Envision yourself seeking healing and spiritual solace. Right here stands the Eswaran Koil. It is a beacon for those seeking wellness through faith. This temple is not just a place of worship. It is a testament to the power of belief. It embodies the divine ability to heal.
The story of Eswaran Koil revolves around Vaidyanathar. He is known as the God of healing. Devotees believe that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. The name Vaitheeswaran itself comes from Tamil words. Vaidya means doctor. Ishvara means God. Together, they signify the divine healer.
Interestingly, this temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. It is associated with the planet Mars also known as Angaraka. People believe that the planets influence their lives. They seek blessings to mitigate negative effects.
The temple has a rich history. Legend says that Rama, Lakshmana, and Saptarishi worshipped here. There is a sacred pond called Jatayu kundam. It is said to contain the holy ash of Vibhuti. Angaraka, the planet Mars, suffered from leprosy. He was cured by Vaidhyanathaswamy here. That is why it is one of the Navagraha Temples for Angaraka.
Parvati requested her son Subramanya to appear with one face. She usually appears with six. Pleased, she gifted him a Vel. It is a weapon to slay demons. Subramanya defeated Surapadman. His army was severely injured in the war. Shiva appeared as Vaitheeswaran and healed their wounds.
Many rulers contributed to the Eswaran Koil. These include Vikrama Chola, Vira Rajendra Pandya and Achuthappa Nayak. The temple has five inscriptions. They mainly belong to the period of Kulothunga Chola I.
The architecture of the Eswaran Koil is impressive. It has a five-tiered gopuram. There are also two inner gopurams and large precincts. Vaitheeswaran is present as a lingam. It is in the innermost sanctum. The metal image of Subramanya is also here. He is worshipped as Muthukumara Swamy. Other images include Nataraja, Somaskanda and Angaraka. Stone sculptures of Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Surya, Jatayu, and Sampati are also present.
Thaiyalnayaki’s shrine faces south. It houses the image of Thiyalnayagi. She stands with medicinal oil to cure diseases. The temple also has a shrine to Dhanvantari. Another shrine is for Angaraka. The Sthala Vriksha is the margosa tree. It is believed to have medicinal properties.
Devotees often take a dip in the temple tank. They do this before worshipping Vaitheeswaran. Local belief says that dissolving jaggery in the water cures skin diseases. Tonsure ceremonies are common. Children get their heads shaved for proper growth.
Several festivals are celebrated here. Brahmotsavam is celebrated during Pankuni and Thai. Karthigai festival is celebrated in November. Kantha Sashti is celebrated for Subramanya.
Nadi astrology is also practiced near the temple. It is based on the belief that ancient sages foresaw the lives of all humans. The texts are written in Vatteluttu. It is an ancient Tamil script.
Saint poets Thirunavukkarasar and Sambandar revered the temple. They mentioned Pullirukkuvelur in their hymns. The hymns recognize mantras as invocations of Shiva.
Today, the Eswaran Koil stands as a testament to faith and healing. It is a place where devotees seek blessings. They hope for cures and spiritual growth.