a temple where the basement is raised to certain height. You need to climb steps to reach the temple.
see picture.
ayyappa temples are also like this.
In the list
1. Thirunindriyur has become a normal temple. In 1900s when the renovation was done - they changed it to normal temple. dont know why?
2. It is not Thirunalur mayanam. It is Thirunalaur. Thirunalur mayanam is a sambandar thalam. You need go a km inside from main road. Thirunalur, vaipu thalam/madakkoil is on the main road, when you enter thirunalur village. ( Kumbakonam- thiruvarur road).