Chidambaram

Chidambaram
the Thillai Nataraja Temple

Chidambaram is one such sacred place with Lord Nataraja temple.
he Nataraja Temple built during the eleventh century.
Divine Dance of Lord Nataraja.
The temple complex is spread over an area of 40 acres (160,000 m2) in the heart of the city.
The main complex is dedicated to Shiva Nataraja.

The golden tiled roof for the Chit Ambalam (the vimanam) was laid by the Chola King.

Pancha Bhoota Stalam

(Pancha Bhoota Stalam refers to the five Shiva temples,each representing the manifestation of the five prime elements of nature - land, water, air, sky, fire. Pancha indicates five, Bhoota means elements and Stala means place)

Fire         - Agni Lingam(Jyothi Lingam) - Arunachaleswara Temple - Thiruvannamalai

Water - Appu Lingam(Jambu Lingam)  - Thiruvanaikaval Temple - Thiruvanaikaval

Sky - Akasha Lingam         - Natarajar Temple       - Chidambaram

Air - Vayu Lingam             - Sri Kalahastheeswara   - Kalahasthi

Land - Prithivi Lingam     - Ekambareswarar Temple  - Kanchipuram

Pancha Sabhai refers to the five places where Lord Shiva is said to have displayed His cosmic dance 

and all these places have stages or ambalams, also known as Sabhai. 

The Ponna Ambalam - the Golden Hall  at Chidambaram (Gold)

The Ratthina Ambalam - the Jeweled Hall at Thiruvaalangadu (rathinam – ruby / red jewelled)

The Chitra Ambalam - the Painted Hall at Thirukutralam (chitra – painting)

The Velli Ambalam - the Silver Hall at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple (velli – silver) 

The Thaamira Ambalam - the Copper Hall at Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli (Thaamiram – copper)

The Chidambara Rahasya, is hence representative of that time when one, in total surrender, allows God to intervene and remove our ignorance, even as we get to 'see and experience' His presence and hence - bliss.