T. Raja, J.

Writ Appeal No.181 of 2009 is filed against the order of the learned single Judge dated 02.02.2009 made in writ petition No.18248 of 2006. The other two appeals in Writ Appeals Nos.182 and 183 of 2009 are filed against the orders of the learned single Judge impleading respondents 3 and 4 in the writ petition by order dated 02.02.2009 made in M.P. No.2 of 2006 and M.P. No.1 of 2008 in writ petition No.18248 of 2006.

2. Iswara as Lord Siva is generally worshipped in a particular form known as Linga. The Word Linga in Sanskrit means a symbol. If all forms in the creation were put together that would form an indefinable form which is symbolised by Linga.

3. The vedas reduce all forms to five constituent elements called the "pancha mahabutas", viz., five great elements, they are "Akasa-Space; Vayu-Air; Agni-Fire; Apah-Water and prithivi-Earth". There are five temples in India where Lord Siva is invoked in each of the five elements. At Chidambaram temple, Lord Siva is worshipped as the element of space. At Kalahasdi temple, in Andhra Pradesh, sivalingam as well as a lamp with a constant flame implying the presence of air is worshipped as element of air. At Tiruvann