The Abode of Shiva, the Healer
This temple, in Nagapattinam distrct, is dedicated to the planet Mars or Angaraka/Chevvai/Kuja/Mangal. The chief deity here is Shiva, who is called Vaitheeswaran Temple here, which means ‘the God of medicine’. Many people come here to worship Shiva and be cured of their ailments, mostly skin diseases. Mars is a planet that can influence marital relationships. The village where the temple is located is renowned for Nadi Astrology, which is based on ancient palm leaf inscriptions.
Legends of the temple
It is said that Mars was born from a drop of Shiva’s sweat. The drop fell from Shiva’s forehead to the earth when he was deep in meditation. A male child, Angaraka, was born from it. It is said that Angaraka was cured of skin disease by Shiva, after which he joined the group of Navagrahas. To be free of their skin problems, people take a dip in the temple tank, Siddhsmrita, before entering the temple. The Saptarishis are believed to have worshipped Shiva here. Another legend says that Sri Rama and his brother Lakshmana performed the last rites for the bird Jatayu by immersing its ashes here, at Jatayu Kundam (pot of Jatayu containing holy ash), as per the bird’s wish. The Jatayu Kunda tirtha is believed to possess healing powers. This place used to be called Jatayupuri as Jatayu worshipped the deity here. Its other names are Vedapuri, Ambikapuri, Kandapuri, Angarakapura, and Paridhipuri, after the Vedas, Ambika, Skanda, Mars, and the Sun God who are believed to have worshipped here, as well.
In yet another legend, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Shiva, told her son, Muruga, to appear with one face (he has 6 faces). When he agreed, she was pleased and gave him a vel (a weapon) to slay demons. Muruga killed the demon, Surapadman. In the battle, Muruga’s soldiers were severely injured. Shiva appeared as the healer Vaitheeswaran and healed their wounds. Murugan got his vel here and is called Selvamuthu Kumaran.
The temple has been eulogized in the Tevarams, hymns sung by the 63 Nayanmars, or poet-saints of the 7th century, who were great devotees of Shiva.
Architectural features
The main deity here is Vaidyanatha Swamy, and his consort is Thaiyalnayaki Ambal. She is seen holding medicinal oil in her hands. Angarakan is worshipped in two forms in this temple. While the main deity remains within the temple, the other is taken out in procession when festivals are celebrated at the temple. The deity taken out in procession is placed near the main shrine of the main deity. The Moolavar is found on the eastern side of the outer prakaram or circumambulatory path. The temple gopuram has five tiers and large enclosures. The image of Muruga is seen in the first enclosure around the sanctum, and he is worshipped as Muthukumara Swamy. Other images in the sanctum are of Nataraja, Angaraka, Somaskanda, Durga, Surya, Jatayu, and Dakshinamurthy. Thaiyalnayaki’s shrine is in the second enclosure. Dhanvantari, the divine physician and Angaraka too have a small shrine.The southern gateway from the precinct faces the shrine of Thaiyalnayaki directly and leads to the temple tank. The temple is built in a particular manner so that the western tower allows the sun’s rays to fall on the Shiva Lingam for a few days in a year.
There are 18 Theerthas here, of which the most sacred is the Siddhamritha Theertha. Worshippers throw salt and jaggery into it and then bathe in it before worshipping the deity. The temple used to be well patronized by the Chola, Nayak, and Vijayanagara rulers. One can find many inscriptions from the time of Vikrama Chola in 1117 AD, here as well as some from the time of Virapandya Acchuthappa Nayak and Tulasamahraja.
Significance of the temple
The ash collected from the Homa Kundam at this temple is believed to have healing properties. It is called Thiruchandu Urundal and is said to cure skin ailments. Sandalwood mixed with saffron is used as another medicine. As the color red is associated with Angarakan, people offer toor dal and red arali flowers to the deity during Poojas. Pepper and salt, along with jaggery, are also offered in the Siddhamritam to be cured of diseases. People who are possessed by ghosts also come here to be free of them.
Tuesday is the special day for worshipping Mars. It is believed that observing a fast for 21 Tuesdays for Mars and worshipping the deity here, can help one escape the adverse effects of Mars.
Those who perform Poojas and Homas here can reap many benefits. They include:
*Better marital relationships
*Freedom from debt and poverty
*Cure for skin ailments
*Gain a son who brings a good name to the family
*Better eyesight
*Victory in all endeavors
*Gain courage and strength
Festivals
Some of the festivals celebrated in this temple are the 10-day Thai festival in January-February, the 6-day Aippasi Skanda Sashti festival (Oct-Nov), 28-day Panguni Brahmotsavam, and Vaikasi Mannabishek. Monthly Karthigai and Tuesday Poojas for Angaraka are also held here.
Temple timings
6 am – 1 pm; 4 pm – 9 pm
Location
The temple is located 25 km from Chidambaram. It is 50 km from Kumbakonam town.
How to reach
By Air
The nearest airport is at Trichy, 159 km away.
By Rail
The nearest train station is at Mayiladuthurai, which is 17 km away from the town.
By road
One can take buses or private cabs to the temple.
Address
Arulmigu Vaidyanathar Temple, Vaitheeswarankovil, Vaitheeswaran Koil post, Sirkazhi taluk, Nagapattinam district - 609117