Vaidhyanathar temple, Tirupullirukkuvelur
Location
Tirupullirukkuvelur (Vaitheeswarankovil)
Deity
Vaidhyanathar
Female Deity
Thaiyal Nayaki
Pathikam
Tirunavukarasar - 2, Sambandar -1
Gallery – Vaidhyanathar Temple, Tirupullirukkuvelur
How to Reach
Vaitheeswaran Koil is located approximately 270 kilometers from Chennai by road. It is well connected by bus services from nearby towns such as Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, and Mayiladuthurai, providing convenient access.
Temple Address
Vaitheeswarankovil
Vaitheeswarankovil Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN 609117
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Sirkazhi – 7 Kms | |
| 2 | Kuru-Maana-Kudi – 5.5 Kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Kadai-Mudi – 14.9 Kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Nindriyur – 6.4 Kms | |
| 5 | Tirupunkur – 4 Kms | |
| 6 | Tiru-Karu-Pariyalur – 9.3 Kms | |
| 7 | Tiru-Kurakukka – 10.8 Kms | |
| 8 | Tirumannippadikkarai – 13.9 Kms | |
| 9 | Tirunanipalli Punjai – 14.1 Kms |
Location Map
Temple Overview
Vaitheeswaran Koil, historically known as Tirupullirukkuvelur during the period when the sacred Thevaram hymns were composed, is one of the most prominent and revered Paadal Petra Shivasthalam. It is regarded as an important prarthanai sthalam located to the north of the River Kaveri. According to ancient Puranic traditions, the name Pullirukkuvelur is believed to have originated from the worship of the presiding deity by Jatayu (the divine bird known as puLL), the Rig Veda, Muruga, and Surya, the Sun God.
The presiding deity is worshipped here in the form of Vaidhya Nathar, the divine healer, who is believed to possess the power to cure various physical ailments of devotees who seek his blessings with sincere faith and devotion. It is widely believed that prayers offered to Lord Vaidyanathar, along with Goddess Thayalnayaki, who is enshrined beside him, can provide relief from physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions.
Temple Layout
Gopurams & Entrance
Encircled by massive and imposing walls on all sides, this magnificent Shiva temple is adorned with two grand and intricately designed gopurams at the eastern and western entrances. Upon entering through the eastern gateway, devotees are first greeted by a majestic neem tree, revered as the sthala vruksham (sacred tree) of the temple. Beneath its expansive shade is the sannidhi of Adi Vaidhyanathar, facing west, while directly opposite stands the powerful presence of Veera Bhadrar, enshrined in his own sanctum.
Main Sanctum & Sannidhis
Proceeding through the inner gateway, one comes across the sannidhi of Dhandapani, followed by the serene and sacred Sidhamirtham temple tank. The western gateway leads directly to the main sanctum, where the presiding deity Vaidhya Nathar is enshrined facing west, with two tall Dwajasthambams standing prominently before it. The relatively small yet highly auspicious Shiva Linga of Vaidhya Nathar is revered as a powerful embodiment of both physical healing and spiritual well-being.
Facing south is the sannidhi of the temple’s divine consort, Thaiyal Nayaki. Nearby is the east-facing sannidhi of Lord Muruga, worshipped here as Muthukumaraswamy—the sacred spot where he is believed to have received the divine spear from Goddess Parvathi to defeat the demon Soorapathman. The greatness of this Muruga has been praised in the hymns of revered saints such as Kumara Guruparar and Arunagirinathar. During the auspicious Krithikai festival, the Artha Jaama pooja is traditionally offered first to Muthukumaraswamy before being performed for the main deity.
Jadaayu Kundam & Southern Prakaram
Situated within the southern prakaram is Jadaayu Kundam, believed to be the sacred spot where the valiant Jadaayu fell while fighting Ravana. It is said that Rama and Lakshmana performed the final rites and daily rituals here in honor of the noble bird. Even today, the Jadaayu Kundam is seen covered with a layer of sacred ash, which devotees believe holds powerful healing properties.
Northern Prakaram & Other Shrines
Moving towards the northern side, one comes across the revered sannidhi of Bhadra Kaali Amman. The northern prakaram also houses several important sanctums, including those of Annapoorni, Veerabhadrar, Dakshinamurthy, Gajalakshmi, Ashta Lakshmi, Natarajar, and Goddess Durga. Within the Nataraja Sabha are the images of Manikkavasakar, Kaaraikal Ammayar, and Sivakami. The presence of representations of the four Vedas, along with the sacred lingas of Kailasa Nathar, Meenakshi Sundareshwarar, and Viswanathar, further enhances the temple’s deep spiritual significance.
Sthala Purana & Significance
Navagraha Sthalam & Mars
Vaitheeswaran Koil is revered as one of the Navagraha Sthalams, a sacred temple associated with the nine planetary deities of Hindu astrology. According to tradition, the presiding deity has been worshipped by many divine beings and sages, including Jadaayu, Sage Parasara, Sage Durvasa, Lord Muruga, Surya (the Sun God), Brahma, Rama, as well as the goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga.
The temple’s primary astrological significance lies in its association with the planet Mars, known as Angaraka in Sanskrit. According to legend, Angaraka himself worshipped the presiding deity here to be cured of an ailment. As a result, the temple is regarded as a parihara stalam, where devotees seek relief from the adverse effects of Mars through prayers and rituals.
The Nine Planets at This Temple
Interestingly, the temple does not feature separate sannidhis for the Navagrahas. Instead, the nine planetary deities are depicted standing together in a single row, without their usual mounts or weapons, symbolizing their submission to the presiding deity. It is widely believed that Vaitheeswaran Koil is a highly potent place for alleviating the adverse influences of all nine planets. The Thevaram hymns in praise of this temple include pathigams composed by Thirunavukarasar and Thirugnanasambandar.
Gallery – Vaidhyanathar Temple, Tirupullirukkuvelur
