the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

The legend is that sage Agasthiyar worshipped the lord here and was taught the science of Oushadha Muligai (medicinal herbs) by the lord. Hence the lord here is also known as Sri Oushadeeswarar and Sri Marundeeswarar (Marundu means medicine and Eswarar means god in Tamil). Sage Agasthiyar was blessed with Lord Shiva’s wedding darshan under the Vanni tree, the sacred tree of this temple. It is believed that Sage Valmiki was advised by Sage Narada to go to this temple and worship the lord to seek salvation. Lord Shiva is believed to have given darshan to sage Valmiki under this temple’s Vanni tree. The lord is also believed to have performed his dance on a full moon day in the Tamil month of Panguni when the sage attained salvation. The divine cow Kamadhenu is also believed to have worshipped the lingam here to seek relief from a curse by Sage Vashistar. The hoof marks of Kamadhenu can be seen on the lingam. As Kamadenu worshipped and offered her milk for the lord here, the lingam appears white in colour. Hence, the lord here is also known as Palvanna Nathar (Palvannam means white as milk in Tamil). Vedas and Devas are believed to have worshipped the lord here. Hence the lord here is also known as Sri Vedapureeswarar. Lord Shiva also gave dharshan to sage Markandeyar under the Vanni tree. It is believed that lords Brahma, Mahavishnu, Ram, Suryan, Chandran and Sage Birunki have worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple. The great Chola King Rajendran is also believed to have worshiped the lord here. Saint Appayya Dhikshithar, a well-known Sanskrit scholar is also believed to have worshiped the lord here. It is believed that once, during heavy floods, the saint could not see the lord’s face for worship. He prayed to the lord asking him to turn around. Lord Shiva obliged and turned west to grace his darshan. Hence, in this temple, Lord Shiva’s shrine alone faces west whereas the other shrines face the east direction.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 25th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested) and the lingam is white in colour. This lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the priests, as it is Theendathirumeni. This temple’s east facing main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers and it has two corridors. Thiruvanmiyur is located in Chennai and the temple is very close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This ancient temple is believed to be more than 1300 years old. Thiruvanmiyur derives its names from Sage Valmiki - Thiru-Valmiki-Oor. (Thiru is a respectful prefix and Oor is a place in Tamil). Since Sage Valmiki is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, the lord here is also praised as Vanmeeki Nathar. This temple has 5 theerthams – Janma nasini, Kama nasini, Papa nasini, Gyana dhayini and Moksha nasini. These are believed to have originated from the jada mudi of Lord Shiva. Lord Murugan is seen with his right leg on his peacock mount. He has a bow in his hand. Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. There is no Navagraham in this temple as this temple is believed to have been built in 7th century. Navagraham worship came into practice only after the 10th century (during the Chola period). It is also believed that since Suryan and Chandran worshiped the lord here, there is no need for a Navagraham shrine here. There is a Srichakra installed in front of Goddess Thiripura Sundari.Devotees believe that by worshiping the lord here, they will be cured from their prolonged illness. It is also believed that by circumambulating the Vanni tree (where Lord Shiva gave darshan), devotees will be relieved off their sins and can obtain salvation.

Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) is celebrated in a grand manner. During Brahmotsavam, on the 9th day, the occasion of Lord Shiva giving darshan to sage Agasthiar is celebrated. Shivratri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Vinayaka Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept), Skanda Sashti in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov) are the other main festivals celebrated here. Pradosham is also observed regularly.