11/22/2018 5 Shiva Shrines Leading to Mastery of the Elements - Yogini Ashram

YOGINI ASHRAM
H o m e O f K r i y a Ta n t r a Yo g a
(https://www.yoginiashram.com/)

5 SHIVA SHRINES LEADING TO MASTERY OF

THE ELEMENTS
 N o v e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 ( H t t p s : // W w w .Yo g i n i a s h r a m . C o m / 5 - S h i v a - S h r i n e s - L e a d i n g -To -
M a s t e r y - O f -T h e - E l e m e n t s / )  Yo g i n i A s h r a m H o m e O f K r i y a Ta n t r a Yo g a
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( H t t p s : // W w w .Yo g i n i a s h r a m . C o m /A u t h o r / Yo g i n i a s h r a m / ) 

Pancha Bhoota Sthalam

By Swami Ayyappa Giri, Acharya, Yogini Ashram, Norwalk Ca.

Article Published on New Moon 11 November 2015

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Yogi Shiva is the quintessential Master of the

elements.

“The peerless Lord of the Siddhas, Maha Yogi Shiva, is rightly venerated as the quintessential master of the elemental
energies. His five colossal Bhoota temples, though impressive, do not easily reveal their omnipotence as portals to other
realms except to those who fully commit to the dharma. Sadhana, surrender and cultivation of unconditional love will
reveal his elemental mysteries and lay the path before us. Each of these temples is an eternal monument to the element for
which it was created. Spiritual aspirants who seek purification and absorption into the transcendent bliss of samadhi will
discover the priceless gi that these temples hide their greatness in clear view.”

This is the story of five colossal Shiva temples, long acknowledged as vortex gateways into the great cosmic principle of
oneness. This principle of Brahma consciousness has been expounded by sages, both ancient and modern. Each of these
temples is a power center, or peetam which is saturated in the vibrations of that oneness. Each is particularly aligned with
one of the five primary elements.(pancha bhoota) These temples exhude a dominant energy, majestic beauty, and
magnificent symbolism which is eclipsed only by their mystical capacity for inner transformation.

The tantric text, Shiva Swarodaya, maintains that “Creation takes place out of five elements and it ultimately dissolves in the
same elements…The five elements are the supreme power of manifestation, and the Brahman oneness alone is beyond the
elements…One who knows the five-elemental universe made up of water, fire, wind, earth and either, is both respected and
honored as a Sage wherever he may go.”

The sacred yet practical Mantra-mahodadhi text describes an important preliminary practice to the worship of any Divine
entity (devata). It is a method powerfully e ective in the process of purification of these elements within ones own body.
Performing these purification practices at the great Shiva shrines has brought long sought inner awareness for generations
of Yogis and Tantrics.

 Bhoota Shuddi

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These elements, also known as “bhootas” or “tattvas”, are not

those discussed in a chemistry class. They are, rather, electro-
magnetic principles, each one carrying their own unique
vibration and qualities. They are fundamental electrical energies
of nature and are the primary forces underlying creation. Thus,
they are present within mankind as well as every celestial
system, and it is these electro-magnetic principles which are
uniquely manifested in the chakras of the subtle body
(pranamaya kosham), increasingly well known in yoga circles. As
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actions which prevent us from understanding and being
The Kriya Yogi attains mastery when the
absorbed into our true Divine nature. These bhootas are purified
Elements are fully harmonized,  purified, and
by an ancient mental process of involution whereby these
thus, controlled.
electrical impulses, using mantra, meditation, and breath, are
incrementally dissolved into the source from whence they have
come. In the practice, the earth element is mentally associated
with the sense of smell.    Water is visualized in its association with taste. The fire elements are reflected upon with its
natural link to sight, air is associated with touch, and ether with sound.

