Panchamaha Bhuta Lingams

 

 

 

Located in five south Indian temples, the Bhuta Lingams are said to be places where Shiva manifested himself as the natural elements.
The temples and their respective elements are
Chidambaram or Chidambareshwar: ether (akasa),
Sri Kalahasti or Kalahastishwar: wind (vayu),
Tiruvanaikka/Jambunath / Jambukeshwar  near Sriramgam: water / jala,
Kanchipuram / Shivkanchi: (prithvi) earth,

and Tiruvanamalai (Arunachalam): (Agni) fire.

Chidambaram is also associated with the heart, Tiruvanaikka with the stomach, and Tiruvanamalai with the chest