Mayiladuthurai Mayuranathaswami Temple - Paadal Petra Sthalam

Mayuranathaswami temple is located in the southern part of Mayiladuthurai close to river Kaveri. Legend has it that Daksha, father of lord Parvati, once conducted a pooja. He intentionally refused to invite lord Shiva, in a way to humiliate him. So, lord Shiva did not want Parvati to attend the pooja either. But, to respect her father, Parvati attended the function without being known to lord Shiva, but was humiliated by Daksha. Coming to know this, lord Shiva took the form of ‘Veerabhadra’ and cursed her to become a peacock. She came to this place as a peacock and did severe penance to get out of this curse. Pleased with her penance, lord Shiva appeared before as a peacock and danced as a peacock, called as ‘Mayura Thandavam’ (peacock dance). Parvati was restored to her original form and they both started blessings in the name ‘Mayuranathar’ and ‘Abayambigai’ respectively.

The temple was built during the time of Medieval Cholas. Although several renovations were made in the 17th century, the structure has not lost its authenticity. Around 17 inscriptions about the ancient rulers have been found by the Archaeological Survey of India here. Parantaka Chola, Rajadhi Rajan II, Kulothungan III, Jatavarman Sundarapandian and rulers of Vijayanagar kingdom had done more contributions for this temple. The temple has a nine tiered gopuram of 165 feet high with 5 outer walls. Large temple complex, tall temple tower with beautiful carvings and a temple pond grabs the immediate attention here. This temple finds mention in one of the 276 holy shrines of Saivite saints. Those seeking pardon for mistakes done pray to the lord for peace of mind after a bath in Cauvery. Those aspiring mastery in dance also come here for the blessings of Lord.