மயிலாடுதுறை மாற்றங்களுக்குள் தன்னை முழுவதும் தொலைத்துவிடாமல் மெதுவாக வளர்ந்துக்கொண்டிருக்கும் நகரம்.
மாயூரமாக இருந்து மாயாவரமாக மருவி தமிழறிஞர்களின் வேண்டுகோளின்படி மயிலாடுதுறையாகியது.
தமிழகத்தலைநகரிலிருந்து சரியாக 285வது கி.மீ அமைந்துள்ளது.
ஆன்மீக வரலாறு
காவிரியின் தென்புறத்தில் பெரியகோயில் பார்வதி மயில் வடிவில் சிவனை வழிப்பட்ட தலம் சிவன் இங்கு ஸ்ரீமாயூரநாதராகவும் அம்பாள் அபயாம்பிகையாகவும் காட்சியளிக்கும் திருக்கோயில் கோயில் மிகவும் தொன்மை வாய்ந்தது. நான்கு பக்கச் சுற்று மதில்களும் கிழக்கே பெரிய கோபுரமும் ஏனைய மூன்று பக்கங்களிலும் மொட்டைக் கோபுரங்களுமாக இந்த ஆலயம் 378913 சதுர அடி பரப்பில் அமைந்திருக்கிறது இந்த ஆலயத்தின் மண்டபத் தூண்களில் அமைந்திருக்கும் சிற்பங்கள் தமிழர்களின் சிற்பத்திறனுக்கு ஒரு கூடுதல் எடுத்துக் காட்டாகும்.
காவிரியின் வடபுறத்தில் வள்ளலார் கோயில் என அழைக்கப்படும் வள்ளலகரத்தில் அமைந்துள்ள திருக்கோயில் சுவாமி வேதாண்யேஷ்வரர் அம்பிகை ஞானம்பிகை கோவிலின் முக்கிய பிரமுகர் ஸ்ரீ மேதா தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி அருள் பாலித்துக்கொண்டிருக்கிறார்
தொடரும்…!
Mayiladuthurai alias Mayuram is a compact town, situated on the banks of Cauvery. It is 280 kms south of Madras and can be reached by trains going via Main line and also through road. Mayiladuthurai is one of the major junctions in Southern railway with lines branching off to Madras, Trichy, Thiruvarur and Tharangampadi. The town was in the composite Thanjavur district but now it is part of Nagappattinam district. It is the headquaters of an Educational district and is one of the 40 parlimentary constituencies in TamilNadu.
Legends say that due to a curse, Goddess Parvathi took birth as Peacock and worshiped Lord Shiva ( Mayuranathar ). Mayuram means peacock in sanskrit and it was later translated as Mayiladuthurai in tamil. Lot of sidhars have lived here. Even today we find an area called Sidharkaadu, a suburb of Mayuram. Legends also tell that it was a part of Tharukavanam.
“Ayiram Anaalum Mayuram Agaadhu” is a old saying. Maha Vidhwan Meenakshi Sundaram pillai lived in Mayuram. Tamil Grandpa U.Ve. Swaminadha Iyer was a student of Meenakshi Sundaram pillai. Mayuram Vedanayakam Pillai, who wrote “Prathaba Mudaliyar Charithiram” , the first Tamil Novel was a Munsif here. Amarar Kalki Ra.Krishnamurthy studied in Municipal high school, Mayuram. Renouned Carnatic musician Madurai Mani Iyer , Mayuram Rajam Iyer , Violin artist Mayuram Govindaraja pillai ( disciple of kumbakonam Rajamanikkam pillai ) were citizes of Mayuram. Sri Gopala krishna Bharathiyar who wrote “Nandanar Sarithiram” lived in Anandathandavapuram, 5 kms from Mayuram. One of the institutions that was formed for the flourishing of Saivam and Tamil, Dharmapuram Adhinam ( Mutt ) is in the eastern part of Mayuram.
