Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai | Timings, Photos, Address

Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai Overview

The magnificent Marundeeswarar Temple, in Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai has the temple deity Shiva in the form of Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines. A fine specimen of Dravidian architecture, this temple is a must visit for anyone visiting Chennai or nearby cities.

Glorified in the 7th-8th century by Nayanars (Saivite Saints), Tirugnana Sambandar, and Appar, the temple was expanded by the Chola Kingdom in the 11th century. Moreover, given the name, Marundeeswarar Temple has been a place of worship especially for people with diseases and those facing various problems with their health. The prasadam here is a mixture of sacred ash, water, and milk which is believed to cure any ailments. One must visit the temple to encounter the miraculous power it is said to have.

More about Marundeeswarar Temple

Amongst the many legends associated with the temple, one of them explains why Lord Marundeeswarar is known as he is because he is said to have taught the great Sage Agastya about a magical medicine. The temple is also known for its one and a half ft. self-manifested Shivalinga. It also contains the statues of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga. Furthermore, it hosts many festivals such as Shivrathri, Skanda Sashti, and Vinayaka Chaturti. Hence, the temple even has a festive aura all around the year. Owing to its historical significance, this temple is a serene and peaceful place to be when in or around Chennai.

Legends Related to Marundeeswarar Temple

Marundeeswarar temple is a place known for bestowing blessings over the diseased people, in turn, curing them. Legends say that lord Marundeeswarar imparted knowledge about different properties of herbs and plants to sage Agastya on the lands of this temple. Hence getting its name, Marundeeswarar where Marundhu in means medicine and Easwara means God of Medicines.

It is also believed that Sage Valmiki, who wrote The Ramayana, visited the Marundeeswarar temple to worship Shiva. The purpose was to correct himself from his past deeds of a robber. He was then blessed by the almighty. After this incident, this place came to be known as Thiruvalmikiyur; the name gradually changed to Thiruvanmiyur where you see the temple today. Presently, there is also a place here in Thiruvanmiyur called Valmiki Nagar dedicated in his honour.

Architecture of Marundeeswarar Temple

The temple is undoubtedly a fine specimen of Dravidian architecture. It has two entrances, one from the West Tank Street and the other on the East Coast Road. Both of these entries are adorned by a 5-tiered gopuram or the gateway tower. The access from the West Tank has three gates whereas the one from East has a single entrance. The speciality found in Marundeeswarar Temple is that The Vimana, the tower above the sanctum sanctorum, of the presiding deity is of an ancient Chaturvastam design. Moreover, it has a 5 tier Rajagopuram, where Pongal-pudding is offered as Nivedhana to the Lord. Besides, it occupies an area of 1 acre. Where various images embellish the pillars, stucco figures beautify the gopurams. The hall or the mandapam housing the Somaskanda form of Lord Shiva has 36 pillars that are ostentatiously craved.

The Marundeeswarar Temple also has smaller Shrines of Lord Ganesha and Murugan. The 3 Ganeshas together control all the three time periods and are situated adjacent to Vedagama Padasalai. Furthermore, a Thirumurai mandapam is present in which Thirumurai has been sung everyday from past 11 years. The shrine of Shiva has the idols of him in his three forms, namely, Thyagaraja, Marundeeswarar, and Nataraja. Thyagaraja and Nataraja are the forms of Lord Shiva in which he is not in the Lingam form. The last shrine is of Marundeeswarar's consort, Goddess Thirupurasundari, who is Goddess Parvati.

Festivals Celebrated at Marundeeswarar Temple

The temple hosts many festivals around the year, like Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March- April, Shivrathri in February-March, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Skanda Sashti in October-November, and the full moon days, calling them the Kruthika Star Days. visiting during these celebrations will lighten up your visit with more joy and enthusiasm.