Panduranga Vittal Temple in Govindapuram, Kumbakonam

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour 

Chennai Temples 

 The Kapaleeshwarar temple, with a seven-tiered Gopuram, is known for magnificent sculptures depicting Puranic incidents. Sri Kapaleeshwarar and Devi Karpagambigai are in separate shrines. Lord Vinayaka and Muruga are in smaller shrines . Lord Parthasarathi Temple of Lord Vishnu with five sanctums is situated in Chennai city, the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu.. Each sanctum is dedicated to different forms of the Lord as Sri Parthasarathi, Narasimha, Rama, Ranganatha and Varadaraja. This is one of the 108 Tirupatis of Lord Vishnu, and many sages have worshipped in this shrine and attained mukti (salvation).

Arulmigu Kailasanathar Temple
Main Deity	Kailasanathar
Goddess	Periya Nayagi Amman
Holy Tree	Plantain Tree and Vilva Tree
Holy Water	Chandra Theertham and River Cauery
Color	White
Gem Stone	Moonstone/Pearl
Season	Winter
Auspisious Day	Monday
Direction	North West
How to Reach	35 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
The temple is at the eastern end of the village Thingalur. It is a temple for Lord Siva. Against the temple is a pond called Chandra Theertham. The sanctum looks to the east. Holy mother faces south. There are two blunt towers at the east and south entrances of the temple. This temple is known as Kailayanathar Temple. Kailayanathar in the form of Linga with his consort Periya Nayagi Amman in this Siva Temple.
History
Legend has it that there lived a merchant Appoodi Adikal in the village of Tingaloor who was a devotee of Shiva.  Appoodi Adikal held Tirunavukkarasar in high regard and looked forward to the day when he would be able to host the saint poet. The day arrived, but his son got killed by a venomous snake bite while the saint was being hosted. The saint moved by Appoodi Adikal's devotion is said to have miraculously restored the lad to life. Celestials Chandranj, Suryan and Sage Gauthama, Appoothi Adigal and Sekkizhar are said to have worshipped here and got grace of Siva.
Specialities
The hymns of Thirunavukarasar and Sekkizhar addressed to Kayilayanathar in awe. This is an ancient Saivite shrine, associated with the life of Tirunavukkarasar, although no Tevara Patikam dedicated to the shrine has been discovered so far. Tirunavukkarasar has mentioned Tingaloor in a patikam of 10 songs dedicated to another Shivastalam, and hence Tingalur constitutes on of the Tevara Vaippu thalangal. Chandra Bagavan whose dress is white and as his grains were paddy and raw rice. He has to be offered with raw rice pudding mixed with jaggery, white flowers (White Arali) and white clothing. It is believed that this pooja will remove obstacles in one’s life.
Transport Facilities
Next to Suryan, Chandran is the most auspicious of the Navagrahas. The Kailasanathar temple known as the Navagraha sthalam associated with Chandra the moon, is located in the hamlet of Tingaloor. Thingalur is on the way from Thiruvaiyaru to Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District, Tamilnadu. It is around 25 Kms away from Thanjavur in the North direction. The small temple here has a shrine dedicated to Chandran.
Festivals
In the Tamil month of Panguni (March - April) on the full moon day (Pournami) , the day before and on the succeeding day (3 days), the rays of the rising moon fall on Lord Siva (Kailasanathar). Poojas performed on Full moon days and every Mondays are very special in this temple.
Period	500 years - 1000 years

Sri Naganatha Swamy Temple
Main Deity	Naganatha Swamy
Goddess	Sowndhara Nayagi
Holy Tree	Bamboo
Holy Water	Naga Theertham
Color	Smoky
Gem Stone	Cat's Eye
Season	Winter
Auspisious Day	Monday
Direction	North West
How to Reach	65 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
Kizhaperumpallam is a navagraha kshetram where Kethu bhaghavan faces the North-West direction. is enshrined with his consort Chitralekha. This is an ancient Saivite shrine where legend has it that Kethu, one of the 9 supernal bodies central to astrological beliefs worshipped Shiva. This place is also called Vanagiri. Kethu prayed to Naaganaadhaswami and was blessed and rid of his sins by Lord Siva. Kethu Bhagavan did severe penance towards Naganadhaswamy the presiding deity of Tirunageswaram temple. He was blessed by Lord Shiva and was releived off his sins. Kethu is seen as worshipping Naganadhaswami with his folded hands held high. He is seen with his head which is very rare image.