Navagraha Temples
Nine temples, which are famous for each of the Navagraha are situated around Mayiladuthurai. One can visit all the 9 temples in a day, starting from Mayuram and it has become quite a popular tourist circuit today.
Suriyanar koil - Sun - SuriyanThis is about 20kms west of Mayuram, near Aduthurai. Surya resides with his wives Chaya and Suvarcha in this holy place. With Surya at the centre, temples of the other Grahas are around Surya.
Thingaloor - Moon - ChandiranThis is about 40 kms west of Mayuram, near thiruvaiyaru. Mentally disturbed people come here to get cure get rid of their sorrows and sufferings.
Vaidheeswaran Koil - Mars - AngarakanThis temple is 12 kms north-east of Mayuram, on the way to Chidambaram. This town is also called as Pull-irukku-Veloor. Jadayu - the eagle who made a gallant attempt to stop Ravana from proceeding to Lanka with Sita, got relieved of his wings by Ravana, fell down here and eventually got Moksha. Even today we can see the place where Jadayu was cremated - ‘Jadayu Kundam’.
Vaidheeswaran koil is a crowd puller for many reasons along with the Angarakan. Vaidyanadha Swamy ( shiva ) is believed to cure illness of the ardent devotees. Lot of people throng here everyday, offer their prayers for regaining their health with the grace of the deity. Ambal is called Valambika alias Thaiyal Nayaki.
Kiruthigai is an auspicious day here with special poojas performed for SelvaMuthuKumara Swamy ( Murugan ). Nayanmars, Arunagiri Nadar, kumaraguruparar, kalamega pulavar have visited this temple and sung in praise of the deity. Separate sanctorum for Angaraka is a speciality out here as you cannot find it elsewhere.
Thiruvenkadu - Mercury - BudhanThis is about 24 kms east of Mayuram. Lord Shiva resides here in the name of Swetharanyar. This temple is referred in ‘Saiva Thirumurais’ and Sastras. This place is similar to Kasi with all the Snana Ghats. One can do all the karmas here, that is supposed to be done in kasi. We can find a separate sanctum sanctorum for bhudan. Bhudan holds the portfolio of Education and Arts and it is the next popular place students prefer to go after Tuition centers.
Alangudi - Jupiter - GuruThis is about 40 kms from Mayuram near Needamangalam. The speciality here is that Lord Guru is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol.
Kanjanur - Venus - SukranKanjanur is near Suriyanarkoil. People come here for getting the blessings of Sukran, to get themselves ‘Sukra Dasa’, who is believed to get them wealth.
Thirunallaru - Saturn - ShaniThis is the most sought Navagraham, which is about 30 kms east of Mayuram on the way to Thiruvarur. There is a separate sanctum sanctoram for Lord Shani. This is the place where Shani left from the body of Nala Maharaja. This is one of the ‘Sapta Vidanga Kshetras’ ( where Musukunda Chakravarthy installed the deity of Thyagaraja ). It is believed that holy dip in the tank ( Nala Theertham ) will help people to escape from the woes of Sani.
Thirunageswaram - RaguThis is about 30 kms from Mayuram , near Kumbakonam. The main deity’s name is Nageshwarar and Ambal’s name is Girigujambikai. She is decorated as a small girl in the Mornings, as young lady in Noons and as lady in evenings. Thirunageswaram is referenced in Lalitha Sahasranamam. Here Ragu resides with his wife and everyday, during Ragu kalam, when Milk is poured over Ragu idol, it miraculously changes to blue colour. People having Ragu dosha come here during Ragu kalam and perform Abishekas.
Keezhaperumpallam - KethuThis temple is about 20 kms from Mayuram, near Thiruvenkadu. Here there is a separate sanctum sanctorum for Kedhu. Those who are affected by Kedhu dosha come here for rectification.
