Description
Thirunvaniyur Marundeeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Lord Shiva also called Marundeeswar. Of all the 275 Padal Petra Sthalams, it is one of the oldest temples still in existence. It has been aggrandized by the verses of Nayanars, Appar and Tirungnana Sambandar. This temple was renovated and expanded by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century. It sprawls over an area of 1 acre and has two 5-tiered Raja Gopurams facing the East and the West.
History
Sage Valmiki, the writer of Ramayana, was a robber in his early life. To cleanse himself from his previous deeds he worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased with him, Lord Shiva appeared to him under the Vanni tree. This place is named after the sage as a reward. Lord Shiva granted Darshan to sage Valmiki and sage Agasthya under the very same tree. All the lingams to which Lord Hanuman prayed, to one which cured the curse of Lord Indra and the linga for which Saint Bharadwaja performed prayers are present here. Stone inscription that dates back to 11th century AD is found in abundance.
Importance/Significance
The devotees do the milk abhishekham of the Lord and it is supposed that the consumption of the vibhuti Prasad may cure them of the illness and relieve them of the sins. The Vanni Tree, the place where the Lord appeared, is circumambulated leading the devotees to salvation. They also offer the Vastras on the festivals to the Lord and Mother. Lord Marundeeshwarar taught sage Agasthya about magical medicine. Thirunvanmiyur has plentiful of herbs, due to which the medicinal importance of the place stands out.
Facts/Mythology
Sage Vashishta prayed to Lord Shiva on the very same spot the temple exists. Pleased with the tapas, Indra sent the divine cow, named Kamdenu, with the sage. Once when the cow delayed to pour the cow for the pooja, in anger, sage Vashishta cursed the cow to become an ordinary cow and lose the status of divine cow. Kamdenu was then suggested to go to the place this temple exists, and do the penances under the Vanni tree in order to gain its status back. It gained its divinity back, post pouring the milk on the Lord. When Kamdenu saw Sage Valmiki coming over, it fled from the place in fear, leaving its imprint on the Shivalinga. The scar of this can still be seen on the presiding deity.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
There is an annual festival celebrated in March-April with the name of Bhramotsav. The noteworthy feature of this festival is the 18 types of dances performed here, along with the festival image of Thyagaraja, placed on a device called Thyagakarni and taken on a tour on the 10th and the 11th day of Brahmotsav. Shivratri is celebrated in February-March. Vinayaka Chaturti, Skanda Sashti is celebrated in October-November on the full moon days of the Krutika star days.
5001 
© 2024 ePuja
1151 
