Sundareswarar Thirumayiladi

Sundareswarar, Thirumayiladi

Saivite Temples, Nagapattinam District

God

Sundareswarar, facing east

Goddess

Two, Brahanayagi and Periyanayagi, both facing south

Other Deities

Sundaraganapati, Balasubramanya, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma Durga, Chandikeswara, Navagraha

Sundareswarar Thirumayiladi has a small 3 tier Rajagopuram and a large Vimanam over the sanctum sanctorum. Barrel roofed Mantapams are in the front of the Main Deity. Muruga here faces north. The Dakshinamurthy is with both legs folded in Padmasanam which is not common. The Utsava (processional) idol of Muruga has the peacock below his feet and he is seen with a bow and arrow. Please read this interesting blog of Mr.Santanam Swaminathan which, though not directly connected to this temple, provides some thought-provoking points.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

No information.

Legend

In a debate over who is more beautiful, Lord Shiva got angry at Goddess Parvati and disappeared from Mount Kailash. Concerned, the goddess gave up her human form, took the form of a peacock, prayed to him here at Sundareswarar Thirumayiladi and got him back. Thus the name Thiru Mayil (Peacock) Aadi (Danced). Lord Muruga is believed to have created a sacred pond here at Sundareswarar Thirumayiladi, bathed in it and performed a severe Penance to create Seethaladevi to fight and vanquish Juradevadai who originated from a Yaga of an Asura to torment the Devas. Expressing happiness Lord Indra requested Muruga to be present here forever facing north.

Directions

From Chidambaram on your way to Sirkazhi take a right before Puthur to reach Sundareswarar Thirumayiladi temple which is about 12 kilometers from Chidambaram

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Sirkazhi or Chidambaram

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples