Marundeeswarar Temple
Ancient Shiva temple in Chennai, revered for its healing powers and rich history dating back over 1,000 years.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience peace and quiet.
Marundeeswarar Temple
Best Time
Experience peace and quiet.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Shiva temple in Chennai, revered for its healing powers and rich history dating back over 1,000 years.
"Felt completely rejuvenated by its serene and healing atmosphere."
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Photography of deities is prohibited. :pray:
🚗 Parking Available
Paid parking is available for vehicles. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lord Marundeeswarar Shrine
The presiding deity, believed to impart healing and knowledge of medicinal herbs. A powerful spiritual experience.
Sage Valmiki's Connection
Explore the area where Sage Valmiki is said to have worshipped, contributing to the temple's ancient lore.
Sacred Tank (Theertham)
A ritual dip in the temple's tank is believed to have purifying and healing properties.
Intricately Carved Pillars
Admire the detailed carvings on the mandapam pillars, showcasing ancient Dravidian architectural styles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Serenity
Respectful Attire & Conduct
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Photography of deities is prohibited. :pray:
🚗 Parking Available
Paid parking is available for vehicles. :car:
🚶♀️ Walkable from ECR
Easily accessible on foot from the Thiruvanmiyur ECR bus stop. :bus:
🧘♀️ Find Inner Peace
The temple's serene energy is perfect for meditation and reflection. :lotus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Photography of deities is prohibited. :pray:
🚗 Parking Available
Paid parking is available for vehicles. :car:
🚶♀️ Walkable from ECR
Easily accessible on foot from the Thiruvanmiyur ECR bus stop. :bus:
🧘♀️ Find Inner Peace
The temple's serene energy is perfect for meditation and reflection. :lotus:
🐶 Be Cautious Outside
Stray dogs near the entrance can be aggressive; avoid approaching them. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Marundeeswarar Temple is revered for its ancient history, spiritual healing aura, and impressive Dravidian architecture. Visitors often feel rejuvenated by its serene atmosphere, though parking and occasional crowds on weekends can be minor drawbacks. It's considered a must-visit for its unique legends and peaceful ambiance.
"Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur (Chennai)
Visited this majestic Shiva temple and felt completely rejuvenated by its serene and healing atmosphere.
Highlights & History
The temple is an ancient Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised by Saivite saints Appar and Sambandar in the 7th century .
Originally built during the Pallava era and expanded by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers, its current structure dates back over 1,000 years .
Known as “Marundeeswarar” (Lord of Medicines), legend says Shiva taught sage Agastya the healing secrets of herbs here . Devotees still seek blessings for health.
Sage Valmiki and other saints like Bharadwaja, Markandeya, and even the celestial Kamadhenu cow are all connected to this temple’s lore .
Architecture & Deity
The temple sits on about 1 acre, with two grand seven-tiered gopurams on East Coast Road and West Tank Street .
Inside, a large mandapam with 36 intricately carved pillars houses the serene Somaskanda form of Shiva, alongside shrines for Tripurasundari (Parvati), Murugan, Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, and others .
The self-manifested (swayambhu) Shiva Linga, called Palvannanathar, stands facing west — a rarity among Shiva temples .
Visitor Experience
The temple exudes a calm, spiritual energy. Devotees come here seeking healing and peace, often taking ritual dips in its sacred tank .
It hosts six daily rituals and twelve annual festivals, including Panguni Brahmotsavam and Maha Shivaratri .
After a recent ₹75 lakh renovation (2020 Kumbhabhishekam), the temple is beautifully maintained and vibrant .
In summary, the Marundeeswarar Temple is far more than a historic structure — it feels like a living sanctuary of spiritual healing and timeless devotion. A definitive must-visit on Chennai’s temple trail.
A unique feature of the temple is the sacred tree (Sthala Vriksham) under which Lord Shiva is believed to have given darshan. The space around the tree feels calm and spiritually powerful — a perfect spot to sit peacefully for a few minutes.
The temple is spacious, well-maintained, and offers a serene experience, especially on weekdays. It's a great place to escape from the hustle of the city while still being in the heart of Chennai.
Note: There are a few stray dogs outside the temple premises. They usually stay around the entrance and can be aggressive at times — it's best to stay cautious and avoid approaching them.
A must-visit for anyone seeking a spiritually enriching experience in Chennai.
Parking of vechile is available with a cost of 50"
Jagankumar E
"This massive Hindu deity Shiva temple situated in Tiruvanmayur offers the best sense of spiritual realisation. The presiding lord Marundheeshwarar is considered to have known for imparting sage Agastya with curative properties of various herbs and plants. Since then the temple has been a place of worship for people with diseases and various problems with their health, purely a belief that is followed by masses.
The temple is believed to have partial feature of Pallava dynasty and partially with Chola art.
One of the oldest temples of South India estimated to be 1300 years old, the temple complex is maintained neat and clean. Houses many other sannadhis of god/goddess, with a large temple pond and an ancient tree that has significance. There are few olden days stone carvings kept in the inner circumference of the temple. Dont miss from seeing them...they can tell you how old the structure is. A must visit temple in Chennai.
Clicking pictures of deities is prohibited."
Aravind NG
"Marundeeswarar Temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai adjacent to the beach of Bay of Bengal.
Moolavar: Marundeeswarar
Amman: Tiripurasundari.
Paadal Petra Sthalams where two of the most revered Nayanars Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar
The temple has two seven-tiered gateway towers, a huge tank east side
The Marundeeswarar temple has been a place of curative worship for people with diseases.
