Chevvai Bhagavan is worshipped in the town of Vaideeswaran Koil which is also called Thirupullirukku Velur. Sambathi, Jadayu, Lord Muruga, Suriyan are also reputed to have worshipped in this sthalam. Even diseases that could not get cured by Mani Manthira Aushathangal got cured at this place and the presiding deity came to be called Vaidyanathar. His consort who was the chief of women of both worlds is hailed as Thayal Nayagi. Selva Muthukumarasami of this temple is lovingly called Muthiah. Kumaragurubarasami wrote the book "Muthukumarasami Pillai Thamizh".
History of Vaitheeswaran:-
Once, when Lord Shiva was in deep meditation, perspiration from his third eye fell on earth. The male child that was born of this sweat drop was Angaragan (Chevvai). Angaragan married Sakthi Devi of Avanti town and had a son called Sumarasan. Problems from wife/children/brothers, enimity with friends, loss of wealth, quarrels, problems with Govt., lasting poverty, anger, bad friendship, Kalathira Dosham are because of Chevvai. By praying to him, a person can offset the problems arising out of his afflictions. Brothers and sisters, physical strength, victory, valour are the beneficial aspects of this planet. The sthalam of Chevvai Bhagavan is Vaideeswaran koil, which is located 6kms from Sirgazhi en route to Mayavaram. His wives are Malini, Susilini. The presiding deity are Vaidyanathan and his consort Thaiyal Nayaki. Chevvai is the Lord of Mesha and Vrichika Rasi and he faces South direction. The Adi Devatha is Boomidevi; Prathyathi Devatha is Kshetra Balagan; his colour is red and his vahana is the ram. The grain associated with him is thuvarai; the flowers - shenbagam and red arali; fabric - red cloth; gem - coral; food- rice mixed with toor dhal powder.
It is said, pul(bird), Rig(once among the four vedas) and Vel(Lord Subramanya) worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and hence, the village is known as Pul Rig Vel Oor(Oor means village - Pullirukkuvelur). Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Saptarishis(Seven important saints) had also worshipped the presiding deties of this temple. Pujas are being performed every day for six times, Usha kalam at the dawn and artha yamam, late in the night. Karthikai(star) is being celebrated in grandeur and Bhrahmotsavas are being celebrated in the tamil months Thai and Panguni every year. Before waging war against the demon padmasura, Lord Subramanya was blessed by Lord Shiva and goddess pervathi here by offering bouquet and this festival is being celebrated every year in the name skanda sasti.
Vaithyan means physician in tamil. Hence, here Shiva is known as Vaithyanatha, the supreme healer. His consort thaiyalnayaki accompanied to assist him as a nurse, bearing a pot on her head which contained thilam(herbal essence) and goddess parvathi is known as Thaila Nayaki(now she is known as Thaiyal Nayaki). What we use to perform abishek(holy bath) to Lord Shiva joins in the sacred tank of this temple using the way provided and hence, the holy tank inside the temple is known as Siddhamirth(amirth means the elixir and siddhi means sucess) Tirta. Snakes and frogs, it is unique, are unable to survive in the holy tank. By taking bath in the holy tank, the efforts that a devotee extends to get relieved from diseases, would prove fruitful. Tiruchandu Urundai is the prasadam being offered to the devotees here and it is made of medicinal clay(being extracted from a pond close to the temple), essence from neem leaves, neem bark-powder and holy ash being collected from Homa Kundam(sacred fire). It is a panacea capable of curing almost all kinds of diseases that an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva suffers from. Netirapadi chandanam is the other prasadam being offered to the devotees. It is nothing but sandal paste mixed with saffron and it gets medicated powerfully when it is offered to Lord Subramanya.
Chevvai Dhosam" is the unfavourable position of Angarakan in Horoscope. It created Unneccessary arguments, Physical injury, imprisonment, jealous on native and loss of money. The People whom have "Chevvai Dhosam" performing Parihara poojas for Lord Angarakan. By praying him, he removes the sorrows of the devotees and helps everyone to get recognition in the society.