History
Devas and Asuras churned the Paarkadal to obtain Amirtham (Nectar) that which would free from death, and alive for ever. When the Amirtham came out, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the Amirtham only to Devas. Lord Vishnu worried about that the evil deeds of the will increase multifold if Asuras consumed the nectar. Realising this reason, one of the Asuras took the form of a Deva with the help of Asura guru Sukrachariya and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran complained to Lord Vishnu as they have noticed that. Lord Vishnu came to know that and hit the Asura on the head in anger with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fall down on the ground. The body portion was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region when the head portion joined with a snake body and became Rahu Bhagavan. The body of that Asura was preserved by a Brahmin which grew, because of having drunk the nectar. This body was attached to a snake's head and became Kethu Bhagavan.
Specialities
In the stone inscription on the temple of Vikrama Chola is mentioned as "Rasara Valanattu Akkur Nattu Thalai Chenguttu Thiurvalampuram" and the deities "Valampuri Udayar" and "Thandangan Nachiyar". Appar, Sambandhar and Sundarar have sung hymns in this temple.
Festivals
The festival which makes the occasion when the King of the land welcomed. Pattinathar into the city is celebrated annually.
Transport Facilities
The Naganathar temple known as the Kethu Navagrahastalam is located in the hamlet of Keezhperumpallam in the locality of Tiruvenkaadu. The sthalam of Kethu is Keezhperumpallam, which is located 6 kms from Thiruvengadu, enroute to Poombuhar.

Sri Naganatha Swamy Temple
Main Deity	Naganathaswamy
Goddess	Pirainuthalanai Amman
Holy Tree	Sanbaga Tree
Holy Water	Surya Theertham
Color	Smoky
Gem Stone	Hessonite
Season	Winter
Auspisious Day	Sunday
How to Reach	08 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
This temple engrosses an area of 15 acres and it has vast Prakarams, towering sanctum sanctorum, and several mandapams. The fort like walls which surround the outermost prakaram are pierced with four entry towers. This temple was built by Gandaraditya Chola son of Parantaka Chola I. The inner mandapams and the outer mandapams were built by Sekkeezhaar and Govinda Deekshitar who was the Minister of Achyutappa Nayakar. There is an image of Sekkizhaar and a mandapam built by him, here as well. There is a shrine to Raahu in one of the prakarams. The Piraiani Nudalaal Ambaal shrine is situated in the inner mandapam near the Naganathar shrine, while the Girikuchambika shrine is housed in a separate sanctum. Reigning dieties of the temple are Nageswarar, Naganathar, Sambu Karanyeswarar, Pirainuthalanai Amman, Girikujambal (Kunramamulaiamman).
History
Devas and Asuras churned the Paarkadal to obtain Amirtham (Nectar) that which would free from death, and alive for ever. When the Amirtham came out, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the Amirtham only to Devas. Lord Vishnu worried about that the evil deeds of the will increase multifold if Asuras consumed the nectar. Realising this reason, one of the Asuras took the form of a Deva with the help of Asura guru Sukrachariya and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran complained to Lord Vishnu as they have noticed that. Lord Vishnu came to know that and hit the Asura on the head in anger with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fall down on the ground. The body portion was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region when the head portion joined with a snake body and became Rahu Bhagavan. The body of that Asura was preserved by a Brahmin which grew, because of having drunk the nectar. This body was attached to a snake's head and became Kethu Bhagavan. Since Rahu is a serpent (Naga), the main deity is Naganatha Swamy and this place is named Thirunageswaram. In this shrine, Rahu is accompanied by his consorts Naga Valli and Naga Kanni. When Abhishekam is performed to Rahu during the Rahu Kaalam, the milk when it falls on the body turns blue, and again turns to white when it leaves the idol.
