Mayuranathaswami Temple,
Mayiladuthurai – History
The
temple was built by the medieval Cholas. The
original brick temple seems to have been reconstructed in stone by
Sembiyan Mahadevi, wife of Gandaraditya Chola in 10th Century CE. The
oldest inscriptions on the temple walls date to the time of Kulothunga
Chola I. The presiding deity of the
temple was called as ThirumayiIaduthurai Udaiyar in the ancient
inscriptions.
There are about 17 inscriptions available in this
temple dating back to various rulers who ruled over this region. One
of the inscriptions dated to 14th regnal year of Rajaraja Chola III
records the gift of land to the shrine of the Goddess called Tiruppalliarai
Nachiyar. Abhayambikai Shrine came into existence during the period of Rajaraja
Chola III (13th century CE).
The
temple received patronage from Kulothunga Chola I (1070 – 1122
CE), Rajadhi Raja Chola II (1163 – 1178 CE), Rajaraja Chola III (1216 – 1246 CE),
Jadavarman Sundara Pandya (I251 – 1268 CE) and Vijayanagara Kings. The
temple was renovated during 17th Century CE by the
Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam and a Kumbabhishekam was performed.
The
temple was extensively renovated during 1907-1927 by
Devakottai AL.VR.P. Veerappa Chettiyar & Pethaperumal Chettiyar. The proponents
of the Self Respect Movement organized a temple entry of Dalits on a
big scale in May 1927 resulted in a huge clash. The
temple is currently managed by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, while
the Kumara Kattalai in this
temple, Vallalar Koyil and Kasi Viswanathar Temple are managed by
the Dharumapura Adheenam.
