Sangamam of Panchabhoodhas in Tanjore temple

Sangamam of Panchabhoodhas in Tanjore temple

There are five temples recognized as Pancha Bhoodha Sthalams, each representing any one of the five natural elements such as water, fire, earth, wind and Space.

In Tanjore big temple, the great Chozha king, Rajaraja Chozhan did an immense work in depicting the five natural elements in a single temple.

This remained hidden for several years and the archeological department has discovered this amusing fact only during recent years.

The representation of the Pancha Bhoodhas by different parts of the temple is explained as follows:

Earth (பூமி):

Inside the temple, the Shiva Lingam named Pragadheeswarar stands magnificently with an height of 13feet and a width of 55feet. There is one portion called ‘Neerthoombi’ (நீர்தூம்பி) in a Lingam through which water drains out. Under this neerthumbi there is a spherical vessel called ‘Karbapaathiram’(கற்பபாதிரம்)in the ground. This gives a scenario that the Shiva Lingam is emerged out of earth.

Water(நீர்):

The second Gopuram in the Tanjore big temple is called as ‘Rajarajan Thiruvaayil’. On the walls aligned with this Gopuram, vessel like structures called ‘Kumbapanjaram’(கும்பபஞ்சாரம்) are present. Moreover, the sculptures of ‘Ashtavasukkal’(அஷ்டவசுக்கள்) who have been picturised as the sons of the river Ganges are seen on this Gopuram. The Shiva Lingam is offered the nevadham with the roots of lemon tree, buds of Senbagam flower, etc. The inscriptions representing the details of these materials are seen on this Gopuram. Also, Lord Muruga is depicted as a son of Ganges.

Fire(தீ):

The first Gopuram of this temple is named as ‘Keralaandhan’(கேரலாந்தன்)by Rajarajan. There is a belief that the structure of a Gopuram is made in a manner to represent the holy fire. Lord Brahma is called as ‘Velvichelvar’(வேள்விசெல்வர்)because of the numerous poojas he does using fire. Hence, at the northern side of this Gopuram,there is a statue of Brahma in the form of doing pooja using fire. Morover, Rajarajan conquered the weapon gallery of a king called ‘Keralaandhan’ and set it to fire. This also establishes the representation of fire in this Gopuram.

Air(காற்று):

The interior of the temple, where the Shiva Lingam resides, is surrounded by a 6 feet pathway in the northern, southern and western sides. This is provided for free air circulation in this area. Even during the summer time, this place remains cool because of the ventilation facility. Eventually this represents air.

Space (ஆகாயம்):

Inside the Karuvarai, Above the Shiva Lingam a vast free area is seen. This covers the region between the tip of the Lingam and the topmost point of the Gopuram. This symbolizes worship of God as the Universe and eternal power.

Thus, Tanjore big temble has an exotic architecture with spiritual and historical significance.