The Vaitheeswaran Koil temple is situated in Nagapattinam District in the state of Tamil Nadu and is one of the revered temples of Lord Shiva which is dedicated towards the Lord for healing. There are myths older than 1000 years that state that Lord Shiva being the god of destruction took the form of a doctor to treat his people.
The temple also contains a holy tank called Siddhamirtham through which a treatment can be received. Some pilgrims take its water home for use as a medicine. The temple remains open daily from 6:from 00 AM to 8:30 PM, it has many thousands of devotees coming for health and well-being boons. It’s free to get into the temple but one can offer pooja to the gods at a charged fee.
In this article, we’ll cover where the Vaidheeswaran Temple is located, how to reach it from Telugu states, where to stay nearby, the temple’s history and significance, its connection to Lord Subrahmanya, its connection to Lord Rama, and the budget required for this trip. We’ll explore all these details step by step. I’m traveling from Vriddhachalam, after visiting Srimushnam, to the Vaidheeswaran Temple.
An unusual characteristic of Vaitheeswaran Koil is its connection to Nadi astrology – an antique sort of Tamil astrology. International tourists are found seeking the services of Nadi astrologers, who study lifelines from palm leaf accordingly. It has a 16 pillars mandapa and some other shrines are constructed for gods and goddesses such as Lord Murugan, Thaiyalnayaki – the consort of Lord Shiva. This Vaitheeswaran Koil is especial
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overview table on Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple Darshan:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Vaitheeswaran Koil, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Deity Worshipped | Lord Vaitheeswaran (Shiva) – Known as the “God of Healing” |
| Temple Timings | Daily: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free entry; pooja offerings available at nominal charges |
| Sacred Tank | Siddhamirtham – Known for its healing properties; pilgrims often collect water for medicinal use |
| Notable Features | Nadi astrology (ancient Tamil astrology) consultations available; predictions read from palm leaves |
| Main Festival | Panguni Uthiram – 10-day festival; draws over 20,000 devotees |
| Key Shrines | 16-pillared mandapam; shrines of Lord Murugan and Goddess Thaiyalnayaki |
| Darshan Popularity | Known for health and well-being blessings, attracting thousands of pilgrims year-round |
| Accessibility | Well-connected by road; nearest major towns include Mayiladuthurai and Chidambaram |
overview of Sevas & Darshans offered at Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple:
| Seva / Darshan | Description | Timings | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Regular darshan | 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM | Free |
| Abhishekam | Ritual bath offered to Lord Vaitheeswaran | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM (Daily) | ₹300 – ₹500 |
| Vishesh Pooja | Special pooja | 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM | ₹600 – ₹1,000 |
| Nadi Pariharam | Ritual and prayer | Varies (by appointment) | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Prasad Distribution | Holy prasad | Post all Sevas | Free / Nominal donation |
| Navagraha Dosha Pooja | Special pooja | 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM | ₹500 – ₹800 |
| Panguni Uthiram Festival Seva | Special sevas, | Festival Dates Only | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Archanai | Personalized prayer | All day (upon request) | ₹50 – ₹150 |
| Annadanam (Free Meal Service) | Free food offered to all devotees | Daily 12:00 PM | Free |
Important Timings
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:30 AM | Palli Unarthal |
| 4:00 AM | Nadathurappu Nirmalya Darsana |
| 6:30 AM | Ethirthu Sribeli |
| 7:30 AM | Panthiradi Pooja |
| 9:00 AM | Navakam Pooja |
| 10:00 AM | Ucha Pooja Abhisheka |
| 11:30 AM | Ucha Sribeli |
| 12:00 PM | Temple Closing |
| 5:00 PM | Temple Reopens |
| 6:30 PM | Deeparadhana |
| 7:00 PM | Athaza Pooja |
| 8:00 PM | Athaza Sribeli |
| 9:00 PM | Temple Closing |
How To Reach The Temple
By Air:
- The nearest airports are Tiruchirappalli airport which is about 170 km away or Chennai airport which is about 235 km away.
