Iconic Temple   16.Vaitheeswaran Koil
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16.Vaitheeswaran Koil
Navagraha Parihara Temples,Paadal Petra Sthalams,Swayambhu Temples
The presiding deity of Vaitheeswaran Koil, Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy, faces towards west. According to scriptures, worshipping in a temple where the Lord faces west brings the devotees the benefit of worshipping in 1000 Shiva Temples. 
Sthalam

 

Devotees from all parts of South India throng the Vaitheeswaran Koil in Tamilnadu to seek the blessings of Lord Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran (Lord Shiva) and pray here for a remedy from various ailments as Lord Vaitheeswaran is regarded as the “God of Healing”. Devotees believe that prayers to Lord Vaitheeswaran can cure all ailments and also brings mental peace and relief from hardships. Vaitheeswaran Koil is revered for providing relief from adverse planetary aspects and people pray and perform Parihara pooja at this temple for employment opportunities, progress in trade and profession, promotions, marriage, and child boons. Vaitheeswaran Koil in Tamilnadu is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam (temple revered by the Nayanars). It is also revered by Tevaram hymns of saint poets belonging to the 7th century, Thirunavukkarasar and Sambandar.

 

 

ANGARAKAN NAVAGRHASTHALAM

Vaitheeswaran Koil in Tamilnadu is one of the Navagraha temples associated with the Planet Mars (Angaraka, Chevvai) and thus popular as Angarakan Navagrahasthalam. As per legends, this is the place where Planet Mars was cured by Vaidyanatha Swamy (Lord Shiva) when he was once afflicted with leprosy and from then on, the temple is treated as Angarakan Navagrahasthalam. Hence, he stayed in Vaitheeswaran Koil and called as “Vaitheewaran” and cure all the diseases of whom praying him.

The Angaraka shrine in Vaitheeswaran Koil houses a bronze image of Angaraka (Planet Mars) which is taken out in procession on a goat mount every Tuesday as it is considered an auspicious day to worship Mangal (Planet Mars). Angaraka is described as one with a fiery red complexion attired in red. Devotees worship Angaraka with immense devotion, seeking a cure from illness. 

 NADI ASTROLOGY

Vaitheeswaran Koil is considered to be the cradle of Nadi Astrology or Palm Leaf AstrologyA popular form of Hindu astrology, Nadi Astrology is based on the belief that the past, present and the future lives of all humans were foreseen by ancient Hindu sages using their yogic and intuitive powers and are said to have written these predictions on palm leaves. These predictions are mainly written in

Vatteluttu (Vattezhuthu), an ancient Tamil script which can be deciphered by expert Nadi Astrologers only. Vaitheeswaran Koil’s connection with astrology is more fascinating than its connection with planet Mars. 

Each Nadi or set of leaves is made up of palm leaf, written with a sharp, nail-like instrument called ezhuthani. It is believed that the life of each human being who has lived, is living and of someone who is yet to be born is recorded in these palm leaves. These predictions are believed to be written by a Tamil sage called Agathiyar who is said to have had divine revelations. The Nadi Leaves are still preserved in Tanjore Saraswati Mahal Library, Tamil Nadu. However, most of the Nadi Leaves were auctioned during British rule. Families of astrologers in Vaitheeswaran Koil obtained and possessed these leaves and passed them down from one generation to the other to make predictions about the future. Hence, Vaitheeswaran Koil is considered to be the birthplace of Nadi astrology or the primary centre for Nadi Shastra.

Seemingly, there is a palm leaf that corresponds to everyone, not just Indian nationals but also people of other nationalities, religions, and creeds. The palm leaf inscription of an individual can be identified according to one’s thumb impression. It is a universal fact that the whirls and loops of the fingers of people on the earth are unique and they cannot be replicated. There are 108 types of thumbprints and it is believed that the Naadi Palm Leaves are arranged according to these types. The Nadi readers identify the particular types of lines on the thumb and frame their questions in a way that enables them to find the corresponding set of palm leaves to give predictions and also suggest remedies to correct “problems”.

