Pancha Bhoota Temples Tour Plan: Complete Guide to Cover 5 Elements Temples in South India
What Are the Pancha Bhoota Temples?
The Pancha Bhoota Sthalams are five sacred Shiva temples representing the Five Cosmic Elements that form the universe. Each temple symbolizes one natural element—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space—making this pilgrimage spiritually significant and architecturally fascinating.
Five Elements Shiva Temples in South India
- Earth (Prithvi): Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
- Water (Jala): Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy
- Fire (Agni): Annamalaiyar Temple, Thiruvannamalai
- Air (Vayu): Srikalahasti Temple, Srikalahasti (AP)
- Space (Akasha): Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
This guide helps you cover all these Pancha Bhoota temples efficiently, without backtracking, ensuring a smooth and meaningful yatra across South India.
Best Pancha Bhoota Temples Route Map
To cover all five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams in the most efficient way, this route plan helps you avoid unnecessary backtracking and saves valuable travel time. Below is the most practical and time-saving sequence to follow.
Recommended Travel Route
Route Option 1 (Most Efficient):
Srikalahasti → Kanchipuram → Thiruvannamalai → Chidambaram → Trichy (Thiruvanaikaval)
Route Option 2 (If Starting from Chennai):
Chennai → Kalahasti → Kanchi → Thiruvannamalai → Chidambaram → Trichy
This carefully planned route ensures the shortest travel distance, smooth roads, and easy access to all five temples across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Day 1: Air & Earth Element Temples
1. Srikalahasti Temple (Vayu – Air)
Location: Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh
Importance: Represents Vayu, the air element
Famous For: Rahu–Ketu Sarpa Dosha Puja
Darshan Duration: 1–2 hours
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance: 130 km | Approx. 3 hours
2. Ekambareswarar Temple (Prithvi – Earth)
Location: Kanchipuram
Importance: Represents the Earth (Prithvi) element
Highlight: Home to the sacred 3,500-year-old mango tree
Darshan Duration: Around 1 hour
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM & 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Day 2: Fire & Space Element Temples
3. Annamalaiyar Temple (Agni – Fire) – Thiruvannamalai
Represents: Agni (Fire element)
Famous For: Girivalam, Karthigai Deepam festival
Highlights: 9 towering gopurams and vast temple corridors
Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Distance: 150 km | Approx. 3–3.5 hours
4. Thillai Nataraja Temple (Akasha – Space) – Chidambaram
Represents: Aakash (Space/Ether element)
Known For: Nataraja’s sacred cosmic dance
Unique Feature: Shiva is worshiped in the Ananda Tandava form
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM & 5 PM – 10 PM
Day 3: Water Element Temple
5. Jambukeswarar Temple (Jala – Water) – Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy
Represents: Jala (Water element)
Unique Feature: The sanctum constantly has natural underground water springing
History: Built by the Chola rulers
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM & 4 PM – 9 PM
Best return options: Trichy, Chennai, or Pondicherry airports.
Total Distance & Travel Time
| From | To | Distance | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srikalahasti | Kanchipuram | 130 km | 3 hrs |
| Kanchipuram | Thiruvannamalai | 115 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Thiruvannamalai | Chidambaram | 150 km | 3.5 hrs |
| Chidambaram | Trichy | 165 km | 3.5 hrs |
| Total | – | 560 km | 12–13 hrs travel |
Travel Tips for Pancha Bhoota Yatra
- ✔ Start early to avoid temple rush
- ✔ Weekdays are better than weekends
- ✔ Dress modestly (traditional wear preferred)
- ✔ Book hotels in advance at Thiruvannamalai & Chidambaram
- ✔ Carry water, snacks & comfortable footwear
- ✔ Avoid performing Rahu–Ketu pooja during peak days
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