A long stone outer wall with temple towers behind it and pigeons on the paved ground in front.

Swayambu

Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai Sri Marundeeswarar Temple 25th of 32 in Thondai Nadu · Temples near Chennai

Darshan today5:30 am – 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Moolavar: Marundeeswarar, Vedapureeswarar, Palvanna Nathar, Vanmeeka Nathar
Ambal: Thiripura Sundari, Chokka Nayaki, Sundara Nayaki
Theertham: Chithirai tank and 5 more Theerthams -Janma nasini, Kama nasini, Papa nasini, Gyana dhayini and Moksha nasini.
Sthala vriksham: Vanni
Pathigam by: Thirugnanasambanthar and Thirunavukarasar (Appar)

By V. MuthukumaraswamyVisited 17 July 2016900 words · 5 min

Visited on: 17^th July, 2016 and 22^nd March, 2017

Location

Thiruvanmiyur is situated at a distance of about 29 kms from Koyambedu, Chennai. It is on the ECR (Chennai to Mahabalipuram route).

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva sthalams near this temple are – Thiruvotriyur, Thirumullaivayil, Thiruverkadu, Mylapore and Thiruvalithayam.

General Information

Moolavar: Sri Marundeeswarar, Sri Vedapureeswarar, Sri Palvanna Nathar, Sri Vanmeeka Nathar
Ambal: Sri Thiripura Sundari, Sri Chokka Nayaki, Sri Sundara Nayaki
Theertham (Holy water): Chithirai tank and 5 more Theerthams - Janma nasini, Kama nasini, Papa nasini, Gyana dhayini and Moksha nasini.
Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Vanni
Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by: Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar)

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 25^th 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.

History of the Temple

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”.

A tall, colourfully painted gopuram against a blue sky, with a smaller tower at the left.

A green-watered temple tank with stone steps on both sides and a small shrine beyond.

Devotees standing near a railed platform under a large tree, with a blue information board.

Legend

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 Kamadhenu 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”.

Lord Shiva also gave darshan to sage Markandeyar under the Vanni tree.

It is believed that lords Brahma, Mahavishnu, Ram, Suryan, Chandran and Sage Birunki have worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple. The great Chola King Rajendran is also believed to have worshiped the lord here.

Saint Appayya Dhikshithar, a well-known Sanskrit scholar is also believed to have worshiped the lord here. It is believed that once, during heavy floods, the saint could not see the lord’s face for worship. He prayed to the lord asking him to turn around. Lord Shiva obliged and turned west to grace his darshan. Hence, in this temple, Lord Shiva’s shrine alone faces west whereas the other shrines face the east direction.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan (as Selva Muthukumaraswamy) with his consorts, Veerabahu, Arunagirinathar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Mahavishnu, Durgai, Gajalakshmi, 108 lingams, 63 Nayanmars, Nalvars, Kedareswarar, Jambukeswarar, Ramanathar, Arunachaleswarar with Unnamulai Amman, Sundareswarar and Kalabairavar can be seen in the corridors.

There is a separate shrine for Sage Valmiki in this place.

Small shrines with domed roofs in a sunlit courtyard, with a round blue basin in the foreground.

A small shrine and a tower seen from under a canopy, with kolam patterns on the floor.

Shrines with painted towers in the courtyard, a visitor walking past a blue-pillared shelter.

A stone pillared hall with a yellow Tamil name board and a palm tree propped with a pole.

A courtyard with a blue-green fountain basin, a domed shrine at left and a corridor roof at centre.

Salient Features

This temple has 5 theerthams – Janma nasini, Kama nasini, Papa nasini, Gyana dhayini and Moksha nasini. These are believed to have originated from the “jada mudi” of Lord Shiva.

Lord Murugan is seen with his right leg on his peacock mount. He has a bow in his hand.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sung songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

There is no Navagraham in this temple as this temple is believed to have been built in 7^th century. Navagraham worship came into practice only after the 10^thcentury (during the Chola period). It is also believed that since Suryan and Chandran worshiped the lord here, there is no need for a Navagraham shrine here.

There is a “Srichakra” installed in front of Goddess Thiripura Sundari.

Greatness of this temple

Devotees believe that by worshiping the lord here, they will be cured from their prolonged illness. It is also believed that by circumambulating the Vanni tree (where Lord Shiva gave darshan), devotees will be relieved of their sins and can obtain salvation.