In this purification process, the primal energy at the base of the spine

(kundalini devi) is led from the root, (muladhara), to the energetic sex center (svadhisthana). Here, the earth element,
which has ascended from below through the power of will, breath and mantra, is amalgamated with the water element,
and mentally formed into a sphere. The ancients understood the power of both visualization and breath, and its capacity to
manipulate the manifested universe. Yogis too, intuitively understand this as they progress in their meditations. As this
earth-water combination is risen further, this sphere is burnt to ashes as it rises into the fire above it. The ashes are then
dissipated through the wind or air element at the heart region (anahata) where it is taken up into the etheral-void at the
throat center (visuddhi). This progressive absorption continues until the source of self is reached. The yogi or tantric will, in
turn, dissolve each of the gross elements (maha-bhootas), together with the subtle elements (tanmatra) from which they
emerged.

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In addition, the connected organs of the senses (jnana indriyas) are progressively
absorbed, followed by integration with the last element, “ether”. Then, this is in
turn absorbed into the tanmatra sound and further into self-hood (ahangkara). The
latter is then merged into the great Self (jhiva or mahat), and that, again, into nature
itself (prakriti), the collective primal matter, cosmic energy and material cause of
the universe. In this way, like reverse engineering, the incarnated atman retraces
the steps of soul evolution back to its cosmic source. Because of my Guru, I have
always been in awe of the Siddhas who brought this process into existence, and I
include training of Bhoota Shuddi whenever I conduct a Bhairavi Kriya initiation
because it is both traditional and transformative.

Sri John Woodro e, in his translation of the monumental text, Shakti and Shakta,
states that “In accordance with the monistic teaching of the vedanta, Prakriti is
herself thought of as the Brahman, of which she is the energy, and with which,
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therefore, she is already one. Thinking then of the black Papa Purusha which is the
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image of all sin, the body is purified by mantra, accompanied by breath retention
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(kumbhaka) and exhalation (rechaka), as the tantric practitioner (sadhaka) Chakras.jpg)
meditates upon the new celestial body (devata), which has thus been made and
which is then strengthened by a “celestial gaze” from the third eye. Bhoota Shuddi or Cleansing the
Elements, is a very ancient and
mystical process, very precisely
Bhoota Shuddi describes the five forms in which the primal material of the cosmos
defined in the classical literature
are present in the self and provides a mechanism for their transformation into
of yoga and tantra.
higher consciousness, free finally of the dross of past karma and the influence of the
ever present illusion (maya) that leads the soul to imagine that it is something other
than the oneness of Godhead.

When the Elements Are Purified

The transformative energy, Kundalini Devi, resides at the base of the spine in the astral body, ordinarily asleep, but with a
potential for near violent arousal when awake. In Kriya Tantra Yoga she is aroused in a controlled way and brought up
through the five centers noted, absorbing, as she passes through each, the bhoota of that center, the subtle tanmatra from

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which it derives, as well as its connected organ of sense (indriya). Having absorbed all these, she is led to the sixth center
(ajña) of the mind (manas) centered between the eyebrows. The intellect

(buddhi) and ego (aham) are absorbed in the cosmic Prakriti. At the last stage,
still in the form of kundalini shakti, she then unites with Shiva, the
representative godhead in the high center, called the thousand-petal lotus
(sahasrara). The actual process, Kriya, is one which should be learned from a
qualified teacher (adhikariguru),

Over many centuries, these techniques have led to miraculous powers (siddhis).
Since the ultimate reality is Atman alone, the siddha displaying a “miracle” is
just as much illusion as the individual who is observing the siddhi “miracle”.
Therefore, even though these powers are a natural outcrop of spiritual
expansion, the soul that is seeking realization of the self should avoid becoming
enmeshed in the desire for such power.