SIDDHAMRUTA THEERTHAM – THE MIRACLE “TANK OF NECTAR” CURES SKIN AILMENTS

The holy waters of the Siddhamrutha Theertham, the huge temple tank of Vaitheeswaran Koil contains nectar. Filled with holy waters and mixed with medicines in the form of leaves, Siddhamrutha Theertham is known to have medicinal properties and a holy dip in it is believed to cure all diseases. The holy water of Siddhamrutha Theertham is bestowed with curative properties for various skin problems. As per legends, Angaraka was cured of his leprosy after a dip in the holy waters of Siddhamrutha Theertham. The waters of this miracle temple tank taste sweet like a cane juice and hence known as Ikshusara. It is also known by the name Goksheera, as Kamadhenu’s milk flowed into this tank when she performed Abhishekam to the deity here with her milk. Another legend has it that Jatayu had his bath here and hence Siddhamrutha Theertham is also known as Jatayu Theertham.

A REMEDY FOR CHEVVAI DOSHAM

The unfavorable position of Angaraka or Chevvai in the horoscope leads to Chevvai Dosham (malefic effect) which may manifest as aggressiveness, tendency to get into unnecessary arguments or jealousy in the native. It can also result in loss of money, disturbs family life and causes frequent quarrels, delays marriages, frequent minor accidents and small injuries, emotional upheavals, abusive violent fights between marriage partners, etc.

Chevvai Dosham is rectified by performing Parihara Poojas to Angaraka or Chevvai. Worshipping Chevvai at Vaitheeswaran Koil and performing Angaraka Pooja is the best remedy for Chevvai Dosham which helps in neutralizing the negative effects of Angaraka. Devotees offer red cloth and Bengal gram or kadalai paruppu to Chevvai here. Tuesdays are regarded as the special day to worship Angaraka.

.THE THIRUCHANDU URUNDAI PRASADAM – A PANACEA CAPABLE OF CURING ALL DISEASES

Thiruchandu Urundai is the prasadam being offered to the devotees at Vaitheeswaran Koil. It is considered as a panacea capable of curing almost all kinds of diseases that an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva suffers from. The special Thiruchandu Urundai Prasadam is made of medicinal clay extracted from temple pond, essence from neem leaves, neem bark-powder, and the holy ash collected from the Homa Kundam (sacred fire).

ARCHITECTURAL SPECIALITY

Vaitheeswaran Temple boasts of a five-tiered gopura and large enclosures. Interestingly, the five towers of this temple are on a straight line. The western tower of the temple houses the Shiva Lingam. The most significant feature of the temple construction is that the western tower allows the rays of the Sun to fall directly on the Shiva Lingam for a few days every year. Vaitheeswaran Koil contains inscriptions of King Vikrama Chola from the 12th century, the Nayaks in the 16th century and also the Marathas in the 18th century. 

ABOUT VAITHEESWARAN KOIL IN TAMILNADUVaitheeswaran Koil is situated near Mayiladuthurai in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu. It is believed that this temple is built on the exact spot where Lord Ram, his brother Laxman and the Saptarishis are said to have performed their meditation. Vaitheeswaran Koil is also known as Thirupullirukku Velur.

Like other Navagraha Temples, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati are the main deities who are worshipped here as Vaidyanatha Swamy and Thaiyalnaayaki. There is a separate shrine here for Thaiyalnaayaki who stands with the medicinal oil to cure the diseases of the devotees. Vaitheeswaran Koil also houses a small shrine to Dhanvantari and Angaraka. The presiding deity of Vaitheeswaran Koil, Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy, faces towards west. According to scriptures, worshipping in a temple where the Lord faces west brings the devotees the benefit of worshipping in 1000 Shiva Temples. 

 

Puranam

 

There are many places where Angaaraga Bhagavan (Sevvaai) has offered worship. Among these, the place that needs special mention is Thirupullirukku Veloor (Vaitheeswaran Kovil). The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or Vaidhyanadha Swamy. His Consort is known as Thaiyal Nayaki. Unlike most other temples that are known by the presiding deity, Lord Muruga is a celebrated deity in Vaitheeswaran Koil.