Specialities
Tirunageswaram is considered to be the 29th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. Offering worship at Kudanthai Keezhkottam (Nageswarar Temple) in the morning, at Tirunageswaram at noon and at Tiruppampuram in the evening on a given day is considered to be of special significance. Apar, Sambandhar and Sekeezhar have sung hymns in praise of this shrine. There are as many as 12 Theerthams here. Legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Kakkan Karkodagan, Sounagar, Suryan, Vinayagar, Gautamar, Nalan, Parasarar, Pandavas, Vasishtar, Indran, Brahma, Bageerathan, Chandrasenan, Nargunan are said to have worshiped the temple Siva here and got grace. Legend also has it that Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Tirunallaar. Gowtama muni, Paraasarar and Bhageerata are also associated with legends related to this temple.
Transport Facilities
The shrine dedicated to Rahu is at Thirunageswaram, 7 Kms from Kumbakonam, and only about 2 Kms from Uppiliappan Kovil. This Shivastalam is a vast temple known for its shrine to Raahu, one of the nine celestial bodies. According to the legend Rahu and Kethu are associated with the legend of the churning of the milky ocean.
Festivals
The annual Bhramotsavam is observed in the month of Kartikai while the Sekkizhaar festival is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi.

Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Temple
Main Deity	Nallarar
Goddess	Bogamartha Poonmulayal
Holy Tree	Darbai
Holy Water	Nala Theertham
Color	Black/Blue
Gem Stone	Blue Sapphire
Season	All Seasons
Auspisious Day	Saturday
How to Reach	20 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
This is an ancient Siva Temple probably constructed in seventh century A.D. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, as Saturn is considered to be also graceful to his devotees, the temple is also famous for Sani worship. The Saturn shrine is in the north side of east Gopura side. Dharbaranyeswarar is the main deity of the temple and Lord Saturn, Sri Pranambigai, Sri Thiyagarajar and Sri Vinayagar are the other deities. The Saneeswara temple of Sri Dharbaranyeswara Swamy Devasthanam attracts devotees not only from India but also from other countries. This temple is unique in its kind and is the only temple dedicated to Lord Sani Bagavan where he is a blessing God having "Abhayahastham".
History
King Nala was ruling Nidadha having Mavindha as his capital. One day while doing his daily puja, he did not wash his legs perfectly. Saturn immediately caught hold of him after waiting for a chance to hold him for about 12 years. Due to this effect, King Nala lost his kingdom in a game also his sufferings grew large. He left his land along with his queen Damayanthi. In course of his wandering in the jungles, he parted with his queen also. He joined as a cook in the palace of the Kind of Ayodhya. Later on Nala and Damayanthi joined again. Through Sage Naradha, Nala understood that he was under the adverse influence of Saturn and began a pilgrimage to holy places. At Virudhachalam, he met sage Srimadvaja who directed him to Darbaranyeswarar temple in Thirunallar and worship the Sani Baghwan which King Nala meticulously followed and got relieved from the adverse effects of Sani Baghwan and also was blessed by him. He stayed there for some time, dug tanks and built the temple. He also got back his kingdom. As per the history of the temple, the great King Nala of puranic fame was relieved of the affliction of Lord Saturn or Lord Saniswaran is believed to have been relieved of all the curses and sufferings and got the grace of Lord for a happy and prosperous life.
Specialities
Among the Navagrahas, Lord Saneeswarar occupies an important place. A malfic Saturn in one's horoscope is believed to cause miseries and hardships which can be mitigated by worshipping him. According to astronlogy, Sani Bagavan moves from one sign to the next sign (house) in the Zodiac once in two and halfe years and the day of his transit is observed as a Sani Peyarchi festival in Thirunallar. On the day previous to the day of transit, religious discourses and entertainments are arranged. On the festival day Thevaram songs are chanted. There is also a Golden Crow, the vehicle of Saturn in the shrine. Nallarar is also known as Darbaranyeswarar and Nallatru Easar. As the swayambu was in the Darba jungles here, scars caused by Darba could be seen even now. The Pachai Pathigam in Thevaram is dedicated to the Lord. The Thyagarajamurthy in Thirunallar is the second Sapthavidangamurthy. Sapthavidanga Sthalam means the holy place where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance. The dance in Thirunallar is called Unmatha Natanam. He is the gift awarded to Emperor Mushukunda. Nilothpalambikai is the consort of Thyagaraja in the temple.