Important Festivals

Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) is celebrated in a grand manner. During Brahmotsavam, on the 9^th 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.

Temple Timings

From 05.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Marundeeswarar Temple
Lalitha Nagar
Thiruvanmiyur
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu – 600 041.
Tele: +91 44 - 2441 0477, 2442 2688.

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Today5:30 am – 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Phone+91 44 - 2441 04772442 2688

A long stone pillared corridor lined with palm trees, with towers visible beyond.

The stone outer wall with temple towers behind it and pigeons on the ground.

A stone wall with a Tamil sign, a small Nandi on top, and two towers against a blue sky.

A tall gopuram rising behind palm trees and a canopy, with a small domed shrine at right.

What makes this temple special

* Cards drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. “Read more” takes you to the full passage.

Greatness

A self-manifested, white lingam

The lord here is a Swayambumurthi, and the lingam is white in colour.

Self-manifestedLord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
Not touched by human handsThe lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the priests, as it is Theendathirumeni.
No Navagraham shrineThere is no Navagraham in this temple, as Suryan and Chandran worshiped the lord here.

Significance

A Devara Paadal Petra sthalam

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) sang the Pathigam of this temple.

In Thondai NaduIt is a Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
Sage AgasthiyarSage Agasthiyar worshipped the lord here and was blessed with Lord Shiva’s wedding darshan under the Vanni tree.
KamadhenuThe divine cow Kamadhenu is believed to have worshipped the lingam here.

Why devotees come

Why devotees come here

Devotees believe worship here brings relief from illness and sins.

For health: cure from illnessDevotees believe that worshiping the lord here cures them of prolonged illness.
For salvation: the Vanni treeBy circumambulating the Vanni tree, devotees believe they will be relieved of their sins and can obtain salvation.

The Rajagopuram, with a second tower at left

276Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams

Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams

How Thiruvanmiyur got its name

திருA respectful prefix
வால்மீகிSage Valmiki
ஊர்A place

The name comes from Sage Valmiki: Thiru-Valmiki-Oor.

Legends of the temple

The lord taught sage Agasthiyar the science of medicinal herbs, so he is known as Marundeeswarar.

Sage Narada advised Sage Valmiki to worship here; Lord Shiva gave him darshan under the Vanni tree.

Kamadhenu offered her milk to the lord, and so the lingam appears white; he is called Palvanna Nathar.

During heavy floods, Lord Shiva turned west so Saint Appayya Dhikshithar could see his face.

Saints of this temple

ThirugnanasambantharVisited this temple and sang the Pathigam.
Thirunavukarasar (Appar)Also rendered a Pathigam on this temple.
ArunagirinadharSang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his Thirupugazh.

Festivals through the year

Brahmotsavam in Panguni is celebrated in a grand manner. Shivratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi and Skanda Sashti are also observed.

The deities of this temple

* Drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. Where there is no photograph, the card shows the name.

From the sanctum to the corridors

Moolavarம

Moolavar

Sri Marundeeswarar

Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested) and the lingam is white in colour.

Ambalதி

Ambal

Sri Thiripura Sundari

There is a “Srichakra” installed in front of Goddess Thiripura Sundari.

Shrine in the corridorமு

Shrine in the corridor

Lord Murugan

Lord Murugan is seen with his right leg on his peacock mount. He has a bow in his hand.

Shrineவா

Shrine

Sage Valmiki

There is a separate shrine for Sage Valmiki in this place.

Sacred geography

You are hereThis temple

Schematic. Distances as recorded on the visit; directions approximate.

Darshan today5:30 am – 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

5:30 – 12:004:00 – 8:30 pm

Hours as recorded on the visit. Festival days can differ.

Plan the day around it

Address and phone

Sri Marundeeswarar Temple, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600 041.

+91 44 - 2441 0477

A day of darshan nearby

5 more sthalams within reach, nearest first: 54 km in straight lines.

Drawn from coordinates. Straight-line distances; roads are longer. Faint dots are other sthalams within 50 km.

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Chithirai tank

The Theertham (Holy water) of this temple is the Chithirai tank, with more Theerthams.

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Summary written with AI help from the temple write-up.

