Thiruvanmiyur Sri Thiruvanniamur Marutheeswarar Temple, Chennai

Address

Thiruvanmiyur Sri Thiruvanniamur Marutheeswarar Temple, No: 8, W Tank St, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041Thiruvanniyoor Chennai PIN – 600041

Diety

Marundeeswarar Amman: Trishubandhari

Introduction

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 25th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested) and the lingam is white in colour. This lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the priests, as it is “Theendathirumeni”. This temple’s east facing main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers and it has two corridors. The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 22.08.2004 and prior to that on 12.02.1984 and 01.02.1979. Thiruvanmiyur is located in Chennai and the temple is very close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This ancient temple is believed to be more than 1300 years old. Thiruvanmiyur derives its names from Sage Valmiki – Thiru-Valmiki-Oor. (“Thiru” is a respectful prefix and “Oor” is a place in Tamil). Since Sage Valmiki is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, the lord here is also praised as “Vanmeeki Nathar”.

Puranic Significance

The legend is that sage Agasthiyar worshipped the lord here and was taught the science of “Oushadha Muligai” (medicinal herbs) by the lord. Hence the lord here is also known as “Sri Oushadeeswarar” and “Sri Marundeeswarar” (“Marundu” means medicine and “Eswarar” means god in Tamil). Sage Agasthiyar was blessed with Lord Shiva’s wedding darshan under the Vanni tree, the sacred tree of this temple. It is believed that Sage Valmiki was advised by Sage Narada to go to this temple and worship the lord to seek salvation. Lord Shiva is believed to have given darshan to sage Valmiki under this temple’s Vanni tree. The lord is also believed to have performed his dance on a full moon day in the Tamil month of Panguni when the sage attained salvation. The divine cow Kamadhenu is also believed to have worshipped the lingam here to seek relief from a curse by Sage Vashistar. The hoof marks of Kamadhenu can be seen on the lingam. As Kamadenu worshipped and offered her milk for the lord here, the lingam appears white in colour. Hence, the lord here is also known as “Palvanna Nathar” (“Palvannam” means “white as milk” in Tamil). Vedas and Devas are believed to have worshipped the lord here. Hence the lord here is also known as “Sri Vedapureeswarar”.

Special Features

he temple has two entrances, one from East Coast Road and the other from West Tank Street both adorned by 5-tiered gopuram (gateway tower).The Entrance from the West Tank Street has got three gates whereas the entrance from the East Coast Road has only one gate. The temple occupies an area of about 1 acre – numerous images adorn the pillars of the temple, while stucco figures adorn the gopurams.[3] The mandapam (hall) housing the Somaskanda form of Shiva has 36 massive pillars adorned with carvings. The temple has smaller shrines for Ganesha, Murugan, there is a shine for 3 Ganeshas who control all three time periods, adjacent to this a vedagama padasalai is situated. The shiva linga is a swayambu (or a natural formation and not built like Kapaleeshwara temple at Mylapore). Hence pure cows milk alone is used for abhishekam. A Thirumurai mandapam has been set up in which Tirumurai are sung daily for the past 11 years. The shrine of Shiva, which has the idols of Shiva in his three forms, Theyagaraja, Marundeeswarar, and Nataraja. The last shrine is for Marundeeswarar’s consort, Goddess Thirupurasundari, who is actually Goddess Parvati. The samadhi of Pamban Swamigal is also found near the shrine.

Festivals

Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) is celebrated in a grand manner. During Brahmotsavam, on the 9th day, the occasion of Lord Shiva giving darshan to sage Agasthiar is celebrated. Shivratri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Vinayaka Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept), Skanda Sashti in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov) are the other main festivals celebrated here. Pradosham is also observed regularly.