Vaitheeswaran Koil, Chidambaram - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Mayiladuthurai, 27 Km from Chidambaram, 54 Km from Kumbakonam and 94 Km from Thanjavur, Vaitheeswaran Koil is a temple town situated in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. This town is renowned for the Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, also referred to as Pullirukkuvelur. Among the must-include places in the Chidambaram pilgrimage packages, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran, meaning 'God of healing', and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. It is one of the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka), and is the 16th temple of the 276 dedicated to Lord Shiva on the northern bank of River Cauvery called Paadal Petra Sthalams by the Tevaram hymns of 7th-century Saiva nayanars, the Tamil saint poets.

History of Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

The Vaitheeswaran Koil temple has received donations from several rulers, including Vikrama Chola, Vira Rajendra Pandya, Achuthappa Nayak (1560 - 1614 AD), and the Maratha prince Thulaja. It features five inscriptions primarily from the era of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE). These inscriptions provide information regarding renovations, constructions, and offerings made to the temple. According to the inscriptions on the wall of the second precinct, the courtyard of the Thayalnayagi shrine, the sacred steps, and the Tattisuri hall were constructed in 1689 CE. The temple is overseen by Dharmapuram Adheenam, a Saivite monastic institution situated in the town of Mayiladuthurai, India.

Mythology of Vaitheeswaran Koil

Vaitheeswaran Koil temple is well-known for its mystical healing powers and spiritual significance. According to Hindu mythology, Angaraka (Mars), one of the nine planets, suffered from leprosy. Tormented by this ailment, Angarakan sincerely prayed to Lord Shiva at Vaitheeswaran Koil, seeking a cure for his affliction. Touched by his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed Angarakan, miraculously healing him from the leprosy. In gratitude, Angarakan took up residence in the temple as one of the nine celestial planets (Navagrahas), with Vaitheeswaran Koil being his abode.

This enchanting tale has endowed Lord Vaitheeswaran with a distinctive power to heal various ailments, especially skin disorders, leprosy, and other health concerns. Pilgrims from distant places flock to this revered temple in search of comfort and healing. A notable ritual at Vaitheeswaran Koil involves the dissolution of jaggery in the temple pond, as devotees believe this practice can help alleviate illnesses and cleanse sins.

Architecture of Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple exemplifies Dravidian architectural style, featuring a five-tiered gopuram, two additional inner gopurams, and expansive enclosures. In the inner sanctum, Lord Vaitheeswaran is revered in the form of a Shiva linga. The first enclosure surrounding the sanctum contains metal representations of Subramanya, honored here as Muthukumara Swamy, along with Nataraja, Somaskanda, Angaraka, and stone carvings of Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Surya (the Sun god), Jatayu, and Sampati. The second precinct, which faces south, houses the shrine of Thaiyalnayaki, depicting her in a standing position with medicinal oil believed to heal ailments. Additionally, there is a small shrine dedicated to Dhanvantari and a stone sculpture of Angaraka. The shrine of Angaragan (Mars) is located near the eastern gateway in the third precinct.

A notable aspect of the temple's design is the western tower, which allows sunlight to illuminate the Shiva lingam for several days each year. Within the temple complex lies a tank called Siddhamirtham, where a holy dip is thought to cure various diseases. It is also a local belief that dissolving in the waters cures skin diseases. The temple is also famous for its palm leaf astrology, known as Nadi Jyothisyam, due to the extensive collection of palm leaf manuscripts housed h

Festivals of Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

The 10 day Thai festival in January-February, 28 day Panguni Brahmmotsavam, 6 day Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November, Vaikasi Mannabishek and monthly Kruthikas are grandly celebrated in Vaitheeswaran Temple. Major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Panguni Uthiram attract large congregations of devotees. Puja for Angaraka is conducted on Tuesdays and idol is taken in procession.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Vaitheeswaran Koil

Although Vaitheeswaran Koil does not enforce a formal dress code, it is advisable to wear modest clothing that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect for the deities. Traditional garments are encouraged, with women typically donning sarees or salwar kameez, while men often opt for dhotis or trousers paired with shirts.

Visitors who are not of the Hindu faith are allowed to wander the temple premises and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple Timings

Entry is Free

Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple Entry Fee

Monday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

Best Time to Visit Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

The best time to visit Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple is during the winter months from November to March when the weather is pleasant, and suitable for exploration. It is also advisable to avoid weekends and festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Karthigai Deepam when the temple sees a large number of visitors. It is advisable to reach early in the morning to avoid the rush and to witness the abhishekam (holy bath) of the deity.

How to Reach Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

The Pondicherry Airport is the nearest airport to Vaitheeswaran Koil which is about 102 Km way. Vaitheeswaran Koil Railway Station is well-connected by trains with Chennai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Kochi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pondicherry, Kolkata, Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Tirupathi, Vellore, Salem, and Hyderabad. Situated on the Thanjavur - Chidambaram highway, one can hire taxis or take buses to reach Mayiladuthurai from nearby towns, and cities like Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy, Coimbatore, Chidambaram, Pondicherry, and Chennai.