Transport Facilities
Thirunallaru is located 5 Kilo meter west side of Karaial and in the bus route of Karaikal - Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam. Also Thirunallar is 59 kms from Kumbakonam, 140 kms from Pondicherry, 100 kms from Thanjavur, 150 from Trichy. Bus services are available in short frequencies from Pondicherry and Kumbakonam.
Festivals
The 18 day Brammotsavam beginning on the Uthiratadhi star day in the Tamil month Vaikasi (May-June) is an important festival. On the last day, there will be a programme known as the Lord gracing a darshan to a shepherded. The Poornima festival in the Purattasi (September-October), each friday, Pradosha days are very devotionally observed. The Tamil and English new year days, Karthikai Dheepam, Deepavali, Pongal are the days when special pujas are performed in the temple.

Sri Agneeswarar Temple
Main Deity	Agneeswarar
Goddess	Karpagambal
Holy Tree	Purasamaram
Holy Water	Agni Theertham
Color	White/Yellow
Gem Stone	Diamond
Season	Spring
How to Reach	20 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
This Kanjanur Siva Temple is considered to be the 36th in the series of the Thevara Stalams located in Chola Nadu north of the river Kaveri. This shrine is also referred to as Palaasa Vanam, Brahmapuri and Agni Sthalam. This temple with a two prakarams has a five tiered Rajagopuram at its entrance. Haradatta Sivacharyar is said to have composed many works in sanskrit here. Images depicting legends related to Haradatta Sivacharyar are seen in this temple. There are also shrines to Maanakkanjaarar Nayanmaar and Kalikkaamar here. Stone images of Natarajar and Sivakami are seen in this temple in the Nataraja Sabai referred to as the Mukthi Mandapam. The Shiva Thandavam here is referred to as Mukthi Thandavam. Legend has it that Shiva blessed Paraasara muni with a vision of the cosmic dance - Mukti thandavam here. Inscriptions from the Chola and Vijayanagar periods are seen in this temple. Appar is said to have visited Kanjanur on his way to Tirukkodikka from Edirkolpaadi.
History
During the Vamana Avatharam, when Lord Vishnu took the form of a small boy and asked Bali for 3 steps of land, Asura Guru Sukracharya had doubts about the boy. When Bali denied to attentive his advice, he took the form of a bee and hid in the mouth of the Kamandalam from which Bali would pour water to donate the three steps of land. When water did not flow out of the Kamandalam, Vishnu in the form of Vamana Avataram pricked Sukracharya with a Darbhai grass sue to which he lost an eye, and had to come out. At the appropriate time, having had his wish, Vamana took his huge form of Avatharam and measured out the land and the sky, and as the 3rd step, placed his foot on Bali, blessing him. Sukracharya however was angry with Vishnu, and cursed him. It is believed that Vishnu prayed to Shiva at Kanjanur, where he was relieved of the curse. Shiva not only blessed Vishnu here, he promised to remain and bless those who came with prayers to Sukran, seeking his favour. Unlike the other Navagraha temples in this area, there is no idol or image of Sukran at Kanjanur. It is Shiva himself who takes the position of Sukran here.
Specialities
Bhrama is said to have been blessed with a vision of Shiva's marriage with Parvati here. Agni is said to have worshipped Shiva here, hence the name Agneeswarar. Haradatta Sivacharayar, originally a Vaishnava by the name of Sudarshana underwent great ordeals to prove his devotion towards Shiva to his fellow Vaishnavites here. There are a number of images in the temple Pragaram relating his story and the ordeals he underwent. Images of Agneeswarar and Karpagambal are also seen in the Varadarajar Temple at Kanjanur. Several legends pertaining to events in the life of Haradatta Sivacharyar pertain to this shrine.