The great sage, Ramana Maharishi, explained that “The occult powers (siddhis)
are only in the mind (and do not reside in the inmost Self). They are not natural (https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp-
to the Self. That which is not natural, but acquired, cannot be permanent, and content/uploads/2015/11/Arthanesh
wara-Amazing.jpg)
thus is not worth striving for.”
Shiva & Shakti unite above the Ajna
Siddhis, then, are not the goal, but purity brought about through yogic practice Chakra, where oneness reigns
(sadhana) is the right royal pathway to the Self-knowledge. These five great supreme.
Shiva temples which we have referred to are literally portals to a deeper reality
of understanding of the true nature of the bhootas and the inner world. The
chanting of mantras, use of mudras, Kriya Kundalini Pranayam, Bhairavi Breath of Ecstasy, Urdvamnaya, yantra vidya, and
Bhoota Shuddi are particularly auspicious when performed in the high vibration of these temples and will inevitably lead
to access of the higher centers and knowledge.

 The Great Element Shiva Temples

These five massive temples in Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu which, although long sacred to yogis and tantrics, are vastly
under-appreciated by the wider world as premier destinations of pilgrimage and transformation.
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Pancha means five, a number holy to all Shiva devotees, as the great Mahadev is frequently aligned with that number.
There are five syllables in his primary mantra, there are five faces to his sacred rudraksha seed, and he is o en represented
as a five pointed star, such as in the Shiva Mrityunjaya yantra. Bhuta is usually translated, however poorly, as element.
Stala  means place. These then, are the five great vortexes where energy doorways which exist for the optimal
transformation of the elements, using techniques which include Bhuta Shuddi, Kundalini Chakra Kriyas, Puja, and other
techniques. The value of these great and ancient places for purposes of purification simply cannot be overstated.
Pilgrimage to sacred places transforms the locomotion tattva (padatattva) and has been understood by people throughout
the world as a means of purification and growth. In ancient days, sadhus walked to these temples on foot and the massive
e ort made and resultant exhaustion le the pilgrim filled with humility, and ready to receive the descent of grace. The
rains of grace do not collect on the barren mountaintops of pride but in the lush valleys of humility.

The information that follows provides a simple introduction to the five sacred Element Shiva Temples, which are vortex
temples, the very asana or seat where the environment exists to transform the elements within.

 Though each temple bears a di erent name, form, and set of qualities, they are all aspects of a one Supreme Being, Maha
Shiva and while each has uniqueness, the essence of all are the same. Meditation with the five elements is significantly
enhanced with the use of the bhuta mudras and specific bhuta mantras, given below. The bijas, or seed sounds, of these
five bhutas, create alignment within us to the presiding intelligences of the elements. The elements with relation to their
chakra and temple are as follows.

Element Mantras and Mudras in Sadhana

No one knows when the element mantras came into use. The sixth chapter of Jabala Darsana Upanishad, usually ascribed
to the period around 100 bc, identifies the importance of using the five element mantras. They receive maximum force, it
states, while meditating on the elements themselves. It recommends that Brahma be propitiated for the muladhara-earth
mantra, Vishnu during the svatisthana-water mantra, and the Rudra form of Shiva during the manipura-fire mantra. The
Shiva aspect, Iswara is propitiated during the anahata-air mantra and Sada-Shiva is propitiated for the Vishuddhi element
mantra.

Bhuta  Chakra           Bija

Earth   Muladhara     Lam

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Water  Svatisthana  Vam

Fire      Manipura      Ram

Air        Anahata        Yam

Either   Visuddhi       Ham

Mud means to please.  Mudras are mystic symbols that please the Divine.  The mudras described in the following pages will
certainly please the great Yogi Shiva, as they are specifically related to mastery of the elements.   They may be used in
Sadhana to help purify the elemental energies. They are highly e ective, to be included, especially in Shiva puja, bringing
in Shiva consciousness to various degrees. All five can be practiced in silence during meditation. The focused practice
results in experiences of deeper stillness and enhances the power of the Thokar and other Kriyas. That resultant stillness is
the foundation for the divine qualities of light, love, power and consciousness which will follow it. May we never
underestimate the capacity to be transformed by the ancient wisdom of Kriya Tantra Yoga.

