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In Tamil Nadu there are five places where Shiva is worshiped as the five elements. In each place, He represents one element. Together these five places are called Pancha- Bhoota- Linga Kshetram. These places / temples are very ancient and their sanctity unquestioned.
Chidambaram - Space / Akasha Element
In Chidambaram, Lord Nataraja represents the "space" (Akasha) element. Lord Siva is performing his cosmic dance in the eternal all pervading Space. So what exactly is this "space / akasha" ?
The space / akasha where Lord Nataraja is dancing is nothing but the heart. The space in one's heart / consciousness . Hence the name Chidambaram. Chit meaning Heart and Ambaram meaning Sky.
Lord Shiva here is known as Nataraja and the Devi as Shivakami
Arunachala (Tiruvannamalai) - Fire element
It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested himself as a huge pillar of light in this place. Scientific evidence shows that the rocks in this place must have resulted from molten volcanic lava. The name itself means "Red Hill"
Lord Shiva here is known as Arunachaleshwar and the Devi is Apitakuchambal
SriKalahasti - Vayu Element
Here Lord Shiva is supposed to exist in the form of Vayu or air. The curious thing in this temple to notice is inside the garba griha it is usually very hot. You can see the priests sweating. But the light of the lamps will seen flickering - as if to announce the presence of the Lord in his 'air' form.
Tiruvannaika - Water element
Here Shiva is worshipped as the "water" element
Inside the garba griha where the linga is situated, there is always ankle deep water. No scientific reason has been found yet.
The Lord's name is Jambukeshwar and the Devi is Akhilandeshwari
Kancheepuram - Earth element
As if to validate this, scientific research has shown this land to be one of the oldest geological surfaces on Earth.
The Lord is Ekambreshwar and the Devi is, of course, Kamakshi
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