Marundeeswarar Temple | |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Hinduism |
District | Kanchipuram |
Deity | Marundeeswarar(Shiva) |
Location | |
State | Tamil Nadu |
Country | India |
Location in Tamil Nadu | |
Geographic coordinates | 12°46′39″N 79°59′29″E / 12.77750°N 79.99139°E |
Architecture | |
Type | Dravidian architecture |
Marundeeswarar Temple or Oushadheeshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva. Shiva is worshipped as Marundeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Sati is depicted as Anjanakshi. The presiding deity is associated with the 7th century Tamil Saiva Nayanars Sundarar. The temple is counted as a twin temple along with Kachabeswarar temple, the place where Lord Vishnu did penances to Lord Shiva to incarnate into his Kachaba (Tortoise) Avatar.
The temple complex covers an area of one acre and all its shrines are enclosed with a granite concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Marundeeswarar and his consort Irulneeki Thayar being the most prominent.
The temple has three daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated during the day of the Magam (February - March) is the most prominent festival.
The original complex is believed to have been built by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during the 16th century. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.