Though the name Vaidhyanadhan is associated with Lord Shiva, poet Arunagiri-nadhar prefers to call Muruga by that name in one of his verses, known for the beauty of their rhythm. 'varathurai nIdharkku oru sEyE, vayiththiya naadhap perumaale,' is how he addresses Lord Subramanya in Thiruppugazh (urath thurai bOdhath thaniyaana). The Dharumapuram Adhinam has made several endowments to this temple. Lord Rama cremated Jatayu here.Inscriptions from the period of Vikrama Chola (12th century CE), the Nayakas (16th century CE) and the Mahrathas (18th century) are seen in this temple.

Vaitheeswaran Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is situated 7 kilometers from Sirkazhi. The word “Vaithiyam” denotes ‘curing,’ and the word “Eshwaran” denotes ‘Lord Shiva.’ Thus, Vaitheeswaran is the Lord who cures ailments and the God of good health. The main deities are Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vaitheeswaran, and Goddess Parvati worshipped as Thayalnayagi. It is one of the Navagraha temples dedicated to the Planet Mars, who is also known as Angaraka. Lord Muruga has a special place in this temple and is highly revered here. This is one of the famous temples, which was praised by Nayanmars, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. Several saints and godmen had visited this temple, and it is prominent among the Shiva Temples.

 

History and Legend of Vaitheeswaran Temple

Vaitheeswaran  Temple

 

The name Vaitheeswaran was bestowed upon Lord Shiva, as he cured the leprosy of Angaraka, who found no cure elsewhere. This temple is also associated with the epic Ramayana, which states that Jatayu, the king of the birds, was given salvation in this temple. Even today, there is a special temple tank, and the sacred ash of Jatayu is kept for the public’s reverence. Another important feature is that Lord Muruga has only one face. Usually, he is always depicted with six faces. He received his weapon, ‘Vel’ from his mother, and annihilated the demon, ‘Surapadman.’ Lord Shiva cured the wounds of Lord Muruga, caused during his combat with the demon, Surapadman. Even today, a special medicinal ball, made of herbs and mud, is given as a medicine to cure many ailments.

 

 

Varnam

 

This temple was built during the Chola reign, and many inscriptions say that these were later renovated during Nayaka’s period. This temple has separate shrines for Lord Shiva, revered as Vaitheeswaran, Goddess Parvati, revered as Thaiyal Nayagi, Lord Subramanya, revered as Chella Muthukumaraswamy and planet Mars, revered as Angaraka.

Another important feature is that all the nine planets are aligned in a straight line, unlike their usual arrangement- three planets per row. The shrines of Lord Bhairava and Lord Sattanathar are depicted very nicely and are highly intricate. The temple corridor contains several pillars, which add beauty to this temple. Another important feature of this temple is that it allows the sun rays to fall directly on the Shiva Lingam, for a few days in a year. Currently, this temple is maintained by Dharmapuram Adheenam.

Highlights

 

The merciful Lord also promised cures for all the devotees who are suffering from diseases at this temple. The planet, Angaraka (Mars), protects the devotees from conflicts related to land or property. People with family feuds and problems in their life come to this temple to seek relief and ask the Almighty to guide them for a new life.

Lord Shiva grants salvation to all his devotees and helps them to make positive strides in life. People who have Manglik Dosha (Mars affliction) in the horoscope visit the temple to get married soon.

Sevas

 

The 10-day festival in the Tamil month, Thai (mid-Jan to mid-Feb), is celebrated elaborately. The 28-day “Panguni Brahmotsavam” festival attracts people from all over the globe. The 6 days of “Aippasi Skanda Shasti” in October and November are also celebrated with pomp and glory. Vaikasi month’s Anna Abhishekam and monthly Krittika star days are also grandly celebrated at the temple.

Angaraka’s (Mars Pooja) are conducted during Tuesdays, and he is ambulated in the corridors of the temple, and taken in procession along with the devotees. Along with that, festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Deepavali, Tamil New Year, etc., are all celebrated elaborately

Timings

 

6am - 10 pm

Contact

 

Vaitheeswarankoil, Tamil Nadu 609117

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