Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Vaitheeswaran Koil, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams — the Shiva temples glorified in the Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmar saints. On the Navagraha circuit it is the shrine of Angaraka (Mars), one of the classic nine-planet pilgrimage circuit in the Kaveri delta around Kumbakonam.
The Mars (Angaraka) shrine of the Navagraha circuit is equally famous as the temple of Shiva the divine healer, Vaitheeswaran — devotees dissolve jaggery in the tank and pray for cures. The surrounding town is the traditional home of nadi palm-leaf astrology.
About Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Shiva, located in a small town Vaitheeswarankoil near Mayiladuthurai, Mayiladuthurai district the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran meaning the "God of healing" and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. Vaitheeswaran is a Tamil derivative from vaidya (Doctor) and Ishvara (God/Master). The presiding deity is Sri vaidyanathan, facing towards West whereas East side is the common one. He is the God of Healing. When pronouncing in Tamil, it sounds like "vaideeswaran".
Legend
During the Ramayana period, Rama, Lakshmana and Saptarishi have worshipped the deity in this place. There is a pond at this temple called Jatayu kundam (pot of Jatayu having holy ash of Vibhuti). One of the nine planets, Angaraka (Mars), suffered from leprosy and was cured by Vaidhyanathaswamy and from then on it is treated as one of the Navagraha Temples for planet Angaraka. Parvati, the consort of Shiva, asked her son, Subramanya to appear with one face from his regular appearance of six faces. When he did so, she was pleased and presented him with vel (a weapon) to slay the demons.
History
The temple received contributions from various rulers of the region like Vikrama Chola, Vira Rajendra Pandya, Achuthappa Nayak (1560 - 1614 AD) and Maratha prince Thulaja. The temple has five inscriptions mainly belonging to the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE). The inscription on the steps of Subramanya shrine records the shutter of the sluice at Sattainathapuram measures 35 inches in length and 8 inches in breadth.
Architecture and layout
Vaitheeswarankoil is located 13 km (8.1 mi) from Mayiladuthurai and 90 km (56 mi) from Thanjavur on the Thanjavur - Chidambaram highway. The temple is located between Sirkali to Mayiladuthurai State Highway. Frequent bus services are operated by Tamil Nadu government. There is a Railway station which is located between Chennai to Mayiladuthurai railway road. Karaikal is the nearest proposal airport located around 40 kilometer from temple. The temple has a five-tiered gopuram (temple tower), two inner gopurams and large precincts. The central shrine is that of Vaitheeswaran present as lingam in the inner most sanctum.
Festivals and worship
Devotees take a holy dip in the temple tank before worshipping Vaitheeswaran in the temple. It is also a local belief that dissolving jaggery (Tamil:vellam) in the waters cures skin diseases. Tonsure ceremony of getting children shaved for the first time to promote proper growth is a very common practise. Mavilaku ma (lighting lamp in rice cakes) is a form of worship practised. The practise of jamming salt and pepper in front of the temple mast and the pot near the temple tank is also followed.
The holy soil rounded with ash (called Thiruchandu Urundai) is treated as medicine and believed to cure all the diseases. Another medicine given is chandan (sandalwood powder) with saffron. It is a practice to purchase silver-plated images of body parts to put in the Hundi (vessel for offering) to fix ailments one might be having. The Veeraraghavaswamy temple at Thiruvallur is considered the Vaishnavite temple equivalent of healing abilities of the presiding deity to that of the Saivite Vaitheeswaran Kovil. Brahmotsavam (annual festival) is celebrated during the Tamil calendar months of Pankuni and Thai (January–February). Karthigai festival during November is also celebrated with pomp and glory.
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Vaitheeswaran Koil”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.
Plan your visit
How to reach
Vaitheeswaran Koil is roughly 218 km from Chennai, about 5.5 h by road. The nearest airport is Puducherry (PNY), about 87 km away. Most visitors base themselves in Kumbakonam, which has the rail links and hotels, and make this a day trip. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.
Today at a glance
Chennai time (IST), from our own panchangam. Nalla Neram is the good window; avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam for starting a journey or a ritual.
Festival days to plan around
- The graha's own weekday — weekly
- Amavasya and Pournami — monthly
Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.
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Quick facts
| Deity | Shiva — Navagraha shrine of Angaraka (Mars) |
| Town | Vaitheeswaran Koil |
| District | Mayiladuthurai district |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Sacred lists | Navagraha Temples · Paadal Petra Sthalams |
Visiting
Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.
Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.
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Frequently asked
How far is Vaitheeswaran Koil from Chennai?
About 218 km, or about 5.5 h by road. The nearest airport is Puducherry (PNY), roughly 87 km from the temple.
What are the timings at Vaitheeswaran Koil?
Most Tamil Nadu temples open around 6 am, close from about noon to 4 pm, and reopen until 8–9 pm. Festival days follow a different schedule, so confirm locally before you travel.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is left outside at the stands provided. Some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone.
When is the best time to visit Vaitheeswaran Koil?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: The graha's own weekday, Amavasya and Pournami. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.