Vaitheeswaran Temple

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Vaitheeswaran means the 'Lord Doctor' in the Tamil language. It is believed that prayers to Lord Vaitheeswaran could cure diseases.

The temple

Vaitheeswaran temple is located in Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to the hindu god Shiva. It is one of the nine Navagraha temples and the planet Mars (Angaraka) is also worshipped here. Believed to be the site of the curing of Angaraka of leprosy, this site is known for its Naadi astrologers. Vaitheeswaran Koil is approximately 22 kilometers from Chidambaram, 110 kilometers from Thanjavur and 16 km from Mayiladuthurai.There is also a train to Mayiladuthurai from Mysore (Mysore Express) via Bangalore,salem,Erode,Trichy,Tanjore and Kumbakonam.

It is believed that a bath in the holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple complex will cure all diseases.

Legend

One of the Navagraha, Angaraka,(Mars) was suffering from leprosy and was cured by Lord VaidhyanathaSwamy. It is one of the Navagraha Temples. Thirunavukkarasar had severe stomach pain, his sister asked him to pray to Lord VaidhyanathaSwamy to cure the illness. He did the same and his illness was relieved. From that day onwards, he was became a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

Vaitheeswaran Mahatyam

Lord VaitheeswaranSwamy and his Consort ThaiyalNayaki Ambal who stands with the medicinal oil to cure the diseases of the devotees. It is believed that Rama, Lakshmana and Saptarishi have worshipped the Lord here.

It is believed that the hindu god Rama and his brother Lakshmana cremated the vulture king Jatayu ( who was killed by Ravana when he tried to prevent the abduction of Sita) at this place. There is a pond (kundam) at this temple called Jatayu kundam.

There is a small shrine to Lord Dhanvantari. Lord Muruga here is known as MuthukumaraSwamy.

Prasadam

Here, the ashes (Thiruchandu Urundai) is supposed to cure all the diseases. It is prepared from Homa Kundam. Another medicine given is Chandan(sandalwood powder) with Saffron. People come her to offer Milagu(Pepper) and Salt with Jaggery in the Siddhamritam to get rid of diseases. They also donate carved silver plated body organs in Hundi to cure the diseases. It is believed that any disease can be cured.

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals

Annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated during Pankuni and Thai(Tamil Months). Karthigai is also celebrated in pomp and glory. There a separate shrine for Lord Muthukumaraswamy and Sashti is celebrated.

Naadi Jothidam a popular form of astrology is practiced here.Depends on the Beliveras it may be a Fake

Composers

Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar have sung in praise of Lord VaidhyanathaSwamy.

Easy Sloka to Learn

From Vaidhyanatha Ashtakam

"Sree Rama Soumithri Jatayu Veda"

"Shadana Adithya Kujarchithya"

"Sree Neelakantaya Daya Mayaya"

"Sree Vaidyanathaya Namah Sivaya!"

"Balambikesa Vaidyesa Bava Roga Haredisa"

"Japen Nama Thrayam Nithyam Maha Roga Nivaranam!"

Travel and Stay

Vaitheeswaran Temple is about 3 hours drive from Thanjavur and about 1 hour drive from Mayavaram. There are good hotels available in Vaitheeswaran Kovil itself.

List of Other Temples to Visit

Shiva Temples
* Chidambaram
* ThiruNaageshwaram
* Sirkali
* Tirukkurukaavur
* Kannaar Kovil
* Tirukkolakka
* Tiruninriyur
* Tiruppunkur
* Tirunallurperumanam
* Ten Tirumullaivayil
* Tiruchaaikadu
* Pallavaneeswaram
* Thiruvenkadu - There is another Shiva temple at Thiruvenkadu about 14 kilometers from Vaitheeswaran temple. The planet Mercury (Budhan) is also worshipped here.

Vishnu Temples
* Uppiliappan temple
* Naachiyaar Kovil
* Thirucherai Kovil
* Tirukkandiyur
* Tirukkoodaloor
* Kapistalam
* Tiruppullambhootankudi
* Tiru Aadanoor
* Tirukkudandai
* Tirukkannamangai
* Tirukkannapuram
* Tirukkannankudi
* Tiru Naagai
* Thanjai Maamanikkoyil
* Tirunandipura Vinnagaram
* Tiruvelliyankudi
* Tiruvazhundur
* Tiruchirupuliyur
* Talaichchanga Naanmadiyam
* Tiruvindaloor