Devotees can buy Jaggery with Salt and Pepper and dissolve in holy water in this temple. Many womens prayed for their Marriage. Neem tree is the sthala vruksham in this temple. Devotees can bath in Siddhamruta theertham and cure their diseases and skin diseases. People can cure so many diseases like skin infection, rashes, unwanted skin diseases etc in this temple..
Marundhu Urundai sold in this temple for devotees to cure all kinds of diseases. It is prepared from Homa kundam. Chandan (Sandalwood powder) with saffron is another medicine as a Prasadham. Devotees offer to donate the silver plated body organs in the Hundi.
Vaidyanathaswamy:-
Vaidyanathaswamy is the main deity here and His consort is Thayyalnayaki ambal. She stands with the medicinal oil to cure the diseases of the devotees. Lord Subramanya, a very important deity here, is known as Selva Muthukumaraswamy. It is to be noted that Chevvai is ruled by Lord Subramanya. During Lord Subramanya’s fight with Tharakasuran – brother of Surapadman – there was a lot of casualty on both sides leaving many dead and injured. Lord Shiva obliged Lord Subramnya’s prayer to treat the injured.
The Sthala vriksha, the sacred Neem (Margosa) tree, is in the eastern outer corridor. The important Teertham known as Siddhamurta Teertham is a big tank lying south of the temple of the Goddess in the southern corridor. There are several deities like Sri Nataraja, Sivakami, Durga, Sun, Angaraka, Sapta Kannikas, 63 Nayanmars, etc., in the southern corridor. There is also another Teertham known as Jatayu Kunda near-by where it is believed that Rama and Lakshmana cremated Jatayu. There are images of Rama, Lakshmana, and Vishwamitra. Vasishtha and Jatayu near the Kunda. Singaravelar, Ayyanar, Mariamman, Draupadi, Bhikshatanar and Angaraka are the other Deities enshrined near-by.
The Chevvai dosham (malefic effect) caused by unfavourable position of Angarakan or Chevvai in the horoscope may manifest as aggressiveness, tendency to get into unnecessary arguments or jealousy in the native. It can also result in loss of money, physical injury or even imprisonment. Chevvai dosham is rectified by performing parihara poojas (appeasement poojas) to this deity. Devotees may perform Angaraka Pooja to get rid of financial crisis. Worshipping Chevvai here helps in neutralizing the negative effects. Offerings of red cloth and Bengal gram or kadalai paruppu are made to Chevvai here. Tuesdays are special days here as Chevvai is associated with that day of the week.
Speciality of Sri Vaidyanathar Temple, Vaitheeswaran koil:-
Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple. The five towers – Gopurams of the temple are on a straight line. The Maragatha Linga (Emerald Linga) is very famous. There are two flag posts-Kodimaram before the presiding deity made of silver and gold. Navagrahas the nine planets are generally in the front side of the sanctum facing different directions in Shiva temples. Here they are behind the sanctum on a straight line obeying the presiding Lord blessing the devotees freeing them of their adverse aspects, it is believed.
Deities:-
Vaidyanathaswamy and ThaiyalNayaki are the presiding deities of this temple. The Selvamuthukkumaraswamy shrine here is also considered to be of importance. There are Shivalingams said to have been worshipped by Rama, Jatayu, Skanda, Surya and Angaraka.
Angaaraka:-
The Angaaraka shrine here is also of great significance and is indeed unique to this temple. A bronze of image of Angaaraka is housed in this shrine and is taken out in procession on a goat mount every Tuesday. Angaaraka represents the planet Mars and is described as one with a fiery red complexion attired in red and as the overlord of the zodiac signs of Aries and Scorpia and as being the strongest in the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
Description:-
This Shivastalam is a well known, well visited shrine with towering Gopurams; hailed as one of the 9 Navagraha Stalams, sacred to Mars - Angarakan it is visited by thousands. It is located in close proximity to Sirkazhi and Chidambaram. The Singaravelar - Subramanya shrine is also of importance here. There are several literary works about this shrine. Ramalinga Adigalar has sung its praises. Tiruvenkaadu is also located near Vaideeswaran Koyil.
