Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple

Lord Shiva, also known as Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines, resides at the Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple at Tiruvanmiyur, close to Chennai. Those seeking health and healing come to the Marundeeswarar Temple. Nayanmars, also known as the divine Tamil Saints, Tirugnana Sambandar, and Appar, held this shrine in high regard and worshipped it. The public is given Prasadam, a concoction of sacred ash, water, and milk that is said to cure all illnesses. It is stated that this temple has great healing potential and can cure all of its devotees’ illnesses. Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple attracts a lot of pilgrims and devotees from all over the world because of its joyous atmosphere all year long.

Attraction

Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai’s Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, is a noteworthy temple devoted to Lord Shiva, also known as Marundeeswarar, or the “God of Medicines.” This temple draws devotees looking for blessings for their health and well-being because of its strong reputation as a healing location. Marundeeswarar, which is thought to have been revered by sages such as Agastya and Valmiki, is housed in the main sanctum, which enhances its spiritual value. Shiva’s spouse, the goddess Thiripurasundari, has a shrine there as well. She is renowned for bestowing health benefits on her followers. Many devotees take a bath in the temple tank, which is thought to have therapeutic qualities, to heal themselves. Its tall gopurams, elaborate carvings, and old Chola-era inscriptions make it a quintessential specimen of Dravidian architecture. The temple’s cultural richness is further enhanced by the sculptures and pillars that portray scenes from Hindu mythology. Large crowds attend festivals like Panguni Uthiram and Shivaratri, which are celebrated with great fervor. In addition to its historical significance, the Marundeeswarar Temple is still a popular destination for pilgrims because of its connections to spirituality and healing.

History

Thiruvanmiyur’s historic Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, which is tucked away by the Bay of Bengal, has a 1300-year history. Celebrated by Thirugnana Sambandar and Nayanars Appar, it grew under Chola and Vijayanagar. Sage Valmiki’s adoration is among the many stories that surround the temple of Chennai. The solemn prayers offered at the Lingam by Sage Bharadwaja added to the place’s holiness. Lord Brahma’s planned event and Markandeyar’s intense penance enhanced its spiritual importance much more. By anointing the Lingam with milk, the sacred cow Kamadhenu is said to have given it the name Palvananathar, signifying its dazzling whiteness. The main shrine, facing west, is the site of the Sun and Moon’s daily sunset obeisance to the Lord, which captures the temple’s breathtaking spiritual atmosphere. As the 25th temple in the Thondai series to be mentioned in Thevaram hymns, its 2008 Kumbhabhishekam celebrated Lord Shiva’s healing teachings as Marundeeswarar.

Inside/Outside Views

Within the temple, there are numerous elaborately carved pillars that portray scenes from Hindu epics, mythological tales, and deities. With a calm and strong atmosphere, the main sanctum is home to Lord Marundeeswarar (Shiva), who welcomes followers for prayers and healing blessings. The interior courtyards have a profoundly spiritual calm and a number of smaller shrines devoted to different deities, notably Goddess Thiripurasundari. Vibrant sculptures and brilliant frescoes depicting the lives of Shiva and his consorts adorn the walls and ceiling. Corridors with exquisite pillars that each have intricate carvings that heighten the temple’s sense of holiness lead to the inner sanctum. The temple’s great gopuram (gateway tower) rises majestically outside, embellished with elaborate sculptures of gods, celestial creatures, and colorful sceneries from mythology. A defining feature of Dravidian architecture, this multistory structure is easily identifiable and observable from a distance. The holy tank, which is part of the temple’s facade, is where devotees frequently take ceremonial dips that are thought to have therapeutic benefits. Visitors can walk around the expansive outside walls and courtyards, which offer more shrines and places to relax, where one can take in the architectural splendor and historical inscriptions of the temple. With its imposing gates and tranquil environs, the temple complex is a haven of cultural heritage, devotion, and tranquillity.

Opening Hours

Saturday 5:30 AM–12 PM

4:30–8:30 PM

Sunday 5:30 AM–12 PM

4:30–8:30 PM

Monday 5:30 AM–12 PM

4:30–8:30 PM

Tuesday 5:30 AM–12 PM

4:30–8:30 PM

Wednesday 5:30 AM–12 PM

4:30–8:30 PM

Thursday 5:30 AM–12 PM

4:30–8:30 PM

Friday 5:30 AM–12 PM

4:30–8:30 PM

How to Reach

By Air: Chennai International Airport provides easy access to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where the Marundeeswarar Temple is situated. It is located between 15 and 16 kilometers away from the Thiruvanmiyur area. When you leave the airport, it’s easy to find a taxi to take you to the temple.

By Road: The Marundeeswarar Temple is located in Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur. For bus stops, Thiruvanmiyur is the nearest. The Marundeeswara temple on the East Coast Road in Tiruvanmiyur is accessible by regular bus.

By Train: Temples in Chennai are connected to other cities in Tamil Nadu and India by trains that stop at the Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore railway stations.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, this place is safe.

Que-02: Is photography allowed here?

Ans: Photography is not allowed inside the temple.

Que-03: What is the temple dedicated to?

Ans: The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, also known as Lord Marundeeswarar, which means “medicine” in Tamil. The temple is believed to be a place of worship for people with diseases and health problems.

Que-04: When was the temple built?

Ans: The temple’s present structure was built in the 9th century during the Chola dynasty and later expanded by the Vijayanagar rulers.

Que-05: What are the temple’s features?

Ans: The temple has two seven-tiered gateway towers, a large tank, and shrines for Ganesha, Kartik, and Parvati. The temple’s main sanctorum deity faces west, which is unusual.