Eight valorous acts of Lord Shiva

There are eight places in Tamil Nadu that are traditionally associated with eight of Siva’s ‘valorous’ acts:

1 Tirukkandiyur, where he removed one of Brahma’s heads.

2 Tirukkovilur, where he killed Andakasura.

3 Tiruvadikai, where he burnt the three tripuras (the three cities of the asuras).

4 Tirupparialur, where he plucked off Daksha’s head.

5 Tiruvirkudi, where he killed the asura Calantaram.

6 Vazhuvur, where he skinned the elephant asura, Gajasura, whose hide he now wears.

7 Tirukkurukkai, where he burned Kama with the power of his third eye.

8 Tirukkadavur, where he kicked and killed Yama, the god of death, and saved Markandeya. He resurrected Yama afterwards.


Source: Ramana Puranam in David Godman's website