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Mayuranathaswami Temple, Mayiladuthurai: A Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva
Nestled on the banks of the sacred Kaveri River, Mayuranathaswami Temple in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most revered and architecturally magnificent Shiva temples in South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Mayuranathar (The Lord of the Peacocks), this temple holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu mythology and is closely associated with Goddess Parvati’s divine penance.
The temple derives its name from the legend where Goddess Parvati, cursed to take the form of a peahen (Mayura), performed intense penance at this very site to seek Lord Shiva’s grace and regain her divine form. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva blessed her, and the sacred site became known as Mayuranathaswami Temple.
Famed for its majestic Dravidian-style architecture, the temple boasts a towering nine-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower), intricate stone carvings, and a grand temple tank known as Kalyani Theertham. It is also one of the six holy Shiva temples located along the banks of the Kaveri River, believed to bestow spiritual liberation and relief from past-life karmas upon devotees.
A pilgrimage to this temple is considered highly auspicious, especially during Maha Shivaratri and Aadi Perukku festivals, drawing thousands of devotees seeking divine blessings. The serene spiritual ambiance, historical significance, and divine presence of Lord Mayuranathar make this temple a must-visit destination for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.