- From the airport you have to take a taxi or bus to Vaitheeswaran Koil if you wanted to reach.
By Train:
- The closest railway station is Vaitheeswaran Koil Railway Station which is 2 km from the temple.
- You can also get off at Mayiladuthurai Junction it dostany about 27 km away.
- From the station you are grant to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the temple so that you can reach safely.
By Bus:
- Vaitheeswaran Koil has a bus stand nearby to the Temple.
- Regular buses run from cities like Chennai, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai.
- Get off at Vaitheeswaran Koil and walk or take a short auto ride to the temple.
By Car:
- The temple is on the Thanjavur Chidambaram highway so you can take a ride to the temple.
- From Chennai: Drive 235 km via NH45 highway road, turn left after Sirkazhi toward Mayiladuthurai to reach your destination.
- From Chidambaram: Drive 27 km via NH45.
- From Thanjavur: Drive 110 km via NH45 and you should take a turn right after Mayiladuthurai.
- From Mayiladuthurai: Drive 16 km on the Sirkazhi-Mayiladuthurai road
How to Reach Vaidheeswaran Temple from Telugu States
Let’s see how to reach Vaidheeswaran Temple from Telugu states. The temple is 6 km from Sirkazhi, 13 km from Mayiladuthurai, 30 km from Chidambaram, 50 km from Kumbakonam, 95 km from Pondicherry, and 250 km from Chennai. There’s a railway station at Vaidheeswaran Temple, but trains from Telugu states don’t stop there. Trains stop at Sirkazhi, 6 km away, from where you can take a bus or auto to the temple. Only weekly trains run from Telugu states to Sirkazhi;Alternatively, reach Chennai first, as regular buses are available from Chennai to Vaidheeswaran Temple.
Accommodation Options
There are only a few hotels near Vaidheeswaran Temple. Better options are available in Sirkazhi (6 km away) or Mayiladuthurai (13 km away). Where to stay depends on your preference. The bus dropped me right at the temple. This is the Vaidheeswaran Temple, a very ancient and powerful temple. Let’s go inside.
Temple Overview and Significance
This is a large temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar (the Divine Healer) and Goddess Parvati as Thaiyal Nayaki. The temple is also called Pullirukku Velur, named after Jatayu (bird), Rig Veda, Kumaraswamy, and Surya (Sun), who worshipped Lord Shiva here. “Pul” means bird (Jatayu), “Irukku” means Rig Veda, “Vel” means Kumaraswamy, and “Ur” means Surya or place. This name reflects their worship of Lord Shiva at this site. [Music]
Temple Layout and Initial Darshan
Upon entering, you’ll first see the Subrahmanya Swamy (Lord Kartikeya) temple, with a Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha) temple beside it. After darshan of both, turn left to proceed. Further ahead, you’ll find the Angaraka (Mars) temple, one of the nine Navagraha temples around Kumbakonam.
Sthala Puranam (Temple Legend)
Let’s explore the temple’s legend. The demon Tarakasura performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva, securing a boon that only Shiva’s son could kill him. He sought this boon knowing Sati Devi had died, assuming Shiva wouldn’t remarry or have children. Emboldened, Tarakasura, with his brothers’ help, repeatedly attacked and defeated the Devas, including Indra, conquering heaven.
The Devas knew of Tarakasura’s boon and Shiva’s reluctance to remarry after Sati’s sacrifice. They arranged for Shiva’s marriage to Parvati, daughter of Himavat and Mena. After their marriage, Kartikeya (Kumaraswamy) was born.
As the commander of the Deva army, Kartikeya battled Tarakasura. During the war, Lord Shiva himself acted as a physician, with Parvati preparing Ayurvedic herbal oils (stored in a vessel) to heal the injured Deva soldiers. Thus, Shiva is worshipped here as Vaidyanathar (the Healer) and Parvati as Thaiyal Nayaki (the one with the oil vessel).
