Shanmughanathar Temple, Kunnakudi, Karaikudi – Legends
Peacock swallowing Garuda and Swan:
As per
another legend, Sooran, the demon king infuriated peacock, the sacred vehicle
of Murugan. He told the bird that Garuda, the sacred vehicle of Vishnu and Swan, the sacred vehicle of Saraswati could travel faster than it. The peacock swallowed
Garuda and the swan in anger. Vishnu prayed to Muruga to retrieve his vehicle
back from the peacock, who readily acceded to the request. The peacock,
realizing its mistake, prayed Muruga by doing penance at this place.
Different Names of this Place:
The
place was originally called Kundrakudi as it was located in a hill
(Kundram means hill in Tamil), which with the period of time became Kunnakudi. It is
also called by other names like Mayuragiri, Mayilmalai, Arasavaram and
Krishanagaram as the hill resembles the shape of a peacock.
Agasthiya worshipping Lord Muruga:
As per
Hindu legend, sage Agasthya is believed to have worshipped Murugan at this
place.
People who worshipped Lord Murugan here:
Lord
Kannapiran, Creator Brahmma, Indira, Sages Vasishta and Vishwamitra, Narada,
Garuda, Sun God, and Manmatha (Cupid) had worshipped in this historical temple.