Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai

Marundeeswarar temple is a temple located in Thiruvanmiyur Chennai next to the beach of Bay of Bengal. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. Two respected Nayanars (Saivite saints), Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar have glorified the temple with their verses during the 7th century CE.

This temple was widely expanded by Chola kings during the 11 th century CE.  This temple covers within a acre with seven-tiered gateway towers and a huge tank. It has been a place of worship where diseases were cured. It is said that Valmiki, who wrote Ramayana worshiped Shiva in the temple. This is why the place is known as Thiruvalmikiyur or Thiruvanmiyur.

History:

The road starting from Marundeeswarar temple was an important route during the Chola period and was known as Vadageperuvazhi, connecting the kingdom to places in Thanjavur and Andhra Pradesh.

The origins and antiquity of this temple is confirmed by the inscriptions found in other temples in the city namely Kapaleeswarar temple, Virupaksheeswarar temple and Thiruvidandai. 

The temple is believed to have partial feature of Pallava dynasty and partially with Chola art. The temple has two entrances, one from East Coast road and the other from West tank street both adorned by 5-tiered gopuram.

How To Reach:

Thiruvanmiyur bus stand is just 750 m away from the temple. You can reach the temple by walk from bus stand easily.