Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur - History, Legends and Significance

Marundeeswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, near the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and was praised by the Saivite saints Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar in the 7th century CE.

The temple was expanded by the Chola kings during the 11th century CE and features two seven-tiered rajagopurams, a large temple tank, and a spacious complex. It has long been known as a sacred place where devotees pray for relief from illnesses. The temple follows six daily poojas and celebrates twelve annual festivals. The present structure dates back to the 9th century Chola period, with later additions by the Vijayanagara rulers. The latest Maha Kumbabishekam was performed in February 2020.

Legend of Marundeeswarar Temple

According to legend, Lord Shiva taught Sage Agastya the medicinal properties of herbs, earning the name Marundeeswarar. The temple is therefore associated with healing and good health.

It is also believed that Sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, worshipped Lord Shiva here, leading to the place being known as Thiruvalmikiyur, which later became Thiruvanmiyur. The temple also houses sacred Shiva Lingams worshipped by Hanuman, Saint Bharadwaja, and Markandeya, while Lord Brahma is believed to have conducted a festival here. The presiding deity is also called Palvannanathar, as Kamadhenu is believed to have offered milk to the Shiva Lingam.

History of Marundeeswarar Temple

During the Chola period, the present-day East Coast Road (ECR) served as an important trade route known as Vadagaperuvazhi. Inscriptions from the 11th century, dating to the reign of Rajendra Chola, confirm the temple`s historical importance.

The temple was renovated in 1903 and again during the 1970s. Today, along with Kapaleeswarar Temple and Thiruvottiyur Thyagarajaswamy Temple, it is one of the famous Trinity Sea Shore Temples of Thondai Mandalam and remains an important pilgrimage destination in Chennai.