Mayuranathar Mayiladuthurai

Padal Petra Sthalam, Nagapattinam District

God

Mayuranadhar, facing east

Goddess

Abhayambigai, facing east

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Chandran, Nalvar, Sabdamadar, 63 Nayanmars, Lingams worshiped by Indra, Yama, Varuna, Vayu, Nirudhi and Agni, Mahavishnu, Mahalskshmi, Ashtalakshmi, Nataraja, Arunachaleswara, Navagrahas, Saneeswara, Surya, Jwaradevar, Chandrasekhar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Pitchadanar

Mayuranathar Mayiladuthurai is a very large temple with a huge 9 tier 194 feet tall Rajagopuram at the eastern entrance. A beautiful large holy temple tank is inside. There are 5 Prakarams in this grand old temple. This temple is one of the six considered to be equal to Kashi. This temple is also called as Soothavanam, Sikkandipuram, Brahmapuram and Thenmayilai.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Brahma Theertham, Rishaba Theertham, Cauvery

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Mango (Mangifera indica), Vanni (Prosopis cineraria)

Vimaanam – Tridala Vimaana

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram Hymns for the Lord here at Mayuranathar Mayiladuthurai. The temple was built by the Medieval Cholas. The oldest inscriptions on the temple walls of Mayuranathar Mayiladuthurai date back to the time of Kulothunga Chola I. Massive renovations were carried out in the 17th century. Arunagirinathar (15th Century CE) has praised Lord Muruga here at Mayuranathar Mayiladuthurai in his Thirupugazh Hymns.

Legend

Parvathi was cursed by the Lord to be born as a peahen. She performed penance here at Mayuranathar Mayiladuthurai and regained her original form. A similar legend exists for the Mylapore temple in Chennai.

Directions

Mayiladuthurai is between 35-40 Kilometers from both Chidambaram and Kumbakonam. The temple is in the ehart of the city. Also visit Thiruinthaloor temple nearby.

Stay and Food

Kaliakkudi Restaurant near the clock tower junction serves good food, of course it used to be much better in the olden days. There are many lodges and hotels to stay from budget to medium level. We suggest you book and go as the hotels seem to be always full.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Mayuranathar, Mayiladuthurai