The Shiva temple located in Tiruvanmiyur is characterized by its impressive architecture. The temple complex consists of three main towers, each with a different number of tiers. The main tower, which is seven-tiered, is situated in the eastern part of the temple, while another five-tiered tower can be found within it. On the western side, there is a third tower, also five-tiered, serving as the main entrance due to its proximity to the Tiruvanmiyur bus terminus and its location on the east coast road. Upon entering through the Rajagopuram in the east, visitors are greeted by a spacious arena. To the right of the arena is the Thyagaraja Mandap, and to the left is the temple pond, known as the 'theertha'. Moving forward from the main tower, one can find the second five-tiered tower, which leads to the eastern outer prahara. Within this area, on the right side, is the sannidhi of the female deity Thripurasundari, facing south. Additionally, there are separate sannidhis for Vinayaka and Muruga in this eastern outer corridor. Upon entering through the western gateway, visitors enter the western outer prahara, where they can observe the Altar, flagstaff, and Nandi. Adjacent to these structures, through a small entrance, one can access the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity Marundeeswarar (Lord of medicines). Alternatively, there is another entrance from the south through the Thyagaraja Mandap. The presiding deity Marundeeswarar is represented by a self-manifested Linga facing west.
The presiding deity is known as Marundeeswarar in tamil, Aushadhanathar in sanskrit, both meaning 'Lord of medicines', and Paal-vanna-nathar meaning 'the one who takes the color of milk'. According to the legend, Kamadenu, the celestial cow, had disrespected Sage Vashista, resulting in the sage cursing the divine cow to be born on Earth. Realizing its mistake, Kamadenu sought forgiveness from the sage and requested him to lift the curse. In response, Sage Vashista advised the cow to go to Vanmiyur and pour its milk over the self-manifested Linga present there. He assured Kamadenu that this act would lead to its redemption from the curse. Following the sage's advice, Kamadenu obediently went to Vanmiyur and poured its milk over the Linga. As a result, the Linga turned white in color, and the deity came to be known as Paal-vanna-nathar, symbolizing the one who took the color of the milk. Additionally, this sacred place holds significance in terms of medicinal knowledge. Sage Agathiya, who arrived at this location to worship, received teachings from Lord Shiva himself. Shiva imparted knowledge about various diseases that exist in the world and the corresponding medicines to cure them. Due to this association with medicinal wisdom, the Lord of this place is also referred to as Marundeeshwarar or Aushadanathar.
The circumambulating path around the sanctum sanctorum - the inner prahara, is adorned with numerous shrines dedicated to various deities. To the west, one can find Gajalakshmi, Muthu Kumara Swamy with Valli and Deivanai, Vinayaka, and the four primary nayanmars. Moving towards the north, the 'Urchava' idols stand tall, followed by the majestic presence of Nataraja and 108 Lingas. At the conclusion of the northern inner prahara, Kalabhairav stands facing south, exuding a sense of power and protection. On the eastern side of the inner prahara, Kethareeshwar, Ramanatheshwar, Sundareshwar, Arunachaleshwar, and Jambukeshwar are positioned in a sequential order. Meanwhile, the southern side of the inner prahara is graced by the presence of all the 63 Nayanmars. The 'Goshta images' further enrich the spiritual ambiance, featuring Brahma, Goddess Durga, Mahavishnu, Dakshinamurthy, and Ganesha, each contributing to the overall sanctity and sacredness of the surroundings. Together, these shrines and idols form a tapestry of devotion and faith, inviting worshippers to immerse themselves in the divine presence that permeates the inner prahara.
The sacred union of Shiva and Parvathy during their celestial wedding ceremony held at the majestic Kailash mountain had an extraordinary impact on the Earth's equilibrium. The sheer weight of the countless individuals who had gathered to witness this divine event caused a significant disturbance in the North/South balance. In order to rectify this disruption, Shiva, the supreme deity, entrusted the revered Sage Agasthya with the task of embarking on a journey towards the southern regions. However, the sage was initially reluctant to leave the enchanting surroundings of Kailash, fearing that he would miss the auspicious wedding. Sensing his hesitation, Shiva reassured the sage that his absence from Kailash would not hinder his ability to witness the celestial union. Shiva bestowed His blessings upon Agasthya, assuring him that he would have the privilege of witnessing the divine wedding at any time and from any place he desired. Accordingly, Sage Agasthya was blessed with the vision of the celestial wedding at tiruvanmiyur. During his stay at tiruvanmiyur, Sage Agasthya sufferred from an incurable stomach pain. God Shiva appeared before the Sage, and imparted the knowledge of medicines and how to use them to cure diseases. For this reason, the deity Shiva at Tiruvanmiyur is known as 'Marundeeswarar'. Since the planetory deities for Sun and Moon , Surya and Chandra worshipped the deity here, there is no shrine for Navagrahas.
See also:- Places visited by Sage Agasthya in his journey to south - 1) Kutralam, 2) Tirupanankattur, 3) Tirukallil, 4) Tiruvotriyur, 5) Tiruverkaadu, 6) Achirupakkam
The sacred 'Vanni' tree, situated at the North west corner of the outer prahara, holds significant religious importance in this Shiva temple. Legend has it that the revered sage Agasthya was bestowed with a divine vision of The celestial wedding while meditating under this ancient tree. According to Puranic scriptures, Sage Vanmeeka was directed by Narada to visit this sacred site and seek salvation. It is said that Sage Vanmeeka discovered the 'Swayambu Lingam' beneath the Vanni tree and began worshipping it fervently. This Vanni tree has been a witness to divine manifestations, with Lord Shiva appearing twice under its branches - once for Sage Agathiya and once for Sage Vanmiki. The annual ceremony commemorating Shiva blessing Sage Agasthya with a vision of the celestial wedding is conducted under this auspicious Vanni tree on the ninth day of the Brahmotsavam, during the Tamil month of 'Panguni'.
5 tier temple tower in the west
Entrance to the shrine of Tiripura sundari
Thyagarajar mandap
Altar, Flagstaff and Nandi in the western outer corridor
Outer corridor - East - Another view
The sacred Vanni tree
Outer corridor - North
5 tier temple tower in the east
Outer corridor - East