Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple: A Sanctuary of Healing and History

4.8 (12265)

Discover a 1300-year-old temple in Chennai, devoted to Lord Shiva as the God of Medicines, showcasing Dravidian architecture and ancient legends.

Home
India
Chennai
Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple

The Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Marundeeswarar, the God of Medicines. With a history spanning over 1300 years, this ancient temple is a place of curative worship and a significant landmark showcasing Dravidian architecture.

A brief summary to Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple

8, W Tank St, Chennai, Ambedkar Nagar, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Tamil Nadu, 600041, IN
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 5:30 am-12 pm
Tuesday 5:30 am-12 pm
Wednesday 5:30 am-12 pm
Thursday 5:30 am-12 pm
Friday 5:30 am-12 pm
Saturday 5:30 am-12 pm
Sunday 5:30 am-12 pm

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a peaceful atmosphere.
Consume the Vibhuti (sacred ash) offered at the temple, believed to have curative properties.
Dress modestly when visiting the temple.
Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Explore nearby attractions like Ashtalakshmi Temple and Thiruvanmiyur Beach.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Kalakshetra Foundation

Kalakshetra Foundation: A Cultural Oasis in Chennai

Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple

Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple: A Coastal Abode of Divine Wealth

Annai Vailankanni Shrine

Annai Vailankanni Shrine: A Beacon of Faith in Chennai

Getting There

Public Transport

From Chennai Central Railway Station, take the suburban train to Thiruvanmiyur. The temple is about a 5-10 minute walk from the Thiruvanmiyur railway station. Alternatively, numerous buses connect Chennai Central and other parts of the city to Thiruvanmiyur. Alight at Thiruvanmiyur bus stop, which is a short walk from the temple. Bus fares range from ₹12-₹70.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are readily available in Chennai. A taxi from Chennai Central to Thiruvanmiyur will cost approximately ₹430-₹550 and take about 15 minutes. From Chennai Airport to Thiruvanmiyur, a taxi will cost around ₹234. Be aware that fares may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Walking

The Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple is within walking distance from the Thiruvanmiyur Bus Terminus and ECR Bus stop in Thiruvanmiyur. From the bus terminus, walk west on West Tank Street; the temple will be on your left.

Discover more about Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple

Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, situated in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, stands as a testament to both architectural grandeur and spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Marundeeswarar, the temple has been a beacon of hope and healing for devotees for centuries. The name 'Marundeeswarar' itself signifies 'God of Medicines,' derived from the belief that Lord Shiva imparted knowledge of medicinal herbs to Sage Agastya at this sacred site. This ancient temple, with its origins dating back over 1300 years, showcases a blend of Pallava and Chola architectural styles. The temple complex, sprawling across one acre, features two prominent entrances adorned with towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and detailed stucco figures depicting mythological stories. The mandapam housing the Somaskanda form of Shiva is supported by 36 pillars adorned with carvings. The vimanam above the sanctum sanctorum is built in the Chaturvastam design. Legends intertwine with the temple's history, with stories of Sage Valmiki, Sage Agastya, and the divine cow Kamadhenu gracing its grounds. It is believed that Sage Valmiki worshipped Lord Shiva here, and Kamadhenu regained its divinity by performing milk ablutions to the Lord. The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the verses of Nayanars Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar during the 7th century CE. Today, Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple continues to be a vibrant center of worship, with six daily rituals and twelve annual festivals. Devotees seek blessings for health and well-being, consume the sacred ash (Vibhuti), and circumambulate the Vanni tree, believing it leads to salvation. The temple stands as a symbol of Chennai's rich cultural heritage and a sanctuary for those seeking solace and healing.