#Chennai:"The Detroit of India" #Places To Visit In Chennai

Marundeeswarar Temple, Chennai

The magnificent Marundeeswarar Temple, in Tiruvanmiyur, near Chennai has the temple deity Shiva in the form of Marundeeswar or Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines.

A fine specimen of Dravidian architecture, this temple is a must visit for anyone visiting Chennai or nearby cities.

Glorified in the 7th-8th century by Nayanars (Saivite Saints), Tirugnana Sambandar, and Appar, the temple was expanded by the Chola Kingdom in the 11th century.

Moreover, given the name, Marundeeswarar Temple has been a place of worship especially for people with diseases and those facing various problems with their health.

The prasadam here is a mixture of sacred ash, water, and milk which is believed to cure any ailments.

One must visit the temple to encounter the miraculous power it is said to have. 

Legends Related to Marundeeswarar Temple 

Marundeeswarar temple is a place known for bestowing blessings over the diseased people, in turn, curing them.

Legends say that lord Marundeeswarar imparted knowledge about different properties of herbs and plants to sage Agastya on the lands of this temple.

Hence getting its name, Marundeeswarar where Marundhu in means medicine and Easwara means God of Medicines.

It is also believed that Sage Valmiki, who wrote The Ramayana, visited the Marundeeswarar temple to worship Shiva.

The purpose was to correct himself from his past deeds of a robber.

He was then blessed by the almighty. After this incident, this place came to be known as Thiruvalmikiyur; the name gradually changed to Thiruvanmiyur where you see the temple today.

Presently, there is also a place here in Thiruvanmiyur called Valmiki Nagar dedicated in his honour.

Festivals Celebrated at Marundeeswarar Temple 

The temple hosts many festivals around the year, like Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March- April, Shivrathri in February-March, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Skanda Sashti inOctober-November, and the full moon days, calling them the Kruthika Star Days.

visiting during these celebrations will lighten up your visit with more joy and enthusiasm.

How To Reach Marundeeswarar Temple 

The Marundeeswara temple is on the East Coast Road in Tiruvanmiyur and is connected by regular bus facilities.

---//Arignar Anna Zoological Park//

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai Overview
One of the most popular picnic spots in Vandalur, the Arignar Zoological Park is an amazing place to discover the flora and fauna of the region. 

A favourite weekend spot with both children and adults alike, the Arignar Zoo is situated at a distance of 32 kilometres from Chennai city.

It is the largest zoo of its kind in South East Asia and is sprawled over an area of 1260 acres.

In addition to having an extensive collection of endemic and exotic animals, visitors can experience the wild first hand with a trip to safari parks where lions and deer can be easily spotted.

Housing as many as 138 different species of organisms, this destination is every nature lover's paradise.

Arinagar Anna Zoological Park is home to a variety of animals such as Himalayan brown bear, lion, tiger, elephant and Indian civit cat.

The zoo also has a reptile house which houses various species of reptiles including the king cobra, python, viper any much more.

In addition to this, they have a small built-in Jurassic park which just adds on to the excitement.

Elephant joy rides, children's park and an education centre are amongst the other special features of the park.

###How To Reach Arignar Anna Zoological Park 

Since the zoological park is situated 32 km away from Chennai city, you can take a bus/cab up to the park.

Vandalur is the nearest railway station which is situated 1 km away from the zoological park. You can easily take a cab further and reach the park.

###Tips For Visiting Arignar Anna Zoological Park 

1. It is advisable to not feed the animals in there or hurt them in any manner possible.
This might lead to serious repercussions.

2. Smoking or bringing alcohol inside the park is not allowed.

###Safari at Arignar Anna Zoological Park###

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park also offers lion safari, gaur safari, elephant safari and deer safari, where you can take a closer look at these animals.

You will be taken through the natural habitat of the particular animal who's safari you choose, and you can learn a lot about the ways of the jungle.

The most popular here is the lion safari, which gives you a chance to spot this majestic animal in all its might.

The details of the same are as follows:-

Lion Safari Charges
Adults: INR 50
Children: INR 30
Camera Fee: INR 35
Camera Phone Fee: INR  25
Camcorder Fee (Video Camera Fee): INR  150