Friday, September 15, 2017

Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur – History

Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur – History
The road starting from Marundeeswarar temple, now called ECR was an important route during the Chola period and was known as Vadagaperuvazhi, connecting the kingdom to places in Thanjavur and Andhra Pradesh. Inscriptions can be found in the shrine of Tripurasundari Amman dating back to 11th century during the period of Rajendra Chola. The origins and antiquity of this temple is corroborated by the inscriptions found in other temples in the city namely Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Virupaksheewarar Temple and Thiruvidandai which bear testimony to Tiruvanmiyur's existence.
Tirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar the Saint Saivite Poets have visited and sang the praises of this temple, testifying its existence during their life time about 1200 years ago. Arunagirinathar has visited this temple and has sung praises of Subramanya here. A new life has been put into this ancient worshipping place, first in the year 1903 and then in the 1970s. This temple along with the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Thiruvottriyur Thyagarajaswami Temple form the famous Trinity Sea Shore temples of Thondai Mandalam.
The builders of the ECR (East Coast Road) had even considered demolition of the temple of Sage Valmiki lying opposite to the Marundeeswarar temple in order to complete the project (of building the ECR). The high court of Tamilnadu then directed that the temple be in its place and not to disturb it. The Kumbabishekam (coronation after renovation) of the temple was performed on 23 May 2008. The construction of the Rajagopuram on the eastern side of temple started 45 years ago, but was completed only before the function following the Government issued orders for completing it at a cost of Rs 45 lakh. Rs 1 crore was spent for improving infrastructure at the temple, which included construction of additional compound wall, Annadanakudam, office complex and amenities for devotees.