Our predecessors formed a master temple formation with certain temples at various places, having Thiruvidaimaruthur as center. Such formations are also there in Andrapradesh ( Makllikarjunam ) and North India. Thiruvidaimaruthur is the Shiva temple of the Master temple formation. Thiruvalanchizhi is the vinayaka temple, Swamimalai is the Muruga temple, Senganur is the Chandikeshwarar temple, Chidambaram is the Nataraja temple, Sirkali is the Bhairavar temple, Thiruvavaduthurai is the Nandhi temple, Thiruvalankadu is the Dakshinamoorthy temple, Ammankudi is the Durga temple and Suriyanarkoil is the Navagraha temple of this master temple formation.
ThiruvidaimaruthurThis is about 25 kms from Mayuram on the way to kumbakonam.. Jyothir Mahalingam is the name of Lord Shiva and Mookambikai and Brigadgujambika are the Ambals in this temple. Here Thai Poosam is a famous festival. This temple is praised by Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. Here the Brahmahathi dosha of Chola king was rectified. This temple has famous corridors (Praharam). There are three corridors.
(i). Aswamedha pradhakshina praharam - Going around this will give the effect of doing Ashwamedha yaga.
(ii) Kodumudi praharam - Going around this will give the effect of going to Kailas.
(iii) Pranava praharam - Going around this will give Moksha.
ThiruvalanchuzhiThis is about 37 kms from Mayuram, near kumbakonam. The Swetha Vinayaka here is peculiar with having his trunk in his right direction. We can see an architectural splendor in the form of “Karungal Palagani” - Granite window.
SwamimalaiThis famous temple is 5 kms from kumbakonam. The hill here is not a natural one but constructed for building the temple. Here Swaminada ( Lord Muruga ) preached Pranava mantra “OM” to Lord shiva. The 60 steps to the temple indicate the 60 years of the Tamil calender. This temple is praised by Arunagirinadar. Every Thursday, Lord Swaminada is decorated with ‘Diamond Vel’ ( a form of spear ).
SenganurThis is the birth place of the first Adiyar of lord Shiva, Chandesa Nayanar. This is near Aduthurai.
Chidambaram
This temple which is the most important temple for Saivaits is 44 kms north east of Mayuram in the way to Madras. The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam and hence is one of the Pancha Boodha Kshethras. This is also called as Puliyur, Thiruchitrambalam.
The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. This temple is sung by many Nayanmars. King Raja Raja Chola I recovered the Saiva Thirumurais here. In Margazhi month, Arudra Darisanam is given. One can see both Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja perumal from the same place in this temple. The phrase “Chidambara Ragasiyam” is very famous. Chidambara ragasiyam is nothing but Golden Vilva leaves which is very special for Lord Shiva. In Chidambaram, a dance contest between Kali and Nataraja was held. Nataraja performed Urthuvathandavam and won.
The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brought together all the prominent dancers of India present there with an enchantment and elation, which shone in their eyes and evocative abhinaya as they offered their dance to the great divinity, Lord Nataraja. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja himself, whose padams and varnams they often dance upon creating an imaginary figure of the Lord. The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the temple. In the lighter side, people use to enqire if one’s home is Chidambaram ( Husband rule ) or Madurai ( Wife rule )
SirkazhiSituated 21 kms from Mayuram, this is a historical place which has played important role in Saiva history. Here only goddess Parvathi gave Gnana milk to Thirugnana Sambandar when he was a child. After this, he sang the famous Devaram “Thodudaya Seviyan..” which was his first song. Lord Shiva as Thoniappar resides in a boat ( Thoni - boat ). The boat symbolizes that Thoniappar helps people cross their sea of birth. Every year during Thiruvadirai Nakshatra of Sithirai month, the famous Thirumulaippal Utsav is held. When Deluge happened, Lord Shiva came in a boat to this place and creates living beings. Lord Bhairavar resides here in the name of Sattainadhar.
