Pancha Bootha sthalams are five ancient temples in India where Lord Shiva is represented in the form of five elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether. In these five temples, linga or lingam which symbolically represents Lord Shiva is in the form of elements. Ether is known as ‘akasha’ in Sanskrit and is occasionally referred as Sky or Space while referring to the Pancha Mahabhutas. The five temples that represent Shiva in the form of five elements are: Earth – Ekambaranathar Temple or Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram – Shiva Lingam here is the element earth. The Shiva Lingam here is believed to have been created by Goddess Parvati from sand or earth. Water – Jambukeshwar Temple or Thiruvanaikaval Shiva Temple near Trichy – Jambukeshwara represents the element water. The deity is found under a Jambu tree over a small river. The small stream engulfs the idol during the rainy season. Fire – Arunachaleswara Temple or Annamalaiyar Temple