Detailed information about the temples

Architecture: The temple has an area of about one acre. The main deity faces the west direction. You can also see the stunning five Raja Gopurams (tiered towers) that grace the Eastern and the Western entrances of the temple. The temple also comprises of two separate large chambers: Marundeeswarar Mandapam and the Thyagaraja Mandapam. You can also see the thirty six massive pillars with elegant carvings that adorn the Thyagaraja Mandapam and houses the Somaskanda Swaroopam of Lord Shiva. Goddess Tripurasundari or Chokkanayaki the companion of the presiding deity is housed in a different Mandapam in the temple compound. Several images embellish the pillars of the temple, while stucco figures grace the Gopurams.

Importance of the temple: The special feature of this temple is the Vanni (sacred) tree. Another noteworthy characteristic of this temple was the five sanctified theerthams or tanks which are Kamanasini, Janmanasini, Gnanadhayini, Papanasini, and Mokshadhayini. Another major importance of this temple is that the main "lingam" is described as Swayambu (self-manifested or that is created by its own accord). This temple has another special feature in the form of Lord Vishnu's idol which is rarely found in a Saivite (Shiva) temple. The temple also consists of 108 siva lingams.

Legend: "Legend says that Lord Marundeeswarar taught Sage Agastya magical medicine. Hence, the Lord derived this name. Mythology also says that it was Agastya, , who named the deity ""Aushadeeswarar"" (aushad means medicine) .The temple is a great place of worship for people suffering with diseases and various health problems. Sage Valmiki, the author of epic Ramayana had visited this temple to worship Lord Marundeeswarar. After this incident, this place came to be known as Thiruvalmikiyur. Later, the name was changed to Thiruvanmiyur. The presiding deity is in a lingam form and is depicted as Swayambu. The Lord is also called ""Palvannanathan"" since Kamadhenu, the celestial cow, used to shower him with milk constantly. "

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