnapaerai, Eruchanaththam, Vilampatti, Keelarajakularaman, Vagaikulam, Idaiseval, Paeraiyur, Alathoor, Koovachipatti, Melaneelithanallur, Kayaththar – these are only a few.  

He is worshipped as Kuladeivam by Tamils and Telugus of the Carnatic region, Carnatic is the region of South India lying between the Eastern Ghats  and the Coromandel Coast, in the states of  Tamil Nadu, south eastern Karnataka, north eastern Kerala and southern Andhra Pradesh. He has originated in a fierce guardian figure to defeat / kill the enemies. He is worshipped by Rulers, Zamindars – such is his power. 

Ilayarasanendal Irulappa Swamy Temple belongs to Kamma Naidu community. His temple is in South West Corner of Ilayarasanendal, so that he can lead his Kul well under the control with good decision making power. The temple is big, however with simple structure without Gopurams etc. He has Karuppa Swamy for his Kaval.

 If you have The Great Irulappa Swamy as your Kul Dev, you will be having many of his attributes: 

YOU ARE MAGNANIMOUS; 

YOU ARE A WARRIOR; 

YOU ARE A SAVIOUR OF YOUR NEAR AND DEAR; 

YOU EXCEL WHATEVER TASK YOU UNDERTAKE WITH FAME; 
YOU OUSTER THE ENEMIES;

KINGS / RULERS / SUPERIORS WANT TO BE FRIENDLY WITH YOU. 

These attributes needs to be reinstated, by visiting his temple atleast once in a year; before your marriage; before constructing a house; with your parents; with your children; with your brothers. You go with your problem, you will get a solution. Offer him Sweet Pongal. Ilayarasanendal Irulappa Swamy is believed to be a vegetarian. His padayal consists of all sorts of seasonal fruits, like Mango, Jackfruit, Bananas, guava alongwith Sweet Pongal and Tender Coconut Water. If you wish to offer "Kada virundhu" it is only to his Kaval Karuppa Swamy. Important Date - Masi Maha Shiv Ratri.

Related:    Legends of Irulappa Swami, Angala Parameswari and Karuppa Swami
See Also: OUR VILLAGE- ILAYARASANENDAL 
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