KoothanoorThis place is near Poonthottam on the banks of river Mudikondan, 20 kms from Mayuram on the way to Thiruvaroor. “Aya kalaikal arupathunaanginaiyum aeya unarvikkum en ammai” - Saraswati devi, who is the goddess of knowledge and arts resides here in a separate temple. Ancient Tamil poet Ottakoothar lived in this place. When Kumaraguruparar went to Kasi, for being triumphant in a debate, he prayed this Saraswathi devi with “Sakalakala valli malai”. This is the native place of Smt. M.L.Vasanthakumari a Carnatic Music legend. Every year Saraswathi Pooja and VijayaDasami festival is celeberated grandly. During VijayaDasami day, parents start education ( Aksharabhyasam ) for their children here.
ThirupungurThis temple is near Vaitheeswarankoil, 14 kms from Mayuram. Sivaloganatha swamy temple is a famous temple in which the an incredible incident happened. Poet Nandanar was a lower cast man and such people were not allowed inside temples in that period (untouchability). Standing outside the temple, Nandanar could’nt see Lord Shiva as Nandi was obstructing his view and hence prayed God. Lord Shiva ordered Nandi to move a bit, so that he can see his baktha. So, in this temple we can see the Nandi that has moved a bit in haste.
PoompuharThis historical town is situated 24 kms west of Mayuram. Kaviripoompattinam is another name for this town as the holy river Cauvery reaches the Bay of Bengal only here. As written in the epic Silappathikaram, written by Ilangovadigal, Kovalan and Kannagi lived in this town. We can witness “Silappathikara kalaikkodam”, a panorama of sculptures depicting scenes from Silappathikaram in poompuhar. This had been the capital of Cholas and was a great commercial centre, which can be known from Pattinappalai, a tamil literature.
KurumaanakudiThis is about 8 kms from Mayuram on the way to Vaideeswarakoil. Something special in the KannAyiramUdaiyar temple is that the Navagrahas are sculptered on the roof of the temple. Special prayers are held during Sundays of Karthigai month.
Sri Mayuranathaswami templeThis is also called the ‘Big temple’ of the town, and the goddess here protects her devotees who surrender and worships her. Hence she is called Abayambikai alias Anjal Nayaki ( Abayam means giving protection ). Famous poets like Appar, Sambandhar, Arunagiri nadhar have rendered songs in praise of the deity. Sri Muthuswamy Dikshidar and Saint Thyagaraja who were among the famous Sangeetha Mummoorthis, met in this temple and sang in praise of the god. Dikshidar has rendered nine krithis on Abayambikai called Navavarna krithis. This temple is under the control of Thiruvavaduthurai Adhinam and Dharmapuram Adhinam.
Sri Ayyarappar templeThis temple is one of the oldest temple and is of Archeological interest. This temple houses many Stone inscriptions of Kulothungha chola period. Ambal’s name is Dharmasamvardhani ( one who helps the growth of Dharma ).
Sri Vadhanyeshwarar templeOn the northern bank of the Cauvery, in Uttara Mayuram, is situated the lovely temple familiarly called Vallalar koil. The beautiful and panoramic view of the Cauvery with the Rishaba mantabam in the middle draws pilgrims and tourists alike.
The main deity is Sri Vadhanyeshwarar and the Goddess goes by the name of Gnanambika. On the southern side of the sanctum sanctorum is situated the shrine of Sri Medhaa Dakshinamurthy. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed usually as a yogi under a banyan tree, His right hand held in gnana mudra, imparting wisdom silently to the aged Sankartha munis.
Medhaa Dakshinamurthy is seen sitting in yogaasana, with the right hand depicting the chin mudra and the left holding a book. The remarkable feature of this Dakshinamurthy is that He is seated on Nandi. According to the legend, Once upon a time, long long ago, so long ago, when nobody knew how long ago, Rishaba Deva ( Nandi Deva ) felt proud that he was carrying Lord Shiva on his back. The Lord somehow sensed this feeling and wanted to teach him a lesson. So one day, he placed a lock from his matted hair on Rishaba Deva. Unable to bear the weight, Rishaba Deva felt vrushed and immediately realised his mistake. He prostrated before the Lord and craved his pardon. The Lord not only pardoned him but also initiated him into the mysteries of Divine Wisdom. So, even when the Lord took the form of Gurumurthy, Rishaba Deva was permitted to serve as His mount.