Transport Facilities
This Shiva Stalam is associated with Sukran - representing the plant Venus and is - regarded one of the 9 supernal bodies central to astrological beliefs worshipped Shiva. Maintained by the Madurai Adhinam, it is located in a quiet hamlet in the vicinity of Tiruvaavaduturai, Suryanar Koyil, Tirumangalakkudi, near Tiruvidaimarudur and Kumbhakonam. Kanjanur is 18 Kms from Kumbakonam and 26 Kms from Mayiladudurai. It is just 3 Kms from Suryanar Kovil and 5 Kms from Adudurai.
Festivals
Six worship services are offered each day here. A festival commemorating Haradatta Sivacharyar is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai each year. Mahasivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Navaratri and Aadi Pooram are celebrated here.

Sri Abathsagayeswara Swamy Temple
Main Deity	Abath Sahayeswarar
Goddess	Yelavarkuzhali
Holy Tree	Dark Coloured Poolai
Holy Water	Amirtha Pushkarani
Color	Gold
Gem Stone	Yellow Sapphire
Season	Winter
Auspisious Day	Thursday
How to Reach	20 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
There are shrines to Surya, Gurumoksheswarar, Somanathar, Saptarishi nathar, Someswarar, Vishnunathar and Bhrameesar, Kasi Viswanathar and Kasi Visalakshi. This is regarded as a 'Gurustalam' where Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence, attracting huge crowds when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Guru Bagavan's consorts are Goddess Thara and Goddess Sangini and his 'vahanam' or vehicle is elephant. he presiding deity in this temple is Aranyeswarar, a unique form of Lord Siva. The lingam here is believed to be a 'swayambhu lingam'. His consort Umai Ammai, is also seen. There are as many as 15 holy theerthams in this temple which occupies an area of about 1.25 acres, surrounded by lofty walls.
History
There are shrines to Surya, Gurumoksheswarar, Somanathar, Saptarishi nathar, Someswarar, Vishnunathar and Bhrameesar, Kasi Viswanathar and Kasi Visalakshi. This is regarded as a 'Gurustalam' where Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence, attracting huge crowds when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Guru Bagavan's consorts are Goddess Thara and Goddess Sangini and his 'vahanam' or vehicle is elephant. he presiding deity in this temple is Aranyeswarar, a unique form of Lord Siva. The lingam here is believed to be a 'swayambhu lingam'. His consort Umai Ammai, is also seen. There are as many as 15 holy theerthams in this temple which occupies an area of about 1.25 acres, surrounded by lofty walls. The temple was built by Amuthohar, Minister of Musukunda Chakravarthy who ruled Thiruvarur. The Minister was asked to share with the King the Punniya he earned by being a Siva devotee. He refused to do so and was beheaded. The King got rid of the "Dosha" he thus got by worshipping Apathsahayeswara Swamy at Alangudi.
Specialities
This shrine is regarded as the 98th temple among the 127 temples located in the Chola region on the southern bank of Cauvery. Thirugnanasambandar has sung in praise of the Lord here. Inscriptions dating back to the period of Vikrama Chola (1131), referring to Alankudi as Jananatha Saruppedimangalam, and to the Chidambaram Natarajar temple, are seen here.
Transport Facilities
Alangudi, is the midget village on the Needamangalam - Kumbakonam road in Tiruvarur district. Sri Abathsagayeswara Swamy Temple is the temple of Guru Bagavan (Jupiter) which is one of the Navagraha temples. It is near Needamangalam and the temple is 7 kms away from this place. The temple for guru as Dakshinamoorthy is at Alangudi, 17 Kms from Kumbakonam and 35 Kms from Thanjavur. Alangudi is only 6 Kms from Mannargudi.
Festivals
Annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai. Also Hindu festival including Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Aadi Puram, Arudra Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam, Thai Poosam and Pankuni Uththiram are celebrated here with much religious fervor. Guru Peyarchi, the transit of Guru (Planet Jupiter) from one zodiac sign to another, is another major festival celebrated in the temple.