Earth Element

Ekambareswarar Temple

Located in the city of Kanchipuram, this Shiva Temple helps the sadhak purify the earth current. Here, Goddess Parvati is
worshiped as Kamakshi Devi. There is a mango tree inside the temple, thought to be 3500 years old. The temple was
renovated during the reign of Krishna Devaraya (1509-1529). Ritual bathing of the Shiva lingam (abeshek) is not performed
to avoid erosion due to its sandy composition. The main form of worship is flowers (pushpa). The temple gateway tower
(gopuram) rises to 59 meters (194 ). There are 1008 Shiva lingams within this temple. Here, the energy of the earth
element helps one harmonize the energies of the root chakra. Thus the mantra Lam is appropriate for the divinization of
the element.

This is an excellent location to address Issues of insecurity and psychological challenges, such as how grounded a person
might be. Sadhana here helps with issues relating to the sense organs, physical discomfort and fears for lack of shelter.
They can be resolved at this temple through sadhana and particularly sadhana around this element. However, acute

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psychological issues should be addressed professionally. The mudra

and mantra for the earth element can transform the muladhara
chakra. The earth element has a link to the specific throat and head
prana, referred to as Udana and is an important factor in regeneration.
It is said that complete mastery of the earth tattva results in the siddhis
of levitation, freedom from disease, and creation of astral smells.

Salutations to the Lord of

the Earth

Mudra – Thumb tip

touches tip of ring finger

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Water Element
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the earth element.
It is said that Parvati Sri Ekambareshwarar Shiva Earth Temple.
criticized Shiva’s sacrifices  Sadhana Shevam !!!
for the benefit of
humanity. As a soul lesson, Shiva sent her from Deva Loka to the
human sphere to do intensive yogic sadhana (tapas) in Trichy. Arriving by the shores of the Cauvery river, Parvati found a
natural forest of Jambu trees. With her siddhis, she manifested a lingam out of water from the Cauvery river. She
performed her sadhana under one of these trees. A er many tests, Shiva gave her darshan and taught her the cosmic
wisdom (siva jnana). Parvati received initiation (diksha) facing east and was bestowed the name of Akil Andeswari. The
lingam was fashioned by Parvati and is perpetually moist, a fact daily demonstrated by any cloth which is o ered returning
wet. Just opposite the Shiva temple is the Shakti temple dedicated to Parvati in the form of Akil Andeswari.   At this temple,
there is no “marriage” as with many Shiva temples. That is due to the fact that this relationship was one of guru and chela.

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This Shiva temple in the southern city of Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy was built by
King Kochenga Chola around 200 ad. It is quite possible that a temple or a
Shiva Linga may have been at the spot of the inner sanctum for centuries, as
many temples are built over preexisting lingams or jungle temples.

This temple has a

fresh water
spring under the
central most
sacred alter room
(garbha griha).
When I visited the
temple on many
occasions, the
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content/uploads/2015/11/Swami-
were happy to
Ayyappa-at-the-Trichy-Water-
show me the
Temple.jpg)
water pulsating
This amazing water temple at Trichy under the
o ers a dynamic spiritual doorway to
sanctum. Here,
Yogis and Tantrics of all stripes.
the great monist,
Adi Shankara, did
tapas. The Sri
Jambukeshwara

(https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp- Temple has five

content/uploads/2015/11/Swami-Ayyappa-at-Trichy- massive
Water-Temple-on-a-recent-pilgrimage.jpg) concentric walls,
one within the
Obtaining flowers for puja at Trichy Water Shiva
other, and seven
Temple.
great towers
(gopurams). It is
built around a

