Shri Vaidyanatha swamy Temple, located in Madavar Vilagam near Srivilliputhur in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district, is a revered Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Vaidyanathar, the "God of Healing." Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple features two spacious precincts. The goddess Parvati, Shiva’s consort, is worshipped as Sivakami. Known as the district’s largest Shiva temple, it draws numerous devotees, especially those seeking healing from the Siddhamirtham tank's holy water.
The temple’s granite walls and five-tiered gopuram, originally built by Chandrakula Pandya, enclose all shrines within. During the 16th century, the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings funded the construction of several halls and shrines, showcasing fine examples of Nayak art through intricate sculptures. The temple operates from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 to 7 pm daily, with extended hours on festivals. Celebrations include four daily rituals and three annual festivals, with the Adi and Thai full moon festivals being especially popular.
According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a devotee’s mother to aid her during childbirth, creating the Siddhamirtham tank by splitting his toenail to provide water. A local legend recounts that Thirumalai Nayak, suffering from stomach ailments, found healing here and showed his gratitude by building the Natarajar hall, inspired by the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Inscriptions from the Pandya dynasty and Thirumalai Nayak document these legends and grants given to the temple.
The temple complex houses Vaidyanathar’s main shrine with a lingam in the innermost sanctum, surrounded by shrines of Somaskanda, Nataraja, Durga, and others. Sivakami’s shrine is parallel to Vaidyanathar’s, with two entry gates for both shrines. A margosa tree, known for its medicinal value, stands as the temple’s sacred tree. Within the complex are two tanks, one opposite the temple. The Kalyana Mahal in front of Sivakami’s shrine displays Nayak-era paintings on the ceilings, preserving the temple's cultural and historical essence.