The Lord goes by the name of Vallalar or Vadhanyeshwara meaning one who gives abundantly to his devotee, the seeker. The Lord is also known as kai Kaattum Vallalar, the Lord who shows His hand in the gnana mudra.
The Lord obliged and made Nandi Deva stay at Mayuram , in the middle of the Cauvery. He directed that Ganga and other rivers should flow into Cauvery on New moon day in the Tamil month of Aipasi. Hence, the river at the spot came to be known as Rishaba theertham. Goddess Ganga Devi is carried on a makara (crocodile) vahanam on the Aipasi New Moon day.
‘Uttara Mayura Mahatmiyam’ in Sanskrit, gives the history of the place in 20 chapters. ‘Tirisirapuram maha Vidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai has sung the history of the temple in tamil. As the temple is attached to the Dharmapura Adheenam, it has been patronised by the mutts, heads. Every year in the month of karthigai, a grand Mahabishekam is performed for Medhaa Dakshinamurthy. Every year, the transit of the planet Guru from one rasi to another is celebrated grandly in this temple.
Sri Punukeeswarar templeThis temple is situated in Koorainadu in the western part of Mayuram. This is named after Punuku siddar who got Moksha here. Koorai means clothe. During a typical South Indian marriage, a typical South Indian bride (notwithstanding mixed marriages!) wears a saree, which is called Koorai saree. In olden days such sarees were woven only in koorainadu and this is the reason behind the name ‘koorai pudavai’.
Sri Parimala Ranganatha swamy temple
From the birth of holy river Cauvery in ThalaCauvery to its end in Poompukar, there are five Ranganathas and one of them is Sri Parimala Ranganathar in Thiruindhalur on the banks of Cauvery. Alwars (Vaishnavite poets) have sung on the greatness of Parimala Ranganatha. This temple is among the 108 vaishanava Thirupathis. Perumal (Lord Vishnu) in this is Parimala Ranganathan (Maruviniya Maindhan, Sugandavana Nathan) in veerasayanam pose facing East. Thaayar (Goddess) is called Parimala Ranganayaki, Chandra-shapa-vimochanavalli and Pundarikavalli
Chandran got his curses absolved by Thaayar in this place. This is the reason why Thaayar got that name ‘Chandra-shapa-vimochanavalli’. Perumal in Sayana posture has Chathur bujha and Caverydevi and Gangadevi can be seen near the head and foot of Perumal.
Sri Kasi Vishwanatha swamy templeThis temple can conviniently be called as a branch of Kasi Vishwanatha temple. Pilgrims, who cant go to Kasi, can worship here and get the same effect. This is in the thula ghat ( Laghatam ) on the banks of Cauvery. Dhondi vinayaka and Bhairava are also seen in this temple.
FestivalA month-long festival called ‘Tula Utsavam’ is held every year in the Iyppasi month (Thula month ). People in and around Mayuram throng on the banks of Cauveruy during the festival. The last day of the month is celeberated as Kadaimugam. On the holy day of Kadaimugam, it is believed that river-goddesses Ganga , Yamuna and Saraswathi come and take a holy dip in Cauvery to get rid of their sins and rejuvenate themselves to collect sins from pilgrims who take a holy dip in those rivers. The day before kadaimugam, car festival ( Rath ) is celeberated where cars from Vallalar temple, Big temple and Ranganatha temple go around in their car streets. The whole town wears a festive look for atleast a fortnight, with all the crowd hanging around, seasonal shops opening up, where kids and ladies freq-out shopping till they get fed up.
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