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Siva lingam which is itself partially submerged in water. According to an ancient legend, there was once a forest of water
apple growing around the site. These water apples (jambu), are known botanically as Syzygium samarangense. Nearby was
a tank which was filled with water from the Cauvery river. Due to the Jambu trees, the lingam under the trees came to be
called the Jambu Lingam. It is said that due to karma generated in a previous life, two of Shiva’s attendants, Pushpadanta
and Malyava, were born in the forest as a white elephant and a spider, respectively. The spider had a natural sense of the
lingam and sought to protect it from leaves by spinning out a web over it to prevent it being covered. The elephant sought
to keep the lingam clean and did so using the water next to the lingam. The spider’s web was seen by the elephant as part
of the dirt and so he destroyed the web. This led to a clash with the spider, whose poison sting ultimately killed the
elephant, but not before the elephant crushed the spider. Due to their service to the Dharma, Lord Shiva granted human
birth to both. The regional king, Ko Chenkannan, was said to be an incarnation of the spider. The king built the present
temple of Jambukeshwara. The story reveals how our past actions entangle us in later events. While good actions are o en
their own reward, the best result occurs when actions are in accordance with Dharma.

The Shiva water temple has five prakarams, or courtyard enclosures, encompassing the central sanctum. The main
sanctum sanctorum (the 5th prakaram) can be reached by entering a series of towers (gopurams). The shrine for Parvati in
the form of Akil Andeswari is situated in the 4th enclosure (prakaram).

The temple is situated on the northern banks of the Kaveri river adjacent to Srirangam Island.  As it primarily relates to the
second chakra, it is an ideal temple to overcome limitations regarding sexual imbalance and emotional issues relating to
sex and intimacy, including the byproducts of suppression. The water element is associated with the type of prana known
as Vyana, functioning throughout ones body, and has the task of distribution of subtle energy. Complete mastery of the
water tattva will equalize the prana vayu, leading to very high states and giving knowledge of unknown sciences, the power
of astral travelling, and the ability to create various taste sensations.

Salutations to the Lord of the Water Element

Ap Mudra (Varun Mudra)- Thumb touches little finger (aka Varun mudra)

 
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Fire Element

Thiruvanamalai (aka Thiruvanayur) is a Shiva

temple renowned as a powerful vortex of the fire
element. Arunachala, meaning mountain, has
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become famous as the location where the great
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sage, Ramana Maharshi, did sadhana for many wp-
decades in a cave on the mountain behind the content/uploads
temple, and then guided many souls into the /2015/11/Varun-
depths of oneness. Water-Element-
Mudra.jpg)

The temple complex covers many acres and is Varun Mudra,

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one of the largest in India.   It houses four mystic symbol
mammoth gateway towers (gopurams), the tallest of the water
of which is the eleven story eastern tower, at a element.
height of 66 metres (216  ). It share fame with the
Brihadeeswarar Shiva temple in Tanjavore as the
tallest temple towers in India.  The temple has many shrines, most
prominently a powerful Shiva form, Annamalaiyar and Shakti,

The Purification Fire is mighty Unnamulai Amman. Both of the main deities face east, in harmony with
at Tiruvanamalai Shiva Temple the science of placement (vastu). The temple complex houses a
thousand-pillared hall. The complex was built during the Vijayanagar
period (1336-1646) although many yogis consider that the temple is
much older. Very probably, it was a small temple that was rebuilt over the ruins of the more ancient site.

It is said that Parvati once playfully approached Shiva from behind and using her hands, she covered his three eyes. As the
sport of Shiva, (lila) the world plunged into darkness.

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This is a wonderful analogy displaying the universal principle of Yoga

that, to the Yogi, everything which is inside is also outside, and
everything that is outside is also inside.

As a penance, Parvati performed intensive yogic sadhana. Shiva

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content/uploads/2015/11/Tiruvanamalai-21-
copy.jpg)
appeared as a towering column of fire and light at the top of
Arunachala Hill, and light returned to the world. Shiva then merged with
Parvati to form Arthaneshvara, the half-female, half-male. This
demonstrates the mystical principle that each of us is a mixture of male
and female polarities. The male and female principle of every soul
merges when the consciousness reaches beyond Ajna Chakra.
Arthaneshvara shows the way for harmonious balance of these
polarities, which, in the relative plane, is reflected as a balance between
the internal nadis, ida and pingala. Ida nadi is the internal feminine
energy and pingala the masculine. The balance of the two leads to
awakening of Kundalini sparks which fly up the central nadi resulting in
high consciousness. Today, the entire hill itself is considered a sacred
lingam.

