Vaidyanatha Swami Temple,
Vaitheeswaran Koil – Religious Significance
The temple is one of the nine
Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha
pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Angarakan (Mars). The planets
are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth
and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed
to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an
individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to
provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are
mitigated by prayers.
As in other Navagraha temples,
the common worship practices of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains,
flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is
also commonly followed in the temple. As per contemporary Saivite belief,
the energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas can be channeled based on
remedial measures. As per local legends, Shiva, the overlord of the nine
planetary deities, allowed them to freely grant wishes based on devotion of the
devotees.