Mahashivaratri - the night of the dance of Shiva

The night of the great god Shiva is celebrated as Shivaratri across India during Spring. A pre-Vedic deity, his forms like Pasupati are found in pre historic seals. The cult of Shiva is spread across Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia too. Legends and myths keep alive the fervor with which Shivaratri festival is celebrated across south India.

The South Indian state of Tamil Nadu has some of the most prominent temples dedicated to Shiva that mark the festival of Shivaratri with grand celebrations. According to Hindu mythology Shiva is an embodiment of the five elements – earth, air, fire, space and water. There are five temples called pancha bhootha sthalam dedicated to Shiva in his manifestation of these elements across Tamil Nadu and one in Andhra Pradesh.

Space – Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Shiva is seen in all his temples and sacred places across India in the form of a lingam or a phallic symbol. Chidambaram near Chennai is the only town where Shiva stands in the majestic form of Nataraja or the cosmic dancer in the temple. The dazzling Chola bronze deity is venerated as the dancing god who fills the space with his divine energy here. The annual dance festival Chidambara Natyanjali held in this temple is a huge draw for connoisseurs of classical Indian dance and devotees alike. Dance of Shiva is an early 20th century book of essays on Indian art, culture and symbolism, especially Nataraja by writer Ananda Coomaraswamy. Shiva was believed to have performed the cosmic dance on the night of Maha Shivaratri.

Fire – Arunachaleswar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

The mystic Ramana Maharishi founded his ashram in Thiruvannamalai. The ashram’s famous visitor in 1938 was Somerset Maugham and it found a mention in his The Razor’s Edge. Praised in 7th century Tamil hymns Tevaram, Shiva is believed to have manifested himself according to myth as a column of burning light that dispels ignorance and darkness in this temple. The 9th century temple is a stunning sight upon the hill and looks brilliant all light up in earthen lamps on festive nights.

Earth – Ekambareswar Temple, Kanchipuram

This 9th century Chola empire temple is one of the largest in the state. Ekambareswar means Lord of the Mango Tree as Shiva is called here after a legend where the divine mother goddess Parvati made a lingam out of earth and prayed to it under a large mango tree. In the center of the temple, you can see a large mango tree believed to be centuries old. Remarkable architecture, sculptures and stone inscriptions mark the temple. The Shiva lingam is worshipped as a manifestation of Earth.

Air – Sri Kalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Shiva is prayed to here as Vayu linga or as the symbol of air. Nestled near evergreen forests known for the vapor by-product camphor from its trees, the deity is also called Karpura Vayu lingam. The temple has 11th century architecture with a gopuram or tower studded with exquisite sculptures of gods and goddesses and divine beings. The popular legend of the hunter Kannappa and his devotion to Shiva is linked to this temple.

Water – Jambukeswarar Temple, Tirivanaikaval

In the sanctum of this temple near a Jambu tree, the Shiva lingam stands on a stream of water running underground and Shiva symbolizes the element of water here. Marked by grand Chola architecture, grand sculpted towers, vast grounds and granite pillared halls, the temple is an architectural marvel. Music and dance festivals, associated with Shiva are held here.

The writer is the author of Temple Tales – Secrets and Stories from India’s Sacred Places. She can be found on Instagram

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