This temple is rich in legend and tradition. There are several works in Tamil dedicated to this shrine. It was visited by Tirugnanasambandar, Appar. Arunagirinathar's Tiruppugazh hymns also speak of the glory of this shrine. So do the hymns of saints such as Kumaragurupara Swamigal and Ramalinga Adigalaar. Poems of Kaalamega Pulavar and Padikkasu Tambiran also speak of the glories of this shrine.
History of Temple:-
Many Siddhas in days of yore performed abishek to Lord of this place with nectar and gained many boons. The nectar used for the abishek mixed with the holy spring. 18 theerthas are mixed in this tank which cures all diseases people suffer from. When Sage Sadananda was performing penance here, he saw a snake trying to devour a frog. As the incident disturbed his penance, he cursed them. Since then, no snake or frog comes near this tank.
The place is also known as Pullirukkuvelur. Pul means Bird-here the eagle king Jatayu the noblest character in Ramayana in the service of Lord Sri Rama, Irukku the Rig Veda, Vel-Lord Muruga and Oor the place make the name Pul Irukku Vel Oor = Puulirukkuvelur.
The place is the headquarters of medical science that offers cure for 4448 diseases, it is said. A medicine ball is made of the anthill sand, abishek water, veppilai the neem leaves and abishek sandal and abishek sacred ash. Consuming this brings total relief for any disease. Those suffering from skin problems get the punugu oil, apply it on their body for relief. Lord Vaidyanatha cures not only the physical pains of the people but also cures them from the recurring disease of births and deaths. He grants every wish of the people, jobs, wedding, children, mental peace, relief from planetary problems etc. According to scriptures, worshipping Lord facing west brings the devotee the benefit of worshipping in 1000 Shiva temples. Both Lord Aadhi Vaidyanatha in the entrance of the temple and the presiding deity Vaidyanatha are facing west. Lord Muruga got His Vel weapon from this place only. Lord Sri Rama worshipped here.
The place of Mars-Sevvai in the horoscope of a person decides his/her wedding prospectus and other living conditions. Mars covers 7 years in one’s life. For those facing adverse effects, special pujas are performed for solution of their problems. People pray to Angaraka-Sevvai-Mars for success in land deals, freedom from debt burdens and joint pains in the body. People do the prayers on Kruthika star days and Tuesdays undertaking fasting and performing abisheks offering clothing in red.
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. The first precinct around the sanctum has the metal image of Subramanya, worhsipped here as Muthukumara Swamy. The other metal images in the sanctum are of Nataraja, Somaskanda, Angaraka and stone sculptures of Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Surya (Sun god), Jatayu, Vedas, Sampati. The shrine of Thaiyalnayaki who stands with the medicinal oil to cure the diseases of the devotees is present in the second precinct facing south. The large precinct also has a small shrine to Dhanvantari and shrine of Angaraka in stone sculpture. The southern gateway from this precint leads to the temple tank and directly faces the Thaiyalnayaki shrine. The Sthala Vriksha (temple tree) is margosa (Azadirachta indica) which possesses medicinal properties.It is located in the eastern gateway of the temple. The eastern gateway also has the shrine of Adi (original) temple that has a smaller replica of the main shrines. There is a fine metal image of Gangavisarjanar inside the temple.
