Vaitheeswaran Koil
Angarakan (Mars) Navagraha Temple in Tamil Nadu
Why Vaitheeswaran Koil ?
- The only Navagraha temple dedicated to Lord Angarakan (Mars), symbol of strength, courage, and determination.
- Located in Vaitheeswaran Koil town, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, about 25 km from Chidambaram.
- Known for its healing power — devotees believe the waters and rituals here cure diseases and karmic pain.
- Holds the third position in the Navagraha temple circuit of Tamil Nadu.
- Houses Lord Vaidyanathaswamy (Shiva as the Divine Healer) and Angaraka Bhagavan (Mars) in separate shrines.
- Famous for Angaraka Dosha Pariharam and as the spiritual centre of Nadi Astrology in India.
Location
Vaitheeswaran Koil town, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu
Significance
Known for healing diseases, removing Dosha & promoting strength and courage
Presiding Deity
Lord Angaraka with Lord Vaidyanathaswamy
Architecture
Classic Chola-style Dravidian architecture with detailed stone carvings and a sacred medicinal tank
Temple Type
Third temple in the Tamil Nadu Navagraha circuit
Benefits of Worship
Cures ailments, reduces anger, removes marriage obstacles, and increases vitality
Best Day to Visit
Tuesday – the day ruled by Mars
Distance
13km from Mayiladuthurai, 25km from Chidambaram, 27km from Kumbakonam
Ancient History of Vaitheeswaran Koil
The Navagraha Temple is one of the oldest and most powerful temples in South India. The town’s name itself comes from “Vaidya” (doctor) and “Ishwara” (Lord Shiva) — meaning “The God of Healing.”
According to legend, during the Ramayana period, Lord Shiva appeared here as Vaidyanathaswamy to cure Lord Rama’s soldiers who were wounded in battle. The temple tank, known as Siddhamirtham Theertham, is said to contain divine medicinal properties capable of removing illness when taken with devotion.
Importance of Mars in Astrology & Pariharam Poojas
In Vedic astrology, Angaraka (Mars) represents energy, courage, ambition, and self-confidence. When Mars is well placed, it gives leadership, vitality, and bravery; when afflicted, it causes anger, blood disorders, accidents, and conflicts.
Why Devotees Visit
- To reduce the effects of Angaraka Dosha (Mangal Dosha), often linked to marriage delays or misunderstandings.
- To overcome anger, fear, and impulsive behaviour.
- To gain physical strength, success in competition, and career growth.
Popular Pariharam Poojas
- Angaraka Shanti Pooja – performed on Tuesdays to pacify Mars.
- Abhishekam to Lord Vaidyanathaswamy with holy water, milk, and sandal paste for healing.
- Oil Lighting Rituals – lighting lamps with sesame oil is believed to cool Mars’ fiery energy.
- Donation of red cloth, red lentils, and iron tools helps balance planetary influence.
The temple priests recommend chanting “Om Angarakaya Namaha” and the Mangal Beeja Mantra regularly for inner peace.
Those affected by Mars in the 7th or 8th house (Mangal Dosha) are encouraged to visit on a Tuesday and perform Kalyana Pariharam to remove marital obstacles.
Vaitheeswaran Koil and the Navagraha Temple Circuit
The Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu represent nine planets influencing human destiny. Koil holds the third position in the sacred sequence, following:
- Suryanar Koil – Sun (Surya)
- Thingalur – Moon (Chandra)
- Vaitheeswaran Koil – Mars (Angaraka)
Pilgrims traditionally begin at Suryanar Koil, proceed to Thingalur, and then reach Vaitheeswaran Koil to receive the protective energy of Mars.
While other Navagraha temples focus on peace and calmness, radiates a strong, fiery, transformative vibration — representing the power to conquer challenges.
This temple is also unique because its main deity, Lord Vaidyanathaswamy, blesses not only Mars worshippers but also anyone seeking physical healing or spiritual purification.
Temple Timings
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Special Days: Tuesdays and Kiruthigai Nakshatra days are considered highly auspicious.
The annual Brahmotsavam and Angaraka Pooja Festival attract thousands of devotees, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
Travel Information & Local Culture
Exact Location:
Vaitheeswaran Koil town, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu – 609 117.
Distance from Major Cities:
- Mayiladuthurai – 13 km
- Chidambaram – 25 km
- Kumbakonam – 27 km
- Trichy Airport – 160 km
How to Reach
- By Train: The railway station lies on the Mayiladuthurai–Chidambaram line.
- By Road: Frequent buses and taxis operate from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam.
- By Air: Trichy International Airport is the nearest major airport.
Local Traditions
The town is known for herbal medicine, Nadi astrology, and healing rituals. Small shops around the temple sell sacred ash (Vibuthi), herbal oils, and Nadi leaf readings. Visitors often combine their temple visit with a consultation from local Nadi astrologers.
During the Thai month (January–February), devotees take a dip in Siddhamirtham Theertham before entering the sanctum — a practice believed to cleanse both body and karma.
Why Vaitheeswaran Koil Is Famous for Nadi Astrology
Temple is considered the birthplace of Nadi Astrology, the ancient system where sages like Agathiyar, Kousika, and Bhrigu recorded individual destinies on palm leaves thousands of years ago.
Local astrologers claim that every person drawn to this town has a written leaf containing their life details — waiting to be read when the time is right. These palm leaves are believed to contain information about one’s past, present, and future, revealed through thumb impressions.
For many, the visit becomes a dual experience: spiritual worship and self-discovery. The connection between the temple and astrology reinforces the idea that healing begins when destiny and devotion align.
Conclusion
The Vaitheeswaran Koil Navagraha Temple stands as a beacon of healing and courage. Dedicated to Angaraka (Mars) and Lord Vaidyanathaswamy, it embodies both fire and compassion — the will to fight life’s battles and the wisdom to heal from them.
Every devotee who steps into this temple feels the merging of strength and serenity. Whether you come to cure illness, seek astrological balance, or explore your destiny through Nadi Astrology, reminds you that true health begins with harmony — between body, mind, and the planets above.