Vaitheeswaran Temple

Vaitheeswaran Temple or Pullirukkuvelur temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Navagraha temples associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka). Pullirukkuvelur (Pul - Irukku - Vel – Ur) obtained its name as Jatayu (Pull), Rig Veda (Irukku), Skanda (Vel) and Surya (Ur) are said to have worshipped Shiva here. The temple is situated on the northern side of the Cauvery River.

History :

The temple has Inscriptions from the period of Vikrama Chola (12th century CE), the Nayakas (16th century CE) and the Mahrathas (18th century).

Legends :

During the Ramayana period, Rama, Lakshmana and Saptarishi have worshipped the deity in this place.
It is believed that Rama and his brother Lakshmana cremated the vulture king Jatayu who was killed by Ravana.
Lord Subramanya to appear with one face from his regular appearance of six faces. When he did so, Parvati Devi was pleased and presented him with vel (a weapon) to slay the demons.

Temple :

The temple has a 5-tier gopuram (temple tower) and large precincts. The central shrine is that of Vaitheeswaran present as lingam in the inner most sanctum. Lord Shiva here worshiped as Vaidyanathaswamy and Goddess Parvathi Devi as Thaiyalnaayaki.Vaitheeswaran which literally means the 'Lord Doctor' who can cure all diseases.Thaiyalnaayaki is seen carrying the "Sanjeevi Thailam", the medicinal oil for all illness.

Lord Muruga is worshipped here as Selvamuthukumaraswamy (Selva Muthukumara Swamy). The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari or Dhanwantari, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and the God of Ayurvedic medicine. Another important feature of the temple is the shrine dedicated to Jvaraharesvara (Lord of Fevers). There are around eighteen theerthams (holy tanks) seen here, out of which the Siddhamirtham tank is of most important one. The nectar with which the Sidhas worshipped Lord Shiva is said to have flown into this theertham.

Angaraka or Mangal (Planet Mars) worship is of great importance here and this is the uniqueness of this temple. Also known as Sevvai or Chevvai, the bronze image of Angaraka is placed in this shrine.This is taken out in procession on a goat mount every Tuesday, as Tuesday is considered as an auspicious day to worship Sevvai.

Worship :

Tuesdays are preferred for the worship of Angaraka. If one observes the fast on Tuesday for 21 times, the unlucky influence of Tuesday (Mangal) can be got relieved.

Festivals :

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. SKanda Sashti, a festive occasion for Subramanya, is celebrated in the shrine of Muthukumaraswamy.Vaikasi Mannabishek, Mandalabishek and monthly Kruthikas are grandly celebrated in the temple. The temple will be overflowing with devotee crowd on monthly Pradosha days. Deepavali, Makar Sankranthi, Tamil and English New Year Days are also celebrated in the temple with special pujas, abishek etc.

Offerings :

As Sevvai is attired in red colour, he is offered with Thoor dhal and red arali flowers during Poojas. Besides, Pepper and Salt with Jaggery are offered in the Siddhamritam to get rid of diseases.Offerings of unrefined sugar are also placed here.

Prasadam :

The ashes here, referred as Thiruchandu Urundai, is supposed to cure all the diseases. It is prepared from Homa Kundam. Another medicine is Chandan (sandalwood powder) with Saffron.

Temple Timings :

7 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM daily. The opening and closing timings may change during
special pujas and festive occasions.

Nadi Astrology

Nadi astrology is a form of Hindu astrology practiced around the temple. It is based on the belief that the past, present and the future lives of all humans were foreseen by Hindu sages in ancient time.

How to Get Here :

It is located 7 kilometers from Sirkazhi, 235 kilometers from Chennai, 27 km from Chidambaram, 110 km from Thanjavur and 16 km from Mayiladuthurai. Frequent bus services are available to mayiladuthurai and sirkali. South Indian railway operates few train service via this holy village.

Contact :

Sri Vaidyanatha Swami Temple,

Vaitheeswaran Koil – 609 117,

Nagapattinam district.

Phone Number : 91- 4364- 279 423.