Mayuranathaswami Temple, Mayiladuthurai – History

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 10^th 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 14^th 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 (13^th 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 17^th 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.