174. PANAPAKKAM

MAYURANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 15kms from Kanchipuram

Shiva: Mayuranadhar

Amman: Sowndharyanayaki

Sthala Viruksham: Panai Tree

Speciality:

This place was full of Palm trees. Therefore the place is called Panapakkam.

Parvathi worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock. Therefore Shiva is known as Mayuranadhar.

In ancient days this place was called as Mayurapuri, Thiruthalapuri, Puliyur, Indhrapuri, Brahmapuri and Kalyanamavoor. These names have been mentioned in the Sthala Purana called Panasaipuranam of this temple.

This temple has been worshipped by Nandhikeswarar, Brahma, Indhiran, Sage Agasthya and Sage Vyakrapadhar.

This is one of the temples worshiped by Sage Agasthya during his Pilgrimage to the southern region.

Brahma and Indhira performed penance and worshiped this temple and got relieved from their curse.

Since Vyakrapadhar worshipped here Lord Shiva is referred as Puliyappar. The name Puliyappar has been mentioned in the inscriptions of this temple.

There are 2 inscriptions which mention about the contributions donated to this temple.

The Brahmatsavam of this temple is celebrated in the month of Chithirai on the Magam star day.