Vaitheeswaran Koil, located in Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vaidyanathar, or the "God of Healing." It’s believed that praying to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases, with "Vaitheeswaran" derived from the Tamil word "Vaidya," meaning doctor. The deity, Sri Vaidyanathan, faces west, unusual for Shiva temples. This temple is part of the nine Navagraha temples, associated specifically with the planet Mars (Angaraka).
The temple complex houses the holy Siddhamirtham tank, believed to contain nectar with healing properties. Devotees take a holy dip here, hoping for relief from ailments. The site is also famous for Naadi astrology, or palm leaf astrology. Located near towns like Sirkazhi, Chidambaram, and Thanjavur, the temple’s proximity to other spiritual hubs enhances its appeal to pilgrims and tourists alike.
Vaitheeswaran Koil is significant in Tamil Saivism, with its praises sung in the Tevaram hymns by 7th-century Saiva nayanars, earning it a status as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. According to legend, many, including Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Saptarishi, worshipped here. Angaraka, suffering from leprosy, is said to have been cured by Vaidyanathar, marking the temple as a Navagraha shrine for Mars and a healing sanctuary.
The temple boasts a rich history of contributions from rulers such as Vikrama Chola, Vira Rajendra Pandya, and the Maratha prince Thulaja. It has inscriptions from the time of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE), recording various renovations and donations to the temple. Managed by the Dharmapuram Adheenam, a Saivite monastic institution, the temple stands as a testament to South India's architectural and spiritual heritage, maintaining its revered status over centuries.