Chennai, known as the Gateway to South India, is a historic city that has hosted multiple powerful empires throughout its history. For centuries, it has served as the military, economic, and administrative hub of the Pallava, Pandya, Chola, and Vijayanagara empires, among other notable dynasties. Travelers pour into the nation’s capital to experience the true spirit of Chennai and gain a comprehensive grasp of its vibrant culture. Chennai, a coastal metropolis, captivates tourists with a wealth of treasures, such as stunning churches, alluring beaches, motivational museums, and astounding historical landmarks. Magnificent sacred locations dictate the chronicles of the historic metropolis. The Marundeeswarar Temple is one of the symbols of culture. Among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, a magnificent temple honoring Lord Shiva is frequented by pilgrims looking for healing. Saiva Nayanars’ poetic verses aptly mention the temples devoted to Lord Shiva, known as Paadal Petra Sthalams.
In this hallowed location, the well-known saint-poet and Thirupuggazh author Arunagirinathar had sung the hymns honoring Lord Subramanya. A collection of Tamil sacred songs honoring Lord Muruga is called Thirupuggahz.
The Trinity Sea Shore temples of Thondai Mandalam are made up of the Marundeeswarar, Kapaleeswarar, and Thiruvottiyur Thyagaraja Swamy temples. The Shiva Lingam at the temple is Swayambhu Murti, or self-manifested, which is an important fact.
This 1,300-year-old temple is located close to the Bay of Bengal’s shores in Thiruvanmiyur. Arulmigu marundeeswarar temple is mentioned in the poetry of two well-known Nayanars from the seventh and eighth centuries: Appar and Thirugnana Sambandar.
The sacred complex underwent significant expansion in the eleventh century during the Chola period. During the Vijayanagar Empire, more additions were made. The religious site, which is one acre in size, is looked after by the Tamil Nadu government’s Hindus Religious and Charitable Endowments department.
This temple was formerly known as Thiruvalmikiyur, but it was later renamed as Thiruvanmiyur. According to legend, the renowned sage Valmiki, who wrote the Ramayana, worshipped Lord Shiva there. This revered shrine has a temple dedicated to Valmiki standing across from it.
It is thought that in this hallowed location, Sage Bharadwaja prayed to the Lingam. At this sacred site, Markandeyar worshipped Lord Shiva and carried out penance. In this hallowed location, Lord Brahma had arranged a festival in honor of Lord Shiva.
Because of the belief that the holy cow Kamadhenu washed the Lingam with milk, the Lingam is also called Palvananathar. It appears to be white as it pours milk over the Lingam. Palvannam, which means “white” in Tamil, gives rise to the name Palvananathar. It is said that the main shrine faces west, and every day at dusk, the Sun and Moon give thanks to the Lord.
The sacred Vani tree is located in the temple where Lord Shiva first appeared to Sages Valmiki and Agastya. The last Kumbhabhishekam took place on May 23, 2008. Thevaram hymns honor this temple, which is the twenty-fiveth in the Thondai region.
Known as Marundeeswarar, Lord Shiva is credited with teaching Sage Agasthya about the Oushadha Mooligai, or medicinal herbs, and how to use them to treat a variety of illnesses. Tamil’s words for God and medicine are Eswarar and Marundhu, respectively.
Chennai’s Marundeeswarar Temple’s Architecture
The breathtaking architecture would astound visitors. Visitors to the holy complex are greeted by Rajagopurams, also known as the gateway towers, on the East Coast Road and at West Tank Street. Motivating mythological tales are portrayed in imposing carvings on the Rajagopuram or the tower.
In the magnificent marundeeswarar kovil, devotees would be ecstatic to see Lord Shiva in his three forms as Theyagaraja, Marundeeswarar, and Nataraja. Goddess Tripura Sundari appears as his consort, Goddess Parvati.
Goddess Thiruparasundari is facing a Srichakra. Here, Lord Shiva is also referred to as Vanmikanathar and Amudheeswarar. Due to his veneration in the Vedas and among all the Devas, Lord Shiva is also known as Vedapureeswarar.
The magnificent mandapams of the sacred building, which include the Devasriyan and Thirumurai mandapams—where Tirumurai has been sung for the past eleven years—amaze the guests.
Visitors would be in awe of the 36 pillars that support the Somaskanada form of Lord Shiva, which is adorned with eye-catching carvings. The shrine containing the three idols of Lord Vinayaka, who is thought to be in charge of the three time periods, is a notable aspect of the temple.
Admiration is evident in the Chaturvastam-styled Vimanam, which is erected above the sanctum sanctorum. Within the temple are shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan, as well as approximately 108 Shiva Lingas and Pacnhalingas.
According to legend, Lord Shiva was once blinded by the Great Saint and poet Dikshitar and was convinced to turn around during a particularly strong flood. As a result of Lord Shiva turning around after hearing his prayers, the temple faces west. The Goddess Thirupurasundari’s shrine faces south, while the shrines of Lord Muruga and Lord Ganesha face east.
Lord Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Mahavishnu, Goddess Durga and Gajalakshmi, 63 Nayanmars, Nalvars, Jambukeswarar, Ramanathar, Arunachaleeswarar, Kalabhairavar, and Sundareswarar are among the other shrines located within the temple. The samadhi of Pamban Swamigal is also housed in the hallowed building.
It is said that Lord Shiva’s jada mudi is the source of the temple’s five theerthams, or holy waters: Janmanasini, Kamanasini, Papanasini, Gyana Dhayini, and Mokshanasini.
Activities at Chennai’s Marundeeswarar Temple
There are twelve festivals celebrated a year, and six rituals are performed every day. Every day from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, there are Shiva Siddhanta sessions in the Devasriyan mandapam. Brahmotsavam, which is observed from March to April, draws large crowds. The temple also celebrates Skanda Sashti, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shivaratri with great fervor. At pradosham, pilgrims pour into the temple.
Marundeeswarar Temple Timings
The temple is open for free entry. It is open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday.
Marundeeswarar Temples Location Chennai
There are several ways to get to Chennai, including by bus, airplane, or train. One of the busiest airports in the nation is Chennai Airport. With frequent flights departing from the Anna terminal, it has excellent global connections. Daily flights are operated from Kamaraj terminal to Chennai, taking off from various locations across the nation.
The nation’s capital is well-served by a well-established rail system. From the airport, bus stand, or railway station, travelers can take a bus, taxi, auto rickshaw, or cab to the marundeeswarar temple thiruvanmiyur, which is located in Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur. The closest bus stop is Thiruvanmiyur. Trains connecting Chennai to other cities in India can be boarded from Chennai Central railway station, and trains connecting it to other cities in Tamil Nadu can be taken from Chennai Egmore station. Local buses can be taken from CMBT (Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal).
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The Trinity Sea Shore temples of Thondai Mandalam are made up of the Marundeeswarar, Kapaleeswarar, and Thiruvottiyur Thyagaraja Swamy temples. The Shiva Lingam at the temple is Swayambhu Murti, or self-manifested, which is an important fact.
