Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur
Also known as: மருந்தீஸ்வரர் கோயில் (திருவான்மியூர்) · మరుందీశ్వరర్ ఆలయం, తిరువాన్మియూర్ · मरुंदीश्वरर मंदिर, तिरुवान्मियूर
Tamil Nadu Shiva
The 'medicine Lord' temple of Shiva by the Bay of Bengal in south Chennai, linked with Agastya, herbs and healing.
- Deity
- Marundeeswarar (Palvannanathar, Shiva), Tripura Sundari (Parvati)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- A large temple tank (no name given in the source).
- Era
- Present stone structure from the 9th century, expanded in the 11th century.
Sthala Puranam
Shiva is said to have taught the sage Agastya the healing powers of herbs and plants here. This gives the name Marundeeswarar, 'the Lord of medicine'.
The sage Valmiki worshipped Shiva here. The place was called Thiruvalmikiyur, which became Thiruvanmiyur.
Other stories: Hanuman worshipped here, Indra's curse was cured, and Kamadhenu poured milk on the lingam.
The main shrine faces west because the Sun and Moon are said to worship at sunset.
Speciality
- A place of curative worship for people with diseases.
- The present stone structure is from the 9th century (Chola), and was greatly extended in the 11th century. Later additions by the Vijayanagar rulers.
- The architecture is partly Pallava and partly Chola.
Festivals
- Panguni Brahmotsavam (March–April)
- Shivarathri (February–March)
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Combine with a visit to the Besant Nagar and Mylapore temples on the same day.
Prayers for this temple
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.