Angaraka’s Connection to the Temple
It’s said Angaraka (Mars) came to this temple to cure his leprosy. He bathed in the temple’s sacred tank and worshipped Vaidyanathar, which healed him. Another legend states that when Angaraka suffered from leprosy, he sought help from Kumaraswamy.Kumaraswamy, as the Deva army commander, admitted he lacked medical expertise and directed Angaraka to Lord Ganesha. Ganesha, moved by Angaraka’s plight, clarified he was the deity of wisdom, not medicine, and suggested the leprosy might be due to Shiva’s will. He advised Angaraka to pray to Shiva.
Kumaraswamy then took Angaraka to Kailasa, where, with Ganesha, they pleaded with Shiva. Shiva, unmoved, said he was the destroyer, not a healer. Following Ganesha’s advice, Angaraka performed intense penance at the current Vaidheeswaran Temple site. Pleased, Shiva appeared, transformed into a physician, and cured Angaraka’s leprosy.
Temple Tank and Further Darshan
Moving from Angaraka’s temple, you’ll reach the main Shiva temple. The temple tank, called Siddhamruta Theertham or Gokshira Theertham, is stunning, with beautiful entrance paintings.
Legend says Kamadhenu’s milk, used to anoint the Shivalinga, spilled here, giving the tank medicinal properties. In Treta Yuga, Rama and Lakshmana performed Jatayu’s last rites here. Devotees believe bathing in this tank with jaggery, salt, and pepper, and praying to Shiva, cures ailments. The tank is beautifully constructed.
Darshan of Thaiyal Nayaki and Vaidyanathar
Opposite the tank is the Thaiyal Nayaki temple, where Goddess Parvati holds a vessel of Ayurvedic medicinal oil, hence her name. Adjacent is the Vaidyanathar temple, one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (16th in the list). The interior, adorned with gold plating, is magnificent. Have darshan of the Vaidyanathar Shivalinga. Photography is prohibited inside. The temple has several sub-shrines to explore later.
Nadi Astrology at the Temple
The Vaidheeswaran Temple is famous for Nadi astrology, where past, present, and future are predicted based on thumbprints. This knowledge is passed down through 12 local families.
Nadi astrology centers are located both inside and outside the temple. While it may have been accurate in the past, its current reliability is questionable. Whether to consult Nadi astrologers is your choice; I won’t comment further.
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Facts and frequently asked questions about the Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple
Q: What is the meaning of Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple?
A: Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple is a temple situated in Tamil Nadu in India which is spiritua temple associated with Lord Shiva known as Vaitheeswaran, the god of healing.
Q: Why is the temple famous?
A: The temple is well known due to its magical healing powers and it is said that anyone will be cured of illnesses connected to the planet Angaraka.
Q: What hours are open for temple?
A: The temple remains functional from morning 6.00 AM up to night 8.30 PM but closed between 12.30 PM and 4.00 PM.
Q: Which are the prime poojas (rituals) entertained at the temple?
A: These poojas are Ushathkala Pooja at 6:00 in the morning, Kalasanthi Pooja at eight in the morning, Uchikala at midday, Sayaratchai at six in the evening and Arthajama Pooja at eight in the evening.
Q: Where is Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple located to help get there easily?
A: Mayiladuthurai is the nearby city of the temple which is situated in Tamil Nadu state of India. It is accessible through flight from Tiruchirapalli, railway from Vaitheeswaran Koil Station and by buses from other neighboring towns.
Q: When is it best to visit the temple?
A: Tourism is recommended in the morning during weekdays, from November to March when the climate is cool.
Q: What should I be carrying along for the visit?
A: As for me it is recommended to take a hat, water, and comfortable shoes with you. A donation can also be made with some food items such as flowers or fruits.
: ;Is there anything that I could visit in the vicinity?
A: Yes, there are other Navagraha temples in the vicinity as well as other tourist attractions, so you can worship and go sightseeing simultaneously.