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.