It is a place that predates British rule by several
centuries; it was occupied by the Portuguese in 1523, which lasted until 1749, later falling into the hands of the British East India Company. It is “Mylapore” [Thiru Mayilai], a cultural hub; one of the oldest residential
parts of the city, also known as VEdapuri and Mayurapuri.
Thirumazhisai Azhwar in his mangalasasanam of
Thiruvallikkeni calls ‘Maamayilai Maavallikkeyniyaan”; Thirumangai Mannan also names it ‘Mayilai
Thiruvallikkeni’ perhaps they existed as
‘twin cities’ ! … Besides Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple [Mylai Karpagambal]
(Mayilai indicative of presence of peacocks) – there exist two ancient
Vaishnavaite temples. Sri Adhi Kesava
Perumal owning the Chithirai kulam and Sri Madhava Perumal Thirukovil nearer
Arundale Street where the birthplace of Sri Peyalwar exists. This place Madhavapuram was considered to be
the holiest place for performing penance by Sage Vyasa according the Sthala
puranam.
The Presiding deity of Sri Mylai Madhava Perumal Thirukovil is in a sitting posture hailed as Sri Madhavar and His consort
is Amirthavalli. The Uthsavar idol is
extremely beautiful. There is a
separate sannathi for Sri Ramar.
In the divine
Ithihasa puranam Sri Ramayanam, Ravana
of evil mind, planned deceitfully to carry Sitadevi by stealth. He,
directed a rakshasa by name Mareecha to appear as a golden hued deer. Maricha
reached Panchavati and in the form of a golden deer ambled in front of Sri Rama’s
cottage; his body was sleek, had attractive glow, his horns shone blue. Sitadevi while plucking flowers noticed the
deer with shining coat. Sri Rama went
after the deer …… when the evil minded Ravana abducted Sitadevi, leading to his
downfall and death.
At Mylai Madhava Perumal temple, on the occasion of Sri
Rama Navami, daily there is sarruppadi [alankaram] depicting the episodes of
Sri Ramayana and today [26th Mar 2015] it was ‘mareecha vatham’. Here are some photos taken by me.
Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.
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