Tamilnadu is the only state in India, where there is a special temple for each of the nava-grehs. These places are located in Thanjore district making a sacred place called Nav-greh sthalam. Amongst them , there is a place called “Vaitheeswaran Koil” which is dedicated to Lord Mars(Mangal). It is 24 km from Chidambaram. The term Vaitheeswaran means ‘Lord Doctor’ in Tamil. The presiding deity is Sri Vaidyanathaswamy, who is believed to be healer of all diseases. Legend has it that once Mangal(The mars) was suffering from leprosy due to curse and was cured by Lord Vaidhyanathaswamy. It is very auspicious to have a bath in holy tank in the temple to get rid off ill effects of Mangal and cure of all diseases. Since Mangal is associated with red colour, so as an offerings, it is custom to offer red flowers along with Toor dal(a kind of pulse). Intrestingly, it is custom to offer pepper and salt with jaggery to get rid from the diseases. Also , as per legend it is here,Lord Rama performed the last rites of the bird, Jatayu who died while saving Sita from the Raavan. Here the consort of lord Vaidyanathaswamy is “Thaiyalnaayaki”. She is seen having the "Sanjeevi Thailam", the medicinal oil for all illness. Other important deities of this temple are Lord Murugan, who is believed to have acquired trident here. The God of ayurved medicines, Lord Dhanvantri is worshipped here in this temple which make this temple unique. Even our divine 7 sages ,sapta-rishis also worshipped here. As a prasaad, ashes and sandalwood paste is given to the worshippers. It is believe that it contains special divine powers to cure many diseases.
Me performing the rituals in the holy tank
The Mystic Tank
The Corridor of Faith
The Abode of Lord Mangal
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