Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 156th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Chola Naadu - South |
Chola Naadu - South | 39th Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) |
The
town of Mayiladuthurai also known by different names like Mayavaram or mayuram
is home to a large Shiva temple called the Mayuranatha Swami temple. The name
of the deity gave birth to this town’s name. The temple is located to the south
of this town near the banks of Cauvery River. This town is one of the very
ancient towns in the banks of the Cauvery. Mayuram is mentioned in an old Tamil
saying “Aayiram aanaalum mayuram aahaathu”, meaning even a combination of 1000
special places cannot be compared to Mayuram. This is one of the six temples
considered equal to Kashi. The other 5 Shivasthalams are Tiruvenkaadu,
Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam and Tiruvidaimarudur.
This
is a vast and well maintained temple with a beautiful tank, several gopurams
and mandapams in the town of Mayiladuturai (Mayuram). This is a temple of great
religious significance, and is a hub in the temple belt of Tamilnadu. Several
Shivastalams are located in the vicinity of Mayiladuturai which is considered
to be the 39th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located
south of the river Kaveri.
This
temple spread over 350000 sq feet has 5 prakarams, a 9 tiered 165 feet high
Raja Gopuram, pillared halls with interesting sculptural work as well as 14
vimanams withseveral stucco images. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period
are found here. The temple is managed by the Tiruvavaduturai Adhinam, while the
Vallalar Koyil and Kaasi Viswanathar temple are managed by the Dharumapura
Adhinam.
This
temple was reconstructed with stone, during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi
(10th century); however renovations from the 19th century have destroyed the
older structures and the inscriptions. Thankfully fine stone sculptures of
Vinayakar, Natarajar, Siva-Uma-Alinganamurthy, Dakshimamurthy, Lingodbhavar,
Bhrama, Ganga Visarjanamurthi, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the period of
Sembiyan Mahadevi have been well preserved in their niches. From available
inscriptions it is inferred that the Avayambal shrine came into existence
during the period of Rajaraja Chola III (13th century). Till then, there must
only have been a Bhogasakthi bronze image in the sanctum of Mayuranathar, as
was the practice till separate Ambal shrines were introduced during the reign
of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120).
Main Deity:
The
Mayuranatha Swami Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. In the past, the temple has
been referred by different names such as the Sikliandipuram, Brahmavanam,
Sudavanam and Brahmapuram. Besides lord Shiva, there are other shrines for
Godess Parvati, Ganesha and Nataraja (Shiva’s dancing form).
Temple Architecture:
Here,
the lord is in his Lingam form and has self-manifested. The temple was built
during the medieval Chola dynasty. The temple is almost 2000 year old. The
temple has nine tired Gopurams and the Vimana (crowning) is called tridal
vimana. The temple also has five prakaras (enclosed precincts). A Durga idol is
placed near the Northern entrance to the temple.
There is also a massive water tank at the center of the temple complex. Above
the lords sculpture one can see sculptures of two monkeys and two peacocks.
One
of the interesting thing to be noticed in this temple is Vilva tree with leaves
which had seven leaflets, instead of the usual.
Lord
Aadhi Mayuranathar graces from a separate shrine in the prakara. While the
Presiding deity is in the form of Shivalinga, Ambica appears as a peacock
worshiping the Lord. Lord Muruga in the prakara is praised by saint Arunagiriar
in his Tirupugazh hymns. During the Skanda Sashti festival in Shiva temples,
Lord Muruga would receive His Vel weapon from Mother Ambica. Here, He receives
it from Lord Shiva. The Gouri Thandavam dance performance of Lord is celebrated
as Mayura Thandavam – Mayura-peacock. Lord Nataraja graces from a separate
shrine. The first puja in the evening is dedicated to Lord Nataraja. Mayilamman
shrine is opposite to Nataraja shrine where both Lord and Mother grace in the
form of a peacock.
Two
peacocks and two monkeys are depicted in the banyan tree above the Lord
Dakshinamurthy sculpture in the goshta wall. There is also a Nandhi.
Nadha
Sharma and his wife Anavidyambikai came to this place for the Cauvery
bath-Thula Snanam. Before they arrive at the place, the 30 days time (Aipasi
month-October-November) expired. They sadly stayed at the night worshiping Lord
Shiva. Lord appeared in their dream and advised them to have the bath before
sunrise the next day and assured that they would have full benefit of the Tula
Snanam bath. Based on this, the practice of this bath continues even now on the
first day of Karthikai month. As Lord Shiva froze the bath time for His devotee
couple, this bath is called Mudavan Muzhukku. Mudakku in Tamil means freezing,
Muzhukku bath.
The
couple merged with the Lord then. This Linga is facing west. The Linga with
which his wife Anavidyambikai merged is at right of the Ambica shrine. This
Linga is dressed with Red Sari only. It also indicates the oneness of male and
female. Lord Dakshinamurthi appears slightly slanting on a side with His legs
folded.
Mother
Aadi Poora Ambal graces from a separate shrine in the Veera Shakti form praised
as Abhayambikai. She is also brought in procession to the banks of Cauvery on
Aadi Pooram day and Fridays of this month covering July-August. Lord Vinayaka
in the prakara appearing earlier from a sandal tree is praised as Agasthya
Sandana Vinayaka – Sandanam-Sandal.
