Vaitheeswaran Koil (Vaidyanathaswamy Temple)
Also known as: வைத்தீஸ்வரன் கோயில் · వైదీశ్వరన్ కోవెల · वैद्येश्वरन कोयिल (मंगल)
Tamil Nadu Navagraha
The temple of Shiva the divine physician, and the Mars (Angaraka) temple among the nine Navagraha temples. Known for healing and Nadi astrology.
- Deity
- Vaitheeswaran (Vaidyanathar, Shiva the healer), Thaiyalnayaki, Muthukumaraswamy (Murugan), Angaraka (Mars)
- Tradition
- Navagraha
- Place
- Vaitheeswaran Koil, Mayiladuthurai
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sthala vriksham
- Neem (margosa)
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Siddhamirtham (Siddha Amritam) tank. A Jatayu Kundam pond is also mentioned.
- Era
- Five inscriptions, mainly of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE). Later gifts by Vikrama Chola, Vira Rajendra Pandya, Achuthappa Nayak and a Maratha prince. Parts built in 1689 CE.
Sthala Puranam
Shiva came here as the healer Vaidyanathar. He cured the wounds of Murugan's army after the war with the asura Surapadman.
The devotee Angahara was cured of leprosy here. Angaraka (Mars) was also cured of leprosy by Vaidyanathaswamy.
Rama, Lakshmana and the Saptarishis are said to have worshipped here.
The old name Pullirukkuvelur is linked to the worship by Pul (Jatayu), Irukku, Vel and Ooor.
Speciality
- One of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, for Mars (Angaraka).
- Famous as a place of healing. Devotees believe a dip in the Siddhamirtham tank cures diseases.
- Also known for Nadi astrology.
- Has a shrine of Muthukumaraswamy where Kanda Sashti is celebrated.
Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree)
Neem (margosa)
Festivals
- Brahmotsavam in Panguni and Thai
- Karthigai festival (November)
- Kanda Sashti at the Muthukumaraswamy shrine
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Tuesday is the day of Mars and is busy.
- Many agents offer Nadi astrology near the temple. Be careful with money and take advice from locals.
Prayers for this temple
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