At the revered Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, a beautifully painted mortar image of a parrot (Kili) adorns a niche in the Kili Gopuram, a subtle yet significant symbol of divine legacy and poetic devotion. This parrot is more than ornamental; it is deeply connected to the legendary saint and ardent Murugan devotee, Arunagirinathar.

The legend of Arunagirinathar’s transformation

According to temple lore, Arunagirinathar spent his final years in the form of a parrot, residing at the Arunachaleswarar Temple. The story begins with a challenge posed by an orator named Sambandan, who, after being bested by Arunagirinathar in a debate, sought revenge. He approached the local king who had been spiritually blinded by the darshan of Lord Murugan and said:

"If your highness requests Arunagirinathar to fetch a parijata flower from Svargaloka (the celestial realm), its nectar can restore your eyesight."

Driven by hope, the king entrusted Arunagirinathar with the divine mission. To travel to Svargaloka, the saint entered the body of a recently deceased parrot, leaving his human form in a niche of the temple's gopuram. As soon as the parrot departed on its quest, Sambandan deceitfully claimed that the body was lifeless and urged the king to allow it to be cremated, a request that was granted.

Upon returning with the divine flower, Arunagirinathar discovered his body had been burned. In his parrot form, he approached the king and restored his sight with the parijata nectar. Realizing the deception, the king was overcome with guilt. Yet Arunagirinathar, ever composed, chose to remain in the parrot's body and continued to live in the temple, composing hymns in praise of Lord Murugan

In homage to Arunagirinathar and the sacred symbolism of birds, recent renovations at the Adi Annamalai Temple have retained the traditional openings at the top of the compound walls, originally designed as nesting spaces for parrots, doves, pigeons, sparrows, owls, and bats. During nesting season, visitors are often greeted by flocks of parrots and doves soaring above the temple grounds, adding a celestial atmosphere to the ancient space.

So, what is the parrot all about?

Known as Shuka in Sanskrit, holds a revered place in Hindu tradition. Notably, it is seen perched on the right shoulder of Goddess Meenakshi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Raja Matangi, also revered as Raja Shyamala, the celestial minister (Manthrini) of Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari. This divine parrot is considered her celestial companion, imparting wisdom and mastery over the 64 classical arts to the Goddess Herself.

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Source / Image Credit : sathish vlog, Thread Reader , Interesting Places