The Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple, located near Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, is one of the Navagraha temples dedicated to Mars (Angaraka). The temple is famous for its healing properties and the blessings of Lord Shiva in his form as Vaitheeswaran, the “God of Healing.” Devotees believe that a visit here can cure ailments and remove the doshas related to the planet Mars.

This guide will help you understand the temple timings, pooja schedule, and other important details for a peaceful and enriching darshan.

Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple Timings

The temple is open daily, with specific timings for darshan and pooja rituals.

Temple Timings:

• Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Afternoon Break: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM (temple closed)
• Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

It is advisable to reach early in the morning to avoid the rush and to witness the abhishekam (holy bath) of the deity.

Pooja Schedule at Vaitheeswaran Koil

The poojas at Vaitheeswaran Koil are performed with great devotion, and each ritual holds immense spiritual significance. The key poojas conducted here are:

Daily Pooja Schedule:

• Ushathkala Pooja: 6:00 AM
• Kalasanthi Pooja: 8:00 AM
• Uchikala Pooja: 12:00 PM
• Sayaratchai Pooja: 6:00 PM
• Arthajama Pooja: 8:00 PM

In addition to these, special poojas for the Navagrahas and individual remedies for Mars (Angaraka) dosha are performed daily. These rituals are believed to have healing powers, and many devotees seek relief from diseases and physical ailments here.

Best Time for Darshan

The best time to visit Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple is during the early morning hours before the crowds arrive. The months from November to March are ideal, as the weather in Tamil Nadu is pleasant during this period. It’s also advisable to avoid weekends and festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Karthigai Deepam when the temple sees a large number of visitors.

Location of Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

The temple is located near Mayiladuthurai in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. It is well-connected by road and rail. Below is the address:

Address:
Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple,
Vaitheeswaran Koil, Tamil Nadu – 609117, India

How to Reach Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

By Air:

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, located around 145 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Vaitheeswaran Koil Station, just 2 km from the temple. It is well connected with major cities in Tamil Nadu. You can easily reach the temple from the station by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

By Road:

Vaitheeswaran Koil is well connected by bus services from Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, and other nearby towns. You can also drive from Chennai (around 250 km) or Tiruchirapalli (145 km).

Nearby Temples and Attractions

Vaitheeswaran Koil is part of the Navagraha temples circuit in Tamil Nadu, and several other temples are located nearby:

Thirunageswaram Temple:

Located around 40 km away, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rahu and is famous for Rahu dosha remedies.

Kumbakonam:

This temple town, located about 50 km away, is home to several important temples like the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and the Sarangapani Temple.

Mayuranathaswamy Temple:

Located in Mayiladuthurai, this temple is just 11 km away and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Mayuranathar.

Tips for Visiting Vaitheeswaran Koil

• Dress Code: Devotees are expected to dress modestly in traditional attire. Men should wear dhotis or veshtis, and women should wear sarees or salwar kameez.
• Avoid Crowds: Visit during early morning hours for a peaceful darshan. Avoid weekends and festive days if possible.
• Navagraha Pooja: If you’re visiting for dosha remedies, plan ahead and consult the temple priest for the proper rituals and timings.
• Carry Essentials: Ensure you carry water and light snacks, as the temple complex can get crowded and the queues for darshan may take time.

Conclusion

Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees seeking relief from planetary afflictions and physical ailments. The temple’s sacred atmosphere, the unique rituals, and the blessings of Lord Shiva as Vaitheeswaran make this a deeply spiritual experience. Visiting this temple will not only provide you with a sense of peace but also help you connect with the divine in a meaningful way.