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

V. Muthukumaraswamy

Thirugnanasambandar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. Verse 1 of 11.

Karaiyu lāṅkaṭa liṟpoli saṅkamveḷ ḷippivaṉ

thiraiyu lāṅkaḻzhi mīṉuka ḷunthiru vāṉmiyūr

uraiyu lāmporu ḷāyula kāḷuṭai yīrsolīr

varaiyu lāmaṭa māthuṭa ṉākiya māṇpathē

In Thiruvanmiyur, conches and white shells shine in the sea along the shore, and fish move in the waves of the backwater. The saint calls on the lord, who rules the world and is the meaning of every word, to tell of the glory of sharing his form with the gentle Lady.

Tap any Tamil word for its meaning

Verse text and transliteration as given in the write-up. Word meanings and the English meaning are AI-assisted drafts.

All eleven verses

01
கரையு லாங்கட லிற்பொலி சங்கம்வெள் ளிப்பிவன்திரையு லாங்கழி மீனுக ளுந்திரு வான்மியூர்உரையு லாம்பொரு ளாயுல காளுடை யீர்சொலீர்வரையு லாமட மாதுட னாகிய மாண்பதே

Karaiyu lāṅkaṭa liṟpoli saṅkamveḷ ḷippivaṉ / thiraiyu lāṅkaḻzhi mīṉuka ḷunthiru vāṉmiyūr / uraiyu lāmporu ḷāyula kāḷuṭai yīrsolīr / varaiyu lāmaṭa māthuṭa ṉākiya māṇpathē
02
சந்து யர்ந்தெழு காரகில் தண்புனல் கொண்டுதம்சிந்தை செய்தடி யார்பர வுந்திரு வான்மியூர்ச்சுந்த ரக்கழல் மேற்சிலம் பார்க்கவல் லீர்சொலீர்அந்தி யின்னொளி யின்நிற மாக்கிய வண்ணமே

Santhu yarnthezhu kārakil thaṇpuṉal koṇṭutham / sinthai seythaṭi yārpara vunthiru vāṉmiyūrch / suntha rakkazhal mēṟsilam pārkkaval līrsolīr / anthi yiṉṉoḷi yiṉniṟa mākkiya vaṇṇamē
03
கான யங்கிய தண்கழி சூழ்கட லின்புறம்தேன யங்கிய பைம்பொழில் சூழ்திரு வான்மியூர்த்தோன யங்கம ராடையி னீரடி கேள்சொலீர்ஆனையங் கவ்வுரி போர்த்தன லாட வுகந்ததே

Kāṉa yaṅkiya thaṇkazhi chūzhkaṭa liṉpuṟam / thēṉa yaṅkiya paimpozhil chūḻthiru vāṉmiyūrth / thōṉa yaṅkama rāṭaiyi ṉīraṭi kēḷsolīr / āṉaiyaṅ kavvuri pōrththaṉa lāṭa vukanthathē
04
மஞ்சு லாவிய மாட மதிற்பொலி மாளிகைச்செஞ்சொ லாளர்கள் தாம்பயி லுந்திரு வான்மியூர்துஞ்சு வஞ்சிரு ளாடலு கக்கவல் லீர்சொலீர்வஞ்ச நஞ்சுண்டு வானவர்க் கின்னருள் வைத்ததே

Mañchu lāviya māṭa mathiṟpoli māḷikaich / cheñcho lāḷarkaḷ thāmpayi lunthiru vāṉmiyūr / thuñchu vañchiru ḷāṭalu kakkaval līrcholīr / vañcha nañchuṇṭu vāṉavark kiṉṉaruḷ vaiththathē
05
மண்ணி னிற்புகழ் பெற்றவர் மங்கையர் தாம்பயில்திண்ணெ னப்புரி சைத்தொழி லார்திரு வான்மியூர்த்துண்ணெ னத்திரி யுஞ்சரி தைத்தொழி லீர்சொலீர்விண்ணி னிற்பிறை செஞ்சடை வைத்த வியப்பதே