Mother Parvathi:
Daksha,
father of Mother Parvathi conducted a yajna but intentionally failed to invite
Lord Shiva to humiliate Him. Lord Shiva did not want Parvathi too to attend the
yajna. Yet, with a view to correct Her father, Parvathi attended the function
but was humiliated by Daksha. Lord Shiva took the Veerabadra form and destroyed
the yajna. A peacock used for the rituals sought asylum at the feet of Mother
Parvathi. As She ignored Lord’s advice, She was cursed to become a peacock. She
came to this place as a peacock and performed severe penance to get back Her
Lord. Pleased with Her penance, Lord Shiva appeared before here as a Peacock
Himself and danced as a peacock – Mayura Thandavam. Ambica was restored to Her
original form. As Lord came here as a peacock-Mayura, He is praised as
Mayuranathar.
Tula Snanam:
It
is said that Lord Shiva blessed Nandhi by destroying its pride. This Nandi is
in the midst of Cauvery. People take their holy bath in the river during the
Aipasi month (October-November) and the first day of following Karthikai month.
Lord visits Cauvery each day during this period of 31 days. It is also said
that Holy Ganga had Her sins washed off with a dip in Holy Cauvery. This day is
Aipasi new moon day-Deepavali. A bath in Cauvery on this day cleanses the
devotee of all his/her past sins.
Planet
Saturn in the Navagraha shrine appears as Jwala Saturn with Agni-fire on his
head. Also a Saturn of normal form with his crow vehicle is by the side facing
north performing Shiva puja. This is a very rare form of Sani planet. Those
facing adverse aspect of this planet pray here to reduce its intensity.
There
are five prakaras in the temple. Juradeva is by the side of the feet of Lord Nataraja.
Mother Durga graces with demon Mahisha at Her feet and also with two demons on
both sides. This is also said to be a rare form of Durga. Chandikeswara and
Tejas Chandikeswara are in the same shrine. Lord Mahavishnu worshiping Lord
Shiva is in a separate shrine. Mothers Ashta Lakshmis and Sattainahar are in
the prakara. There is also a shrine for Kudhambai Chithar who attained
salvation here. People pray to Kanakkadi Vinayaka to take care of their
accounts.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
One of the six
temples on the banks of Cauvery which are considered equivalent to Kasi.
·
It is considered
that Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi come here every year during the month of
Iyppasi (Thula month) and take bath here. The “tula snanam” is highly popular.
·
Dakshayani
(Parvathi devi) attended her father Daksha’s Yagnam (The Thiruppariyalur
Veerattanam where the Daksha yagnam is believed to have been performed is about
10 kms from here) without an invitation and without obeying Shiva’s words to
only get humiliated there. So Shiva asked her to take birth as peacock and
penance here for the entire month of Iyppasi to reunite with Him. Later Shiva
also took a peacock form, performed the Gowri Tandavam and united with Her.
Hence the name Mayiladuthurai (Mayil in tamil means peacock). There are only
two temples where Parvathi took the form of peacock and worshipped Shiva, the
other one being Mylapore.
·
Also, all the
devas who attended Dhaksha yagam worshipped Shiva here and got liberated from
their sins.
·
It is considered
that the place of Mayuram itself was created by Lord Brahmma who worshipped
Lord Shiva here.
·
One of the six
temples on the banks of Cauvery which are considered equivalent to Kasi. Ganga,
Yamuna and Saraswathi became sinful and very ugly since people take bath in
these rivers to wash off their sins. So, as per the advise of Kannuva muni,
they all came to Mayuram during the Iyppasi month, took bath at the Cauvery and
got their sins cleared off and got back their beauty. So it is considered very
sacred to take bath at Cauvery here during the month of Iyppasi. Especially,
the last day of Iyppasi, called “Kadaimugam” is considered the most sacred day
to take bath here and get moksha.
·
A couple by name
Nathasama and Anavidhyambihai came here to take bath during the “Kadaimugam” but
by the time they arrived here it was too late. So they were very upset and
prayed to Lord Shiva. The Lord appeared in their dream and said He will extend
the sacred period to the next day and asked them to take bath before the
sunrise. So the first day of Karthigai month before sunrise is called “Mudavan
Muzhukku” and is considered as holy as “Kadaimugam”.
·
Dhakshinamoorthy
is Medha Dhakshinamoorthy/mouna and gave upadesam to Rishaba devar in yoga
posture.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Mayuranathar |
|
Ambal |
Sri Abyambikai, Sri Anjalnayaki |
|
Theertham |
Rishaba Theertham, Brahma Theertham, Agastya
Theertham |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Mango tree |
BELIEF:
A
bath in Cauvery on this day cleanses the devotee of all his/her past sins.
Praying
lord here, give mental peace.
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Vaikasi |
May-June |
Vaikasi Bramotsavam |
|
Aadi |
July-Aug |
Deepam last
friday |
|
Avani |
Aug-Sept |
Thula Snanam |
|
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha Shivrathri |
HOW
TO REACH:
This sivasthalam temple is located at Mayiladuturai, also known as Mayavaram and Mayooram. One of the 108 Divya Desam shrines of Lord Vishnu is also located in Mayiladuthurai and is more popularly known as TiruIndalur Parimala Ranganathan temple.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Mayuranathaswami
Temple,
Mayiladuthurai,
Nagapattinam,
Tamil Nadu - 609 001.
LOCATION:
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