Marundeeswarar Temple

Marundeeswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruvanmiyur on East Coast Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Revered as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, it enshrines Shiva as Marundeeswarar, the divine healer. The temple exhibits Dravidian architecture with a five-tiered rajagopuram and shrines for Marundeeswarar and Goddess Tripurasundari. Traditionally dated to the Chola period, it is noted for its religious, architectural and cultural importance.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex with a towering gopuram, pillared mandapas, stone sculptures and shrines dedicated to Lord Marundeeswarar and Goddess Tripurasundari. The inner sanctum houses the Shiva lingam, while outer corridors display Dravidian architectural details and inscriptions. The temple courtyard includes a temple tank and smaller shrines. Visitors can observe daily pujas, rituals and experience a calm devotional atmosphere within an urban coastal neighbourhood near Thiruvanmiyur Beach.

The temple is traditionally attributed to the Chola period around the 11th century with later expansions during the Vijayanagara period. Inscriptions and architectural style indicate Chola patronage. It is associated with Sage Valmiki, who is believed to have worshipped Shiva here to be cured of ailments, giving the deity the name Marundeeswarar meaning Lord of Medicines. It is glorified in Tevaram hymns by 7th-8th century Nayanmars Tirugnanasambandar and Appar.

The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, highly revered in Tamil Shaivism. Shiva is worshipped as the healer of diseases, and devotees visit seeking health and well-being. Goddess Tripurasundari is worshipped as the consort. Major observances include Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham and Panguni Brahmotsavam, drawing devotees from across Tamil Nadu. The temple remains an active centre of Shaivite worship and Dravidian temple culture in Chennai.