Marundeeswarar is known so because he imparted sage Agastya on curative properties of various herbs and plants.Since then the Marundeeswarar temple has been a place of worship for people with diseases and various problems with their health.It is said that sage Valmiki, who wrote Ramayana, worshiped Shiva in the temple.Since Valmiki was blessed here, the place was to be known as Thiruvalmikiyur, which is pronounced as 'Thiruvanmikiyur' in Tamil, the name gradually changed to Thiruvanmiyur. There is a place present in Thiruvanmiyur called Valmiki Nagar in his honour."
Sathyanathan R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. It's easily accessible by bus, with stops near the Thiruvanmiyur Bus Terminus and ECR. Auto-rickshaws and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, the Marundeeswarar Temple is situated adjacent to the beach of the Bay of Bengal in Thiruvanmiyur.
Thiruvanmiyur is well-connected by public transport. You can take local buses or the suburban train to nearby stations and then a short auto-rickshaw ride.
The temple is located on East Coast Road (ECR) and West Tank Street in Thiruvanmiyur. It's a prominent landmark in the area.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are widely used in Chennai and can easily take you to Marundeeswarar Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to enter the main temple complex. However, parking your vehicle incurs a nominal charge.
The temple typically opens early in the morning around 5:30 AM and closes around 12 PM, reopening in the evening from 4 PM to 8:30 PM. Timings may vary slightly on weekends and special occasions. 
Photography of the deities is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. You can take photos of the temple architecture and surroundings where permitted.
The temple underwent a significant renovation, including a Kumbhabhishekam, in 2020.
Yes, it is advisable to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as is customary for visiting Hindu temples.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Marundeeswarar (Lord of Medicines). Legend states he taught Sage Agastya about healing herbs, making it a place of worship for health and well-being.
The main deity is Lord Marundeeswarar. There are also shrines for Goddess Tripurasundari (Parvati), Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha, and Dakshinamurthy, among others.
Yes, Marundeeswarar Temple is an ancient Paadal Petra Sthalam, with its origins dating back over 1,000 years, built during the Pallava era and expanded by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers.
The temple features two grand seven-tiered gopurams and a large mandapam with 36 intricately carved pillars, showcasing Dravidian architectural styles.
The temple hosts six daily rituals and twelve annual festivals, including the Panguni Brahmotsavam and Maha Shivaratri.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options. 'House of Annapoorna' near the temple is a popular vegetarian restaurant offering breakfast combos.
You can find a variety of South Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines in the Thiruvanmiyur area, ranging from local eateries to more upscale restaurants.
While not explicitly mentioned, many Hindu temples offer prasad. It's best to inquire at the temple information counter.
Thiruvanmiyur has numerous local eateries and street food stalls offering affordable and delicious South Indian snacks and meals.
Yes, Chennai, and Thiruvanmiyur in particular, has a good number of pure vegetarian restaurants catering to diverse tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the temple's impressive gopurams, the intricately carved pillars in the mandapam, and the overall architecture. Remember, deity photography is prohibited.
No, photography of deities is not permitted inside the temple. You can capture the exterior architecture and general temple grounds.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for capturing the temple's grandeur without harsh shadows. Weekdays are less crowded, allowing for better shots.
The ancient tree within the temple complex, believed to have spiritual significance, can be a unique subject. The temple tank also offers picturesque views.
Always avoid photographing the main deities, religious rituals in progress, and any areas explicitly marked as 'No Photography'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby, the Thiruvanmiyur beach provides a great opportunity for kids to play and enjoy after the temple visit, making it a well-rounded outing. Pack snacks and water, as options inside the temple are limited.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers
Take time to sit near the sacred tree or by the temple tank to absorb the spiritual energy. The temple's rich history and the devotion of its patrons create a deeply moving experience for those looking for a profound connection.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the unique west-facing Shiva Linga and the historical significance of Sage Valmiki's association with the site. The temple complex itself tells a story of centuries of devotion and architectural evolution.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Healing Legend of Marundeeswarar
This belief system is deeply ingrained in the local culture, and many visitors come with specific intentions for well-being. The serene atmosphere of the temple is said to amplify these healing energies, making it a place of solace and rejuvenation for those in need. The self-manifested Shiva Linga, known as Palvannanathar, is central to these prayers for health.
Beyond the primary deity, the temple complex is rich with lore. Sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, is said to have worshipped here, leading to the area's original name, Thiruvalmikiyur. Other revered saints and even the celestial Kamadhenu cow are associated with the temple's history, adding layers to its spiritual significance.
Architectural Marvels and Ancient Roots
Inside, the spacious mandapam is a visual delight, featuring 36 intricately carved pillars that depict various mythological scenes and deities. This architectural grandeur is a hallmark of South Indian temple construction. The temple also houses shrines for Goddess Tripurasundari (Parvati), Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha, and Dakshinamurthy, alongside the main deity.
A unique architectural feature is the west-facing, self-manifested Shiva Linga, known as Palvannanathar, which is a rarity among Shiva temples. The presence of a large temple tank (theertham) and an ancient sacred tree (Sthala Vriksham) further enhance the spiritual and aesthetic appeal of the complex.
Visitor Experience and Community Insights
While the temple itself is a haven of peace, some visitors note the presence of stray dogs outside the premises. It's advisable to be cautious and avoid approaching them to ensure a smooth visit. Parking can also be a minor challenge on the main road, though paid parking is available.
Community reviews highlight the temple's significance as a 'living sanctuary' and a 'must-visit' on Chennai's temple trail. The proximity to Thiruvanmiyur beach is also a plus, offering visitors a chance to combine spiritual reflection with a relaxing seaside experience.
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