Enjoying the Bliss of Tiruvanamalai Shiva Brahma and Vishnu once argued with each other over their own relative
Fire Temple greatness. When Shiva appeared as a pillar of light, Brahma and Vishnu
were challenged to find the source of the light. Brahma, taking the form
of a swan, flew into the sky to find the top of the pillar, while Vishnu
manifested as his boar avatar (Varaha) and dug deep into the earth to reach its base.

The scene is called  lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of many Shiva temples. Neither
Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source. Vishnu conceded defeat, and returned to the original spot. Brahma too, failed to
reach the peak. However, he saw a Ketaki flower floating downwards from the unknown heights. Brahma, out of ego,
decided to fool Shiva. He took the Ketaki flower as evidence and returned to the hilltop. On returning, he claimed to have
reached the top of the column of light and produced the Ketaki flower as proof. The soul of the simple ketaki flower had
foolishly agreed to support the lie. Their deception was immediately revealed by Shiva, who once again showed that he is
both eternal and all knowing. The karmic penalty for Brahma, though he is the very creator of the universe, was that

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temples would not be built for him in India. The soul of the Ketaki
flower also received a penalty, and was banned from being o ered to
God everywhere. To this day, although there are well more than
10,000 temples in India, only a handful are dedicated to Brahma and
as for the Ketaki flower, it is still banned. It seems that Vishnu and
particularly, the soul of the Petaki flower, made a supreme sacrifice to
remind us all to be truthful and honest.

Ida Kadar, the Shepherd Siddha

Babaji
revealed the
site of Ida (https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp-
Kadar’s content/uploads/2015/11/Lingam-of-Light.jpg)
achievement
The advent of Shiva as a never ending pillar of
of the golden light is called Lingothbhava.  It led to both
body of light Brahma and Vishnu acknowledging Shiva’s
to Yogi S.A.A. greatness.
Ramaiah, my
guru.   In a
cave   on this
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sacred content/uploads/2015/11/Ida-Kadar-Siddhar.png)
mountain
Siddha Ida Kadar attained Soruba Samadhi at
temple,  Ida
Thiruvanamalai.
Kadar
attained
Soruba
Samadhi, the light body of immortality. Ida Kadar was born and lived for some time in the village of Manamadurai, Tamil
Nadu. He was initiated by two great Siddhas, Boganathar and Karuvoorar. Ida Kadar had great knowledge due to yogic
sadhana. He was a powerful astrologer with direct understanding of the planets and their influences. He also tended to a

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herd of cattle. Ida Kadar demonstrated foreknowledge of things to come. He once anticipated a massive drought, warned
others, and prepared a means of survival not only for himself, but for his cattle. The townspeople were impressed. They
could see clearly that he had mysterious premonition of events. Like the Snake Siddha, Pambati, who in his poems
addressed the serpent, Ida Kadar addressed his cow, a symbol for Jiva, the individual soul. His poems of wisdom thus
spoke directly to the soul (atman). He advised that the individual soul meditate on the omnipresent to achieve the
supreme state. Many feel that his body was ultimately interred at his birth village. Even today, the great siddha can be
accessed psychically and his vibrations remain strong at Thiruvanamalai.

The fire element is the storehouse of illusions relating to name and fame, issues related to power, authority and control
over others, wealth and longevity vs poverty and death. In Aryurvedic and Siddha Vaidya medicine, the fire element is
linked to the Apana form of Prana, associated with the pelvis and elimination. Mastery of the fire tattva gives material
wealth, detachment, even the ability of transforming base metals into gold. With its mastery, one can discover hitherto
unknown medicines and enter into another persons body.