Siddhamruta Theertham:-
A big tank opposite to Ambal’s shrine, is known to have medicinal property. Devotees believe that taking bath in these waters cures them of their diseases, especially skin diseases. Angarakan was cured of his leprosy after a dip in the holy water here. It is also known as Goksheera (Go means cow and ksheera means milk) Theertham, as Kamadhenu’s milk flowed into this tank when she performed abhishegam to the deity here with her milk. It tastes sweet like a cane juice and hence known as Ikshusara (ikshu means cane and sara means juice) Theertham. Jatayau had his bath here and hence it is also known as Jatayu Theertham. Devotees buy jaggery from one of the many shops outside the temple and dissolve it in the water here. However, these days the temple administration is very conscious about keeping the water clean and discourage this practice. A separate bin has been placed near the temple tank to deposit the jaggery. After a dip in the tank or prokshanam (sprinkling water on ones head), have the darshan of Vinayakar and then offer salt and pepper opposite to Ambal’s shrine. You could buy the Silver plated body organs and deposit in the Hundi. This is supposed to cure all diseases. Have the darshan of Vinayakar in the praharam (circumambulatory path) around Vaidhyanathaswamy’s deity before praying to Lord Vaidhyanathaswamy. Selvamuthukumar, Gajalakshmi, Natarajar, Durgai, Dhanvantri, Dakshinamurthy, Sattanathar, Jatayu Kundam and Angarakan (Utsava murthy) are all there as you do the pradarshanam (cicumambulation) of Lord Vaidhyanathaswamy.
Jatayu Kundam-pit:-
Jatayu the eagle engaged in the service of Lord Rama was killed when he prevented Ravana from abducting Mother Sita. As requested by him, Sri Rama performed the last rites for the bird in the Vibuthi Gundam here. A king, Veerasenan by name came here with his son suffering from tuberclosis , bathed in the theertha and offered sweet nivedhanas. He consumed the nivedhana with his son. His son was cured completely.
As a beloved son of Lord Vaidyanatha and Mother Thaiyal Nayaki, Lord Muruga in the temple is praised as Chella Muthukumaraswami – Chella-beloved. The Prasad containing items used in the Arthajama Puja as described above is an effective medicine for various diseases devotees suffer from. Lord Muruga enjoys all prominence in the temple. Hence all festivals are dedicated to Him.
Pujas to Lord and Mother are offered only after pujas to Lord Muruga. A 10 day festival is celebrated in January-February beginning from Tuesday. 28 day Panguni Brahmmotsavam is celebrated in March-April. Of the Navagrahas (9 planets) importance temples in the state, this belongs to Mars-Angaraka. Lord Muruga is facing west. A medicine prepared with sacred ash, anthill sand and oil is an effective medicine for leprosy.
Lord Muruga is always worshipping His divine Father and Mother in the temple. While the Navagrahas are generally seen in the front side of the sanctum sanctorum, they are behind the presiding deity here. Lord Rama had worshipped in this temple. Mother Thaiyal Nayaki ensures the welfare of the children. Planet Angaraka-Mars blesses the devotees on his Goat Vahan on Tuesdays. Medical students pray here to pass their exams with distinction.
Nethrapidi Sandhanam and Thiruchandu Urundai are two of the prasadams which are believed to cure all ailments. Thiruchandu Urundai or medicinal pellet was given by Vaidhyanathaswamy to Angarakan to cure his leprosy. It is prepared from the Homa Kundam. Nethrapidi Santhanam is a paste made by mixing sandal powder and saffron with water. This is applied on Muthukumaraswamy’s forehead before being given as medicine.
Poojas:-
The Chevvai dosham (malefic effect) caused by unfavourable position of Angarakan or Chevvai in the horoscope may manifest as aggressiveness, tendency to get into unnecessary arguments or jealousy in the native. It can also result in loss of money, physical injury or even imprisonment. Chevvai dosham is rectified by performing parihara poojas (appeasement poojas) to this deity. Devotees may perform Angaraka Pooja to get rid of financial crisis. Worshipping Chevvai here helps in neutralizing the negative effects. Offerings of red cloth and Bengal gram or kadalai paruppu are made to Chevvai here. Tuesdays are special days here as Chevvai is associated with that day of the week.
