About Mayuram Or Mayavaram Tamil Nadu India
Lord Shiva is represented as Mayuranatheshwarar and Goddess Parvati as Abayambika. It is said that Parvati manifested herself in the form of Mayura or Pea-hen and worshipped Shiva. A bath in the river Cauvery which flows near this town, in the month of Tula is considered very sacred. The temple has a massive tower at the entrance and several vast halls and subsidiary shrines within the enclosure. The Kalyana Mandapam has finely carved pillars and excellent sculpture.
Vazhuvur
Vazhuvur is about 10km from Mayuram. One of the eight Veerattams. The village has the Shiva temple dedicated to Veerateshwara. Said to be a famous as Chidambaram, the dance hall is called Gana Sabha. Noted for Bharatanatyam from the ancient times, great exponents of the art hailed from this place. The temple has some marvelous specimens of sculpture.
Vallar
Vallar is about 8km from Mayuram. A scared place situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings has a Shiva shrine dedicated to Vathaneshwarar and his divine consort known as Gnanambika. A Subsidiary shrine has Dakshinamurthy which attracts large number of devotees. Some of the bronze idols are excellent specimens of the art.
Tirucadavoor
Tirucadavoor is about 18km from Mayuram. There is an ancient Shiva temple at this place which is associated with the life of Markandeya. The Lord is known as Amrithachaleshwarar and the goddess is called Abhirami Amman. A special feature of this temple is in the Shanku Mantapam (hall of conches) where several huge conches are filled with water and later used for Abhishekam of the deity. There are two sacred ponds in the enclosure called Markandeya Tirtha and Amrith Tirtha.
Thiru Indalur
Thiru Indalur is about 9km from Mayuram. A small village having a Vishnu temple dedicated to Parimala Ranganatha. It was believed for many centuries that the idol was made of brick and mortar. Recently, it was found out that the original idol is in fact made of beautiful green granite stone, intricately carved with minute details in such a way that even the nails of the deity can be seen clearly. The Sesha Shayanam, five hooded serpent, has been fixed separately over the head of the deity and it has also been carved out of stone. The images of Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are at either side of the idol on the floor.