Salutations to the Lord of fire principle

Fire/surya mudra – Thumb presses on dorsal side of the ring finger. 

Air Element (https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp-

content/uploads/2015/11/Agni-Mudra.gif)
Sri Kalahasti Temple (Air)
Agni Mudra, the mudra of fire element.

This temple, in which Shiva resides as Kalahasteswara, is located in the

township Sri Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most famous Shiva
temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Saints (Nayanars) was ready to
o er both his eyes to replace the damaged third eye of the lingam, which had been covered over with blood. The merciful

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Lord Shiva  stopped him before the saint removed his own eyes and granted him eternal bliss salvation. (mukti) Sri
Kalahasti temple is famous for its wind diety (vayu deva) temple, which is the only shrine dedicated to the God of wind in
India.

The temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu. These are astrological influences that are usually seen as malefic.   They
are properly understood by those who seek higher truth as the very embodiment of grace. The temple is famous for
seeking relief from troubled astrological placements.

The current temple was constructed by the  Pallava dynasty in

the 5th century. Additional construction occurred in the 12th
century by the Chola king, Rajendra Chola. The temple carries
the essence of the air element (vayu bhuta), who was incarnated
here as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteswara. Although
the sanctum lies deep within multiple walls, there is a lamp
inside the inner sanctum that inexplicably flickers despite the
lack of air movement in the sanctum. It is said that the air-light
can be observed to move even when the priests close o the
entrance to the main deity room, which does not have any
windows or other ventilation. During darshan, one can see the
(https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp-
flames on several ghee  lamps flickering as if blown by moving
content/uploads/2015/11/Kalahasti-20.jpg)
air. The linga is white and self-manifested (Swayambhu). There
are very few Shiva Temples which are self-manifested (not This amazing garden of Nagas lies just outside the
great Air Shiva Temple. Nagas are serpent images
produced by human hands).
representing the serpent power within each soul,
Kundalini Shakti.
The method of worship is somewhat di erent than at other great
temples. For instance, the main linga remains untouched by
human hands, even by those of the priest. Abhisheka (bathing) is
done by pouring water, milk, camphor  and a mixture of 5 fruits (panchamrita) over the subsidiary image (utsava-murti).
Sandal paste, flowers and the sacred thread are also o ered, not to the main linga, but to the subsidiary image.

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Interestingly, a celebrated Shaivite Saint, Markandeya, had a vision of Lord Shiva, who appeared to him in the temple.
Shiva revealed to him that since an enlightened soul could o er esoteric teachings, that soul is none other than Brahma,
Vishnu and Maheswara. Inspired by his lo y experiences at Kalahasteswara, he wrote great texts on puja, used in as
methods of worship to this day.

This great Shiva temple, being linked to the air bhuta, is an ideal place to cultivate through sankalpa and kriyas a sense of
sharing, human love, devotion to God, selflessness, compassion, and spiritual or transcendental love (hridaya). In Siddha
medicine, the air element is linked to prana of the thoracic area of the body and assigned the metabolic role of
appropriation.

Mastery of the air tattva gives knowledge of the past, present and future. It also brings about fulfillment of any desire,
contact with astral entities, ability of psychic healing, inner peace, harmony, and compassion.   

                                     

Salutations to the Lord of air principle

Air/Vayu mudra – Thumb presses on dorsal side of the ring finger

 
(https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp-
Ether Element content/uploads/2015/11/Vaayu-Air-
wind-Mudra.png)
Chidambaram
Vayu Mudra, the mystic symbol of
the Air Element
The Shiva temple at Chidambaram is considered one of the most holy temples
in India. It is the original home of dancing Shiva, and this main image is an
inspired masterpiece of art familiar to yogis worldwide. It is probably the most
well known yogic image ever produced and its mystical significance is profound.

