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The legend behind Mayuranathaswami Temple in Mayiladuthurai is as interesting as the place is. The grandeur of the Chola architecture makes it one of the most beautiful shrines in Tamil Nadu.
The Legend of Mayuranathaswami Temple
According to the legend, once Lord Shiva gets angered by Goddess Parvathi. So, he curses her to be born as a peahen. Later, she repents for her mistake and asksfor forgiveness. Hence, she prays at Mylapore and Mayiladuthurai to overcome the curse. Pleased by her penance, Lord Shiva is said to have forgiven her.
Mayuranathaswami Temple
PC: Ssriram mt
Here Shiva is named as Mayuranathar as Goddess Parvathi worshipped him in the form of a peahen (Mayur). Therefore, the temple gets the name, Mayuranathaswami Temple.
Mayuranathaswamy Temple Complex
Mayuranathaswamy Temple was built during the time of Medieval Cholas. Although, several renovations were made in the 17th century, the structure hasn't lost its authenticity. Large temple complex, tall Gopura with beautiful carvings and a temple pond grabs your attention here.
The inner sanctum has a Shiva Linga which is worshipped as Lord Mayuranathar. It is said that the Shiva Linga is a self-manifested deity. There is also a shrine for Goddess Paravthi who is worshipped as Abhayambikai, Anjalanayaki and so on. Mayuranathaswami Temple also has small shrines for Lord Ganesha, Nataraja (another form of Shiva) and Durga.
Gopura
PC: Ssriram mt
Devotees from the surrounding regions come here to take a holy dip in the temple pond. They believe that a holy dip in the Tamil month of Aippasi (November-December) will erase all the sins. Hence, many people come here to take a holy dip in these months.
The town of Mayiladuthurai
Mayiladuthurai is a historical town which was under several dynasties. Now it is part of Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The name Mayiladuthurai translates to 'Peacock Town' because of the mythological tale of Goddess Parvathi and her penance to Shiva. Today, it is one of the well-developed towns on the banks of Kaveri. Mayiladuthurai is famous of Mayuranathaswami Temple.
Sculpture of a peacock praying Shiva
PC: Ssriram mt
Tourist Places Near Mayiladuthurai
Dakshinamurthy Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Kurukai Shiva Temple, Sri Kashi Vishwanatha Temple and Sri Parimala Ranganathaswami Temple are some of the famous religious and tourist places near Mayiladuthurai.
How to Reach Mayiladuthurai
Mayiladuthurai is a well-connected town which is around 275 km from Chennai.
Click: How to Reach Mayiladuthurai
Mayuranatheshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu. Its amazing history and interesting legend urges us to visit this holy place.
