Chidambaram is one of the Panchabootha sthalas , where the lord is worshipped in his manifestation as sky or Aagayam. Chidambaram is also one of the five dance halls , they are as follows : The Hall of Gold - Kanakasabha at Chidambaram, The Hall of Silver Velli Sabhai at Madurai, The Hall of Rubies - Ratnasabha at Tiruvalankadu, The Hall of Copper - Tamrasabha at Tirunelveli and The Hall of Pictures - Chitrasabha at Kutralam.The word Chidambaram may be derived from the words "Chit" , meaning "Consiciousness", and "ambalam", meaning "Sky" , it refers to Chidaakasam, the Sky of Consciousness, which is the ultimate aim one should attain according to all the Vedas and scriptures.
The word Chidambaram may also be derived from Chit + Ambalam. Ambalam means a "stage" for performing arts. THe chidakasam is the stage of bliss or aananda natanam.
Special features : A unique feature of this temple is the bejeweled image of Lord Nataraja. It depicts Lord Shiva as the Lord of dance Brathanatyam. Here in this temple LOrd Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic murthi rather than the classic, anionic Lingam.
The Ananda Tandava Posture :
The Ananda thandava depicts him as the enjoyer of his creation - the Universe.
- The demon under Nataraja's feet signifies that ignorance is under his feet.
- The fire in his hand means destroyer of evil.
- The raised hand signifies that he is the savior of all life
- The ring at the back signifies the cosmos.
- The drum in his hand signifies the origin of life.
To know more about Chidambaram temple , check these links
http://hindutradition.blogspot.com/2009/01/chidambaram-nataraja-temple.html &
http://hindutradition.blogspot.com/2009/01/chidambaram-natarajar-temple-part-2.html
Source : wikipedia.
