An ancient Shiva temple in Thiruvanmiyur where the deity is worshipped as the divine physician, believed to cure ailments.
History
The Marundeeswarar Temple is one of Chennai's oldest temples, with origins tracing to the Chola period (9th/13th century). The name "Marundeeswarar" translates to "Lord who is the medicine," and devotees believe that worship here can cure diseases. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared as a physician to cure the ailments of the moon god Chandra, who was suffering from a curse. The temple has Navagraha shrines and is particularly popular on Saturdays, when devotees seek relief from planetary afflictions.
Architecture
The temple displays Chola-era Dravidian architecture with a granite gopuram, ornately carved pillars in the mandapam, and stone inscriptions from the Chola dynasty. The inner sanctum houses a Shiva lingam, and there are separate shrines for Goddess Tripurasundari and Lord Ganesha. The temple tank and the surrounding agraharam (Brahmin quarter) streets preserve the old-world character of Thiruvanmiyur.
Visiting Information
Located in the heart of Thiruvanmiyur, accessible by MRTS (Thiruvanmiyur station), bus, and auto-rickshaw. The temple is especially busy on Maha Shivaratri and Saturdays. Prasadam (sacred offering) includes traditional herbal preparations.
Festivals
Brahmostavam
March/AprilThe grand annual festival spanning several days, with the deities taken in procession on various vahanas through the agraharam streets of Thiruvanmiyur. The flag-hoisting ceremony marks the beginning of the celebrations.
Maha Shivaratri
February/MarchAn all-night vigil with four-kala abhishekam of the Shiva lingam, considered especially powerful here given the temple's association with healing. Devotees fast through the night and break their fast at dawn.
Skanda Shashti
October/NovemberSix days of special pujas for the Subramaniar shrine within the temple, culminating in the Soora Samharam re-enactment.
Arudra Darisanam
December/JanuaryCelebrates Lord Shiva's cosmic dance with special pujas and a procession of the Nataraja idol at dawn.
Events & Activities
Navagraha Homam
SpiritualSpecial fire rituals conducted on Saturdays for devotees seeking relief from planetary afflictions. The temple's association with healing makes these homams particularly sought after.
Location
Explore Thiruvanmiyur
Discover more about the Thiruvanmiyur neighbourhood, including transport, healthcare, and other attractions.
Other Heritage Sites
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
A 7th-century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the heart of Mylapore.
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An 8th-century Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the oldest structures in Chennai.
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One of Chennai's most visited temples, dedicated to Lord Murugan, drawing massive crowds during Thaipusam and Skanda Shashti.