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Here at this temple lies a vast vortex which reaches deeply into the ether or sky
element.    Within the sacred sanctum of the temple, dancing Shiva, (Nataraj)
generates such energy that his reach and power must be experienced and
cannot be expressed. Parvati stands at his le and to his right there is a void,
representing space, his primary element. On the background wall, beside and
slightly behind Nataraja, there is a curtain of golden vilva leaves in the void
space. Thus, there is literally a golden wall of vilva leaves, the very leaf most
sacred in the worship of Shiva.

The current temple

complex covers many
acres and was built in
the 2nd century over
the existing site
(https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp- where one of the
content/uploads/2015/11/Shiva-
greatest siddhas,
Nataraja.jpg)
Tirumular, lived.
Chidambaram Dancing Shiva is one Tirumular mastered
of the worlds most recognizable tantra, Vedanta, and
(https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp-
spiritual images. Siddhanta, and
content/uploads/2015/11/Swami-Ayyappa-at-
Chidambaram.jpg) ultimately attained
the golden body of
I have had the grace to do sadhana at
physical immortality
Chidambaram, the temple of dancing Shiva for
nearly 50 years.  This photo was taken in (soruba samadhi). His
the 1980’s during one such pilgrimage. magnus opus,
Tirumandhiram, is
one of the most
important yogic-tantric works of all time. The siddha Patanjali, author of the Raja Yoga Sutras, also did sadhana in this
great temple of Chidambaram.

The nature of the ether electricity is knowledge and wisdom (jnana). Mastering this energy is said to permit every miracle
(siddhi).

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When the throat center begins to be purified, the results include magnificent communication skills. The related prana is
Samana, associated with the naval and assimilation of all things, including knowledge. Mastery of the ether tattva reveals
knowledge of the Vedas, the mysteries of the golden body, capacity to live without food or water, and psychic projection
faster than the speed of light.

Salutations to the Lord of ether principle

Mudra – Thumb and middle finger touch.  

(https://www.yoginiashram.com/wp-
 
content/uploads/2015/11/Akash-Ether-
Mudra.jpg)
 
Akasha Mudra – The mystic symbol of
Conclusion Ether; Space

The peerless Lord of the Siddhas, Maha Yogi Shiva, is rightly venerated
as the quintessential master of the elemental energies. His five colossal Bhoota temples, though impressive, do not easily
reveal their omnipotence as portals to other realms except to those who fully commit to the dharma. Sadhana, surrender
and cultivation of unconditional love will reveal his elemental mysteries and lay the path before us. Each of these temples
is an eternal monument to the element for which it was created. Spiritual aspirants who seek purification and absorption
into the transcendent bliss of samadhi will discover the priceless gi that these temples hide their greatness in clear view.  

Swami Ayyappa Giri

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3 thoughts on “5 Shiva Shrines Leading to Mastery of the Elements”

Virtual server (https://alexhost.de/virtual-server.html) says:

January 7, 2017 at 10:34 am (https://www.yoginiashram.com/5-shiva-shrines-leading-to-mastery-of-the-elements/#comment-11523)

It’s a very informative article we tend to ignore the rich cultural heritage we have got and o en are not aware
about it . The temples of Kerela has preseved their traditional culture unlike temples in north which were
invaded multiple times . the articles is well researched and I must say it has raised my apitite for travelling and
exploring these temples and be part of their unqiue rituals . kudos indus holidays will be visiting you guys soon

Yogini Ashram home of Kriya Tantra Yoga says:

March 8, 2018 at 3:06 pm (https://www.yoginiashram.com/5-shiva-shrines-leading-to-mastery-of-the-elements/#comment-15862)

Yes Alex – Pilgrimage is and has long been a great way to grow spiritually. Starting out knowing that you are
dedicating the journey to the Divine, sets into motion cosmic laws that completely change the outcome. Intent
is so important. Thanks for your comments. Swami Ayyappa Giri

Dr Ashwin says:

June 23, 2017 at 2:27 pm (https://www.yoginiashram.com/5-shiva-shrines-leading-to-mastery-of-the-elements/#comment-13466)

The best resources ever, thank you so much.

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