They are the 5 elements of nature. These panchabhootams (5 elements) have a deep significance in Hinduism and Hindu bhakti literature. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Lord of the five elements of Nature and is worshipped in Pancha Bhoota Sthalams – the five Shiva temples, each of which represent one of the five elements of Nature:

Earth | Ekambareshwarar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Water | Jambukeshwarar Temple in Thiruvanaikaval, Tamil Nadu

Fire | Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Air | Kalahastheeshwara Temple in Srikalahasti, Andra Pradesh

Space | Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

Our human body is a product of the 5 elements is considered a temple of Lord Shiva - the lord of the 5 elements. When we control our mind and not fall victim to the 5 senses, we can have the full realization that that our body is a temple and God lives within it.

In this podcast, we explore the various stories of devotees like Manikyavasagar, Thirumoolar, Arunagirinathar, Ramana Maharishi and their journeys in realizing God.