Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, near the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified by the Nayanar saints Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar in the 7th century CE. The temple was expanded during the Chola period in the 11th century. Spanning one acre, it features two seven-tiered gopurams, a large temple tank, and is renowned for its association with curative worship, attracting devotees seeking healing.
The temple conducts six daily rituals from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and celebrates twelve yearly festivals. The original masonry structure was built by the Cholas in the 9th century, with later expansions attributed to the Vijayanagar rulers. The temple is currently managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu. After significant renovations, the latest consecration took place in February 2020, following an earlier one in May 2008.
Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple is named after Lord Shiva's role in imparting knowledge about medicinal herbs to the sage Agastya, making it a pilgrimage site for those seeking cures for ailments. The temple is also linked to various legends, including the worship by Sage Valmiki, after whom Thiruvanmiyur is named. Additionally, shrines dedicated to Valmiki and other significant deities, including lingams worshipped by Hanuman and Indra, are found within the temple complex.
Historically, the road now known as East Coast Road (ECR) was a crucial route during the Chola period, connecting their kingdom to Thanjavur and Andhra Pradesh. Inscriptions dating back to the 11th century, during Rajendra Chola’s reign, are found in the temple’s Tripurasundari Amman shrine. Along with Kapaleeswarar Temple and Thyagarajaswamy Temple, Marundeeswarar Temple forms part of the "Trinity Sea Shore Temples" of Thondai Mandalam, preserving its ancient legacy.