Maṇṇi ṉiṟpukazh petṟavar maṅkaiyar thāmpayil / thiṇṇe ṉappuri saiththozhi lārthiru vāṉmiyūrth / thuṇṇe ṉaththiri yuñchari thaiththozhi līrsolīr / viṇṇi ṉiṟpiṟai cheñchaṭai vaiththa viyappathē
06
போது லாவிய தண்பொழில் சூழ்புரி சைப்புறந்தீதில் அந்தணர் ஓத்தொழி யாத்திரு வான்மியூர்ச்சூது லாவிய கொங்கையொர் பங்குடை யீர்சொலீர்மூதெ யில்லொரு மூன்றெரி யூட்டிய மொய்ம்பதே

Pōthu lāviya thaṇpozhil chūzhpuri saippuṟan / thīthil anthaṇar ōththozhi yāththiru vāṉmiyūrch / chūthu lāviya koṅkaiyor paṅkuṭai yīrsolīr / mūthe yilloru mūṉtṟeri yūṭṭiya moympathē
07
வண்டி ரைத்த தடம்பொழி லின்நிழற் கானல்வாய்த்தெண்டி ரைக்கட லோதமல் குந்திரு வான்மியூர்த்தொண்டி ரைத்தெழுந் தேத்திய தொல்கழ லீர்சொலீர்பண்டி ருக்கொரு நால்வர்க்கு நீருரை செய்ததே

Vaṇṭi raiththa thaṭampozhi liṉnizhaṟ kāṉalvāyth / theṇṭi raikkaṭa lōthamal kunthiru vāṉmiyūrth / thoṇṭi raiththezhun thēththiya tholkazha līrsolīr / paṇṭi rukkoru nālvarkku nīrurai seythathē
08
தக்கில் வந்த தசக்கிரி வன்தலை பத்திறத்திக்கில் வந்தல றவ்வடர்த் தீர்திரு வான்மியூர்த்தொக்க மாதொடும் வீற்றிருந் தீரரு ளென்சொலீர்பக்க மேபல பாரிடம் பேய்கள் பயின்றதே

Thakkil vantha thasakkiri vaṉthalai paththiṟath / thikkil vanthala ṟavvaṭarth thīrthiru vāṉmiyūrth / thokka māthoṭum vītṟirun thīraru ḷeṉsolīr / pakka mēpala pāriṭam pēykaḷ payiṉtṟathē
09
பொருது வார்கட லெண்டிசை யுந்தரு வாரியால்திரித ரும்புகழ் செல்வமல் குந்திரு வான்மியூர்சுருதி யாரிரு வர்க்கும் அறிவரி யீர்சொலீர்எருது மேல்கொ டுழன்றுகந் தில்பலி யேற்றதே

Poruthu vārkaṭa leṇṭisai yuntharu vāriyāl / thiritha rumpukazh selvamal kunthiru vāṉmiyūr / suruthi yāriru varkkum aṟivari yīrsolīr / eruthu mēlko ṭuzhaṉṟukan thilpali yētṟathe
10
மைத ழைத்தெழு சோலையின் மாலைசேர் வண்டினம்செய்த வத்தொழி லாரிசை சேர்திரு வான்மியூர்மெய்த வப்பொடி பூசிய மேனியி னீர்சொலீர்கைத வச்சமண் சாக்கியர் கட்டுரைக் கின்றதே

Maitha zhaiththezhu chōlaiyiṉ mālaisēr vaṇṭiṉam / seytha vaththozhi lārisai sērthiru vāṉmiyūr / meytha vappoṭi pūsiya mēṉiyi ṉīrsolīr / kaitha vachamaṇ sākkiyar kaṭṭuraik kiṉtṟathē
11
மாதொர் கூறுடை நற்றவ னைத்திரு வான்மியூர்ஆதி யெம்பெரு மானருள் செய்ய வினாவுரைஓதி யன்றெழு காழியுள் ஞானசம் பந்தன்சொல்நீதி யால்நினை வார்நெடு வானுல காள்வரே

The last verse names Gnanasambandan and says that those who think of the lord with righteousness will rule the great heavenly world.

Māthor kūṟuṭai natṟava ṉaiththiru vāṉmiyūr / āthi yemperu māṉaruḷ seyya viṉāvurai / ōthi yaṉtṟezhu kāzhiyuḷ gñāṉasam banthaṉsol / nīthi yālniṉai vārneṭu vāṉula kāḷvarē

Photographs

13 photographs, in the order they appear in the write-up. Captions are AI-assisted.