Period	500 years - 1000 years

Sri Swetharanyeswarar Temple Temple
Main Deity	Swetaranyeswarar
Goddess	Bhrama Vidya Nayaki
Holy Tree	Alamaram
Holy Water	Surya Theertham
Color	Green
Gem Stone	Emerald
Season	Autumn
Auspisious Day	Thursday
How to Reach	60 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
There are several shrines of significance in this well visited temple, including those to Durga and Kali. The image of Natarajar here is of great beauty. Worship to Shiva's fiery form Veerabhadrar is said to be of significance on Sunday nights. Special worship services are offered to Natarajar and the associated Spatika Lingam, as in Chidambaram. As found in Chidambaram, there is also a shrine for Lord Vishnu near the shrine for Natarajar. The Aalamaram here is referred to as Akshayavadam (infinite one, indestructible banyan tree). The Soma Theertham and The Surya Theertham created by the Sun and the Moon are of great significance here. It is believed that the Soma Kundam and Surya Kundam referred to in Silappathihaaram refer to these tanks. Vilvam and Konrai are the other Sthala vrikshams here. The goddess here has a separate temple to herself, and is known as Brahma Vidayambigai, the goddess of knowledge. Just outside her sanctum is the shrine to Budhan or Angarakan, the graham known to preside over knowledge. This temple Siva also known Venkatar, and his consert known as Veiyanaiya thol Umai, Panmoitha inmozhiyaal, Brahma Vidya Nayagi.
History
There are a number of legends connected to this temple. The foremost beign the story of the Sage Swetha Kethu is said to have been saved from the clutches of death by the grace of Shiva here, in a legend similar to that of Markandeya at Tirukkadavur. Ancient time Acchuthagapanar who did not have a child, came to this temple and had a holy bath in the three tanks at this temple and worshipped Thiruvengadar and got a wise child who came to be known as Meikandar the author of Sivagnanabodham. It is also believed that Shiva took the fierce Aghoramurthy form, to vanquish the demon Maruthuvan, to whom he had given his Soolam - which he had misused.
Specialities
Inscriptions from the time of Aditya Chola I (870-907), Raja Raja I (10th - 11th cent) & his descendants speaking of endowments made by the Chola rulers to this temple are found here. Vikrama Cholan built the Vikramacholan Tirumandapam (1118-1135). The present structures of the temple as well as the beautiful bronze images in this temple are a contribution of the Great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I. Some of these bronzes were recovered in treasure troves unearthed here. The Ardhanareeswarar and Chandeswarar bronzes are now housed in the Chennai Museum. Natarajar, Somaskandar, Devi, Bhoga Sakthi are housed in the temple, while images of Subramanyar, Rishabhavahanadevar, Bhikshatanar, Kalyanasundarar, Kannappar and others are housed in the Thanjavur Art Gallery. Appar, Sambandhar, Sunarar were sung hymns in awe in this temple. Indiran, Airavatam, Budhan, Sun God Sooriyan and Moon God Chandiran are said to have worshipped God Shiva here. This temple is also known as Aadi Chidambaram, Natarajar's dance here is known as Hasti Natanam. This Shivasthalam is one of the 6 most sacred places on the banks of river Cauvery which is par with the temple at Varanasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are Tiruvaiyaru, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.
Transport Facilities
This is the temple acknowledged for its shrine Aghoramurthy and to Budhan which we refer Mercury in English; one of the 9 Navagraha stalams. The temple is 10 Kms by road from Sirkazhi on the way to Poompuhar. And lies about 20 Kms from Mayiladudurai towards Poompuhar, where the Kaveri flows into the sea.

Sri Vaidhiyanathar Temple
Main Deity	Vaidhyanathan
Goddess	Thayyal Nayagi
Holy Tree	Vembu
Holy Water	Chithamirtha Theertham
Color	Red
Gem Stone	Red Coral
Season	Summer
Auspisious Day	Tuesday
How to Reach	55 kms from Kumbakonam
General Information
A long corridor lined with pillars on either side marks the entrance to the Vaitheeswaran Kovil, which is 13 Kms from Mayiladudurai towards Sirkazhi, and 6 Kms from Sirkazhi. This shrine was called in the puranas by the name Pullirukkuvelur.
