The history behind the oldest temple in Chennai

It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and was probably built sometime around 50 BC in honour of the deity Shiva who appeared before the sage Agastya to impart the knowledge about herbs — thus earning the name — Marundeeswarar — the Lord who is proficient in medicine. 

It is said that the sage Valmiki who wrote the epic Ramayana came to Thiruvanmiyur to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. Hence this place was called as Thiru Valmikiyur which later became Thiruvanmiyur. Inscriptions found in Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, shows that this Marundeeswarar temple was an important Shiva temple from the ancient times. 

The Cholans who ruled the longest Hindu Kingdom for over 1,500 years embellished this temple amongst other Shiva temples in their vast empire. You will also find many Chola built Shiva temples in many parts of south India. It is unfortunate that many of these temples are not cared for despite the fact that they have managed to survive a long time.