Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple

Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. The main deity is called by Marundeeswarar or Amritiswarar. The Linga is white as milk. It is said that Lord self-manifested here. The Goddess is called Chockanayaki and Tirupurasundari. This temple dates to Chola period. From the inscriptions, it is known that Rajendra I had man visits to this temple during 1012-1044 AD. The Garbhagriha was built in the typical Chola style. The Sthalavriksha is Vanni tree.

Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple History

As per the Legends, Valmiki, the Author of The Ramayana in Sanskrit attained Salvation here after worshipping Lord Tyagaraja. Valmiki who longed to give up the mortal coils approached Sage Markandeya, who told him of the glories of Siva and asked to go around the world. Valmiki was told that he will worship Siva in the place where he hears the sound “Asariri” which means “I am here”. While wandering in the forests, Valmiki is said to have heard the words in this place. Valmiki worshipped Lord Siva here and attained salvation, hence the name Vanmiyur. Siva granted his boon that the place should be called after his devotee. It was on the full moon day in the month of Panguni, the boon was granted.

The Lord is said to have derived the name from having blessed Sage Agasthya with a knowledge of all herbs and plants for medical purpose. Sage Agasthya is said to have had the vision of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati in Kalyana Utsavam (in marriage) here. The deity is called Palvanna Nathar, which was derived from the Purana that Kamadhenu , the heavenly cow cursed by Sage Vasishta was relieved of her sins by dripping milk on the Linga. While Kamadhenu was dripping milk on the Linga, a lion came in the form of a cow to attack Kamadhenu. When the latter fought with the Lion in disguise, its hoofs are said to have struck on the Linga and the scars of the smitten Linga are said to be found even today.

Yama, the God of Death who defied Siva and Markandeya at Tirukkadavur, came here to worship Tyagaraja and relieved from the sins. It is said that Rama worshipped Tyagaraja here while in search of Sita. Bringhi Maharishi was relieved from the sins after worshipping the deity here. It is said that Sage did penance here at Parangimalai (St. Thomas mount) for the Lord Siva.

It is said that Brahma himself erected the temple and worshipped the deity here. The Tirtha also named after Brahma. Sage Valmiki said to have created five Tirthas, Janmanasani, Kamanasani, Papanasani, Gnanadayani and Mokshadayani. These Tirthas were created from the five drops let off from his locks of hair.

As per the folklore, Rakshasa who lived as a monkey, transformed to a girl after taking a holy dip in KalyanaTirtha in Brahmaloka. Thereafter, she gave birth to Vali and Sugreeva. Then she said to have dipped in Janmanasani and was restored to the original form.

Krishna is said to have recieved Siva Diksha from Sage Upamanyu and was relieved of his sins after taking a holy dip in Papanasani. Chandra (Moon) took bath at Kamanasani and relieved from the sin that attached him when he longed for his Guru’s wife.

How to reach Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple?

By Air

The nearest international airport is at Chennai which is 14 km away.

By Train

The nearest station is at Thiruvanmiyur which is reachable from Central.

By Road

Bus frequency to Thiruvanmiyur is quite good from Chennai bus station.

Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple Images

Reference Link: Temple History