Thiruvanmiyur Shiva Temple, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, worships a self-manifested Shivling (Swayambhu) deity, and it is believed that offering prayers here will relieve physical and mental ailments. Shiva instructed about medicines in this shrine to Sage Agastya and therefore the shrine is famous for curing diseases. The temple is also home to 108 Shivlingas, three powerful Vinayakas, and a temple dedicated to the Goddess Tripurasundari.
Story – Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple
The great sage Agasthya performed penance here, and Lord
Shiva appeared under the Vanni tree to grant him a vision. According to the
legend, Agasthya prayed for the welfare of mankind, and it is believed that the
temple's name, Thiruvanmiyur, refers to the place where this event occurred.
Lord Shiva appeared to Agasthya under the Vanni tree and
instructed him about herbs and medicines, which is why the deity here is known
as Marundeeswarar (the Lord of Medicine). It is believed by devotees that even
the deadliest disease will find a cure after offering prayers here.
The temple is also famous for its connection to the story of
the cow Kamadhenu, who, after being cursed by Sage Vasishtha, was restored to
her original form by praying to the self-manifested Shiva Lingam under the
Vanni tree.
Sage Valmiki's Connection: It is traditionally believed that
Sage Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana, worshipped Lord Shiva at this
very spot. His connection to the temple is so significant that the area was
originally named Thiruvalmikiyur (pronounced as 'Thiruvanmikiyur' in Tamil),
which eventually evolved into the current name, Thiruvanmiyur. A locality
called Valmiki Nagar exists in his honor, and a shrine dedicated to the sage
can be found on the western side of the temple, located on what is now the East
Coast Road (ECR).
Worship by Deities and Sages: The temple houses several
significant lingams. These include the lingam worshipped by Hanuman, and the Meenakshi
Sundareswarar lingam, which is believed to have cured Indra's curse.
Additionally, there is a lingam worshipped by Saint Bharadwaja. Other deities
and sages who worshipped here include Markandeya, who performed penance, and Brahma,
who conducted a festival in honor of Shiva.
The Name Palvannanathar: The presiding deity is also known
as Palvannanathar. This name stems from a legend that Kamadhenu, the sacred
cow, performed an oblation on the Sivalingam using her milk (Pal in Tamil).
Unique West-Facing Shrine: A unique belief associated with the temple is that the main shrine faces west because the Sun and Moon perform their daily worship rituals here during sunset.
The most important festival in the temple is Panguni Brahmotsavam (March – April).