Marundeeswarar Temple: A Temple Believed to Cure Ailments

A fabled temple known as Marundeeswarar Temple can be found in Chennai's breezy Thiruvanmiyur neighbourhood. The largest temple in Thiruvanmiyur is this one. This majestic temple was constructed in honour of Lord Shiva, who took the form of Lord Marundeeswarar. It is stated that Lord Marundeeswarar possesses healing abilities. One of Tamil Nadu's most revered Shiva temples is this one.

Marundeeswarar Temple Source: Wikipedia

The city of Chennai, also known as the ‘Gateway to South India,’ was ruled by a number of dynasties, including the Pallavas, Pandyas, and Cholas. The history of this old city is dictated by its beautiful religious sites. The Marundeeswarar Temple is one of the city's cultural landmarks. Two of the most revered saints honoured the temple with their verses in the seventh century CE at one of the 275 ‘Paadal Petra Sthalams’.

The Trinity Sea Shore Temples of Thondai Mandalam are composed of Marundeeswarar Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Thiruvottiyur Thyagaraja Swamy Temple. Near the Bay of Bengal's coasts in Thiruvanmiyur sits the 1300-year-old temple. One noteworthy aspect of the temple is the Shiva Lingam, which is Swayambhu Murti, or self-manifested.

According to a legend, the famous scholar Valmiki, who composed the Ramayana, worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, for this reason, the location is also known as Thiruvanmiyur. A temple dedicated to Valmiki was constructed directly across from this location. In this holy location, it is believed that Sage Bharadwaja prayed to the Lingam. At this holy place, Markandeyar offered sacrifices to Lord Shiva and paid him homage. Also, Lord Brahma had organised a feast in Lord Shiva's honour at this place.

The lingam is also known as Palvananathar because people think that Kamadhenu, the sacred cow, washed the lingam with milk during an ablution ritual. The sacred tree in the temple where Lord Shiva appeared to Sages Valmiki and Agastya is called the Vani tree. Sage Agasthya is referred to as Marundeeswarar because Lord Shiva taught him about the therapeutic properties of plants and how to treat various illnesses. Marundhu means medicine, and Eshwarar signifies God in Tamil.

As per a legend, Lord Shiva was once blinded by a massive flood and was convinced to turn back by the great saint and poet Dikshitar. As a result, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the temple facing west. Lord Shiva turned around to listen to his prayers. Lord Muruga and Lord Ganesha's shrines face east, while Goddess Thirupurasundari's shrine faces south.

Twelve festivals are observed annually, and six rites are performed every day. A sizable throng attends Brahmotsavam, which is observed in the months of March and April. In the temple, there is also a lively celebration of Skanda Sashti, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shivaratri.

Visitors are intrigued by the location after seeing the stunning gopuram from a distance. All fans of art and architecture are drawn to the stunning temple complex, which is an architectural wonder.

The temple is thought to have elements from both Pallava and Chola dynasties. Both of the temple's entrances—from East Coast Road and West Tank Street—are embellished with five-tiered gopurams (gateway towers). Numerous images adorn the temple's pillars, while stucco figures adorn the gopurams. The temple is around one acre in size. Thirty-six enormous pillars with intricate carvings support the mandapam (hall) that houses Shiva in his Somaskanda form.

The shrine with the three idols of Lord Vinayaka, who is thought to control the three time eras, is a notable aspect of the temple. Vimanam, constructed in the Chaturvastam style above the sanctum sanctorum, inspires awe. The temple contains shrines for Lord Murugan, 108 Shiva Lingas, and Panchalingas.

Temple Gopuram Source: WIkipedia

West Gopuram of the Temple Source: WIkipedia