Pooja Timings:-
Poojas Offered Timings
Nadai Thirappu 06:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Nadai Thirappu 04:30 PM- 09:30 PM
Festivals at Sri Vaidyanathar Temple, Vaitheeswaran koil:-
10 day Thai month festival from Tuesday dedicated to Lord Selva Muthukuraswami (Muruga) with daily procession in January-February
28 day Panguni Brahmmotsavam with abishek to Panchamurthi and procession
6 day Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November
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.
Naddi Shastram:-
Naadi Shashtra or Palm leaf Astrology is an ancient Indian method of recording data. It is believed that by reading through the writings on these leaves one can learn about one's past, identify the present and predict the future. It is said that thousands of years ago, the great sages of India had the power to look into the past and future of the entire universe. It is believed that they done this and recorded the life of each human being who has lived, is living and of some one who is yet to be born.These predictions were written on palm leaves in an ancient Tamil script, which can now only be deciphered by expert Nadi astrologers.
Naadi in Tamil means in search of. It is believed that an individual goes in search of his details of his past and seeks to know more of the unknown future. Hence it is a search. These palm leaf inscriptions are scattered throughout India. Some of these inscriptions can be found in Tamil Nadu.
These ancient scripts were standardized, ordered and classified in Tamil Nadu nearly 1000 years ago during the reign of the Cholas in South India. There are a number of Nadis who are named after the rishis. They are the Agasthiya Naadi, Suka Naadi, Brahma Naadi, Kaushika Naadi and others. There are only a few Naadi readers available who can interpret the inscriptions that are written in in poetic Tamil.
Each Naadi or set of leaves is made up of ola or palm leaf, written in Vatta ezhuthu, a Tamil script, with a sharp, nail-like instrument called ezhuthani. Rubbing peacock oil on auspicious occasions preserves the palm leaves.
These palm leaves are still preserved in the Saraswati Mahal Library in Thanjavur. The primary centre for Naadi Shastra is in Vaitheeswaran Koil.
The palm leaf inscription of an individual can be identified as being meant for the person by lifting a copy of one's thumb impression. It is well known that the whirls and loops of the fingers of people on the earth are unique and they cannot be replicated. It is believed that these prints are classified into 108 types. The Naadi palm leaves are arranged according to these types. The Nadi readers identify the particular types of lines on the thumb and finding the corresponding set of palm leaves are taken. The time duration to pick up your leaf depends upon the identification of the thumb impression. Some impressions are identified easily and the corresponding leaves are found soon, there are others that may take months or even years to locate.
The leaves are not just records for Indian nationals but also for people of other nationalities, religions and creeds. It is also stated that about 40% of the people in the world are likely to get these results. The other leaves might have been damaged or may have been lost in the course of time.
Origin of Naadi Sastram:-
The origin of the Naadi inscriptions can be traced back to approximately 2000 years ago. It is said that the ancient Indian rishis or sages had written the life patterns of each person on palm leaves using their yogic and intuitive powers.
During the British Rule, the British sold these leaves to the locals who were interested in getting them. People belonging to the Valluvar community in Tamil Nadu and were specialized in astrology bought most of these leaves. The astrology families in Vaitheeswaran Koil also acquired some of these. The leaves were found in Vaitheeswaran Koil around the 13th century. Those interested in Astrology realised their values and copied the contents on palm leaves and made exact replicas. These leaves have been handed down over generations to make predictions about the future. They earned their livelihood through Naadi Shashtra. They got trained by their elders to do the reading.
The then Mahratta king Sarabhoji and Chola Kings patronized this form of astrology and translations. It is said that the Naadis had originally written on animal skins and it was later copied on palm leaves.
The primary centre for Naadi Shastra is in Vaitheeswarankoil, near Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, a state in South India. Here Lord Shiva is said to have assumed the role of a vaidhya or doctor, who alleviated the miseries of his devotees.
How to Reach:-
By Train:-
Nearest Station: Tanjore/Kumbakonam and from there you can go by bus.
By Road:-
Buses are available from Kumbakonam/Tanjore.
From Tanjore: 77 Kms and From Kumbakonam 44Kms.
