About Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil is a Shiva temple in the small town of the same name in Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, about 7 km from Sirkazhi and 13 km from Mayiladuthurai. Shiva is worshipped here as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran, the lord of healing, with the goddess Thaiyalnayaki. Pilgrims come seeking cures for illness, and the temple is also the Mars (Angaraka) temple among the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu. It is a Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised by the 7th-century saints Appar and Sambandar, and Muthuswami Dikshitar is credited with songs on its goddess. The temple is maintained by the Dharmapuram Adheenam.
According to legend, Angaraka (Mars) was cured of a skin disease here by Shiva as the healer. Another story tells that Shiva healed the wounded army of Murugan after his battle with the demon Surapadman. The old name Pullirukkuvelur is explained as recalling the bird Jatayu, the Rig Veda, Murugan and the place itself, and Rama, Lakshmana and the seven sages are said to have worshipped here. History records patronage from the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Thanjavur Nayak Achuthappa Nayak and the Marathas. Most of the temple's inscriptions date from the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, and one records building work in 1689.
The temple has a five-tiered main gopuram, two inner towers and large enclosures. The central shrine holds the Vaidyanathar linga. A popular shrine of Muthukumaraswamy (Murugan) stands in the first enclosure, the Thaiyalnayaki shrine faces south, and there are shrines of Dhanvantari and of Angaraka near the eastern gateway. The temple tree is the neem, valued for its medicinal qualities. The Siddhamirtham tank is believed to hold healing nectar; devotees bathe there and dissolve jaggery in its water for relief from skin ailments. A sacred medicine of holy soil and ash, called thiruchandu urundai, is given as prasad.
Vaitheeswaran Koil timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to around midday and again from late afternoon to night. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Uchikalam (noon puja) | Around midday (approx.) |
| Sayarakshai | At sunset (approx.) |
| Ardha Jamam | Night, before closing (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Vaitheeswaran Koil
By air
Tiruchirappalli International Airport is about 150 km away; Chennai airport is about 235 km away.
By train
Vaitheeswarankoil station is on the Chennai–Mayiladuthurai line, close to the temple; Mayiladuthurai Junction is about 13 km away.
By road
The town lies on the Sirkazhi–Mayiladuthurai road, with frequent state buses; Chidambaram is about 27 km away.
Festivals at Vaitheeswaran Koil
- Thai BrahmotsavamJan/Feb
- Panguni BrahmotsavamMar/Apr
- Karthigai festivalNov
- Kantha Sashti (Muthukumaraswamy shrine)Oct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional, modest clothing is recommended. Red cloth is a traditional offering to Angaraka.
- Entry
- General darshan is free. Offerings and archanas can be booked at the counter.
- Tuesday is the traditional day for Angaraka (Mars) worship and is busy.
- Take a little thiruchandu urundai prasad, which devotees treat as medicine.
- Be cautious with touts offering Nadi astrology readings; agree on fees first if you choose one.
- Combine the visit with Sirkazhi and Chidambaram, both close by.
Places to visit near Vaitheeswaran Koil
- Sattainathar Temple, SirkazhiShiva temple, birthplace of Sambandar, about 7 km away
- Thillai Nataraja Temple, ChidambaramPancha Bhoota temple of Shiva (space), about 27 km away
- Mayiladuthurai Mayuranathar TempleLarge Shiva temple, about 13 km away
- Thirunallar Saneeswaran TempleNavagraha temple of Shani, about 50 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Vaitheeswaran Koil famous?
Shiva is worshipped here as the divine healer, and it is the Navagraha temple for Mars (Angaraka).
How far is Vaitheeswaran Koil from Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai?
It is about 7 km from Sirkazhi and about 13 km from Mayiladuthurai.
What is the Siddhamirtham tank?
It is the temple tank, believed to hold healing nectar; devotees bathe there and dissolve jaggery in it.
What is Nadi astrology at Vaitheeswaran Koil?
Families in the town read ancient palm-leaf manuscripts traditionally attributed to the sage Agathiyar.
Which day is best for Angaraka worship?
Tuesday is the traditional day for Mars worship.
What is the aarti time at Vaitheeswaran Koil?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Uchikalam (noon puja): Around midday (approx.); Sayarakshai: At sunset (approx.); Ardha Jamam: Night, before closing (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Vaitheeswaran Koil timings?
Usually open from early morning to around midday and again from late afternoon to night. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Vaitheeswaran Koil?
Traditional, modest clothing is recommended. Red cloth is a traditional offering to Angaraka.
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