Mayuranathaswami Temple

Overview

The Mayuranathaswami Temple, also known as Mayuranathar Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple situated in the town of Mayiladuthurai (formerly Mayavaram or Mayuram) in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mayuranathaswamy, a manifestation of Shiva, and is credited with giving its name to the town itself. The primary icon worshipped is a lingam, and the presiding deity is referred to as Mayuranathar because of the legend of the Hindu goddess Parvati worshipping Shiva in the form of a peahen (mayura) at this site to be freed from a curse.

Religious Significance

This temple is counted among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are Shiva temples highly revered in the early medieval Tevaram poems composed by the Tamil Saivite Nayanars, including Appar and Tirugnanasambandar. It holds the distinction of being the thirty-ninth shrine located on the southern bank of the River Kaveri. The temple is also considered one of the six temples that are equivalents to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Kashi (Varanasi), highlighting its spiritual importance.

Legend and Etymology

The name Mayuranathar originates from a Puranic legend. Goddess Parvati, after offending Shiva, was cursed to be born as a peahen. She repented and performed penance, worshipping Shiva in the form of a lingam at various sacred sites, including this temple. It is believed that here, she was finally freed from the curse and regained her original form, and Shiva appeared before her as a peahen, performing a dance known as the Mayura Thandavam. This association cemented Shiva's name as Mayuranathar. The temple complex also houses sculptures depicting Shiva embracing Parvati, symbolizing their reunion.

Historical Context and Architecture

The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 7th century CE, as evidenced by hymns composed by Appar and Sambandar in the same century. During the Medieval Chola period, the original brick temple was renovated with stone in the 10th century CE by Sembiyan Mahadevi during the reign of Uttama Chola. The temple architecture adheres to Chola and Dravidian design principles. The eastern entrance features a towering nine-storeyed gopura. The temple complex spans 719 feet in length and 520 feet in width. Notable inscriptions from the Chola and Pandya dynasties are found within the temple, detailing land grants and royal patronage.

Notable Features and Festivals

The Mayuranathaswami Temple features an expansive sacred tank known as Brahmma Theertham, believed to have purifying properties, especially during the Tamil month of Aippasi. Several important festivals are celebrated here annually, including the Theerthavari festival, Vasanthotsavam, Theppotsavam (float festival), and Thula Snanam. The temple also hosts the Mayura Natyanjali, a classical dance festival. The temple complex is managed by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam.