Read More on Marundeeswarar Temple
History
The road that starts from Marundeeswarar Temple Chennai, was an important trade or traveling route during the rule of the Chola dynasty and was famously known as Vadagaperuvazhi, it was used to connect the kingdom with various places in Thanjavur and today’s Andhra Pradesh. You can find various inscriptions in the shrine of Tripurasundari Amman that dates back to the early 11th century during the period of great King Rajendra Chola. The history of this road tells a lot about the importance of this temple.
According to popular belief, the great Sage Valmiki, who wrote the famous Hindu epic and religious text, The Ramayana, had also visited the Marundeeswarar temple to worship Lord Shiva. The main purpose of his visit was to ask for forgiveness for his past deeds as a robber from the Lord. After praying to the almighty he was blessed. Presently, a place called Valmiki Nagar dedicated to his honor is present here in Thiruvanmiyur.
Architecture
This amazing temple in Thiruvanmiyur is undoubtedly a fine example of Dravidian architecture. The temple has two entrances, one from East Coast Road and the other on West Tank Street. A 5-tiered gopuram or the gateway tower amplifies the beauty of these entrances. The West Tank entrance has three gates, whereas the East only has a single entrance.
The tower above the sanctum sanctorum is one of the specialties found in Marundeeswarar Temple Chennai. It also has a beautiful 5 tier Rajagopuram, and delicious Pongal pudding is offered to the Lord as Nivedhana. The mandapam housing the Somaskanda form of Lord Shiva has a total of 36 pillars that are amazingly carved.
Activities
- Many festivals are hosted around the year at the temple, like Panguni Brahmmotsavam, Shivratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Skanda Sashti, and also the full moon days. You should definitely be a part of one of these festivals.
- Daily in the Devasriyan mandapam, sessions on Shiva Siddhanta are held from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and you should time your visit to be a part of this amazing experience.
- You can freely plan your visit to attend the various rituals that take place here daily, a total of six rituals are performed daily.
- There is a beautiful small pond available in the temple complex, you can simply spend some time there.
Tips for visiting
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
- Do not throw waste items in the temple pond.
- Both men and women are supposed to wear decent clothes during their visit.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Marundeeswarar Temple would be during the celebration of one of the many festivals that are celebrated here. If you want to choose the weather for your visit then go for the winter season.
Nearby Atractions
- Gandhi Statue
- Chetpet Lake
- Guindy National Park
- Chennai Day/ Memorable Wall Art
Nearby Hotels
- The Great Empire Hotel
- DM Travellers Inn
- Raahat Inn Chennai
- Hotel Royal Plaza Chennai
Interesting Facts About Marundeeswarar Temple
- The main temple deity Lord Shiva in the form of Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar is the great God of Medicines.
- This temple was expanded by the great Chola Kingdom in the early 11th century.
- The mixture of sacred ash, water, and milk is served as prasadam and is believed to cure any sort of ailments.
- According to popular belief, the great Sage Valmiki, who wrote the famous Hindu epic and religious text, The Ramayana, had also visited the Marundeeswarar temple to worship Lord Shiva.