History
The main deity is Vaidyanatha Swamy, who is believed to have arrived as a Vaidyan or healer, in response to the prayers of Angarakan (Mars) to cure him of the leprosy as he was suffering from. His consort is Thaiyalnayaki, who accompanies him, with a vessel containing medicinal oil. There is also a shrine to the divine healer, Dhanvantari in this temple. The medicine which Shiva is believed to have given to Angarakan is made from the ashes of the homa kundam in front of the Subrahmanya shrine, is called Thiruchaandu Urundai, Rituals are performed where a mixture of earth and ashes from the homa kundam are shaped into pills and placed at the Thaiyalnayaki shrine and distributed. This is the main Prasadam in this temple, and is believed to cure every type of illness.
Specialities
Lord Muruga as Muthukumaraswamy was favelin at this shrine with which he cleared the heart of Surapadma in battle. Sambandhar, Thirunavukkarasar, Arunakiriyar, Kumara Kurubarar, Padikkasu Thambiran, Chidambara Munivar, and Kalamega Pulavar have had worshipped this temple Siva and got grace.
Transport Facilities
The sthalam of Chevvai Bhagavan is Vaideeswaran koil, which is located 6kms from Sirgazhi en route to Mayavaram.

Holy Water	Surya Theertham
Color	Copper
Gem Stone	Ruby
Season	Summer
General Information
There are only two temples for Sun in India, the Konark in North and Suriyanarkoil in South. There is no idol worship in Konark as in the southern temple.
History
Once upon a time, some sages were sitting and doing their penance. Among the Sages there was one Saint called 'KalaMunivar'. He would predict all the three periods of human beings. One day a young saint came to KalaMunivar and enquired about his future. KalaMunivar was predicting the life of the Young saint. The young Saint non-Chalantly asked the KalaMunivar to know about his own future and smiled teasingly, KalaMunivar was surprised as no one dared to ask him such a question. KalaMunivar was willing to know more about the young Saint and asked him who he was. The young Saint replied that he was 'Kala Devan' and disappeared. KalaMunivar started thinking about his past and future. In past, he was eating the legs of Crabs and for which he was bound to get leprosy. As all other Saints came to know the reason for his sadness and they all advised him that none can escape from the fate and only it can be mitigated to lesser extent. They told him that Navagrahas are the ones who inflict the cruel hands to fate on human beings and advised him to offer prayers to navagrahas. KalaMunivar moved from Himalayas to the Southern side. On fixing auspicious date, he started a rigorous meditation and Homas. As Homas continued, the heat generated made Navagrahas to appear before KalaMunivar to reduce the temperature. KalaMunivar prostrated before them and stood in Joy with tears coming down copiously Navagrahas asked the Kalamunivar to express his desire to fulfill. KalaMunivar explained to them his predicament and save him from the dreadful disease. Navagrahas granted his prayer and blessed him. This news reached the Bhrama Deva and naturally Bhrama got angry. He ordered Navagraha to appear before him. Navagraha appeared before Bhrama and told them about their disobedience and remainded them of their role. Bharama cursed them and punished that they have to born on earth individually and undergo the punishment of suffering from leprosy of KalaMunivar. After hearing the punishment, Navagrahas came dead silence and sought forgiveness from lord Bhrama Deva, the creator of the Universe. They pleaded their ignorance and forgiveness. Bhrama was moved and made them to seek redressal for their disobedience. He directed them to reach Bharath and move to south where Cauvery is flowing. In the north bank of the river they can find 'Arghavanam' known as Velerukkakadu. Stay there offer worship from the first Sunday of Tamil month Karthigai for 12 weeks in total of 78 days on Mondays, they have to take bath before sunrise in Cauvery and offer prayers to Prarivaradhan and MangalaNayaki with in 2 1/2hours after sunrise, they have to have curdrice in 'Arka leaf' amd eat the same. On the other days they have to be in fast to release themselves from the punishment. Navagrahas reached the earth and came to bharath. They were in search of Argavanam. They saw 'Agasthiar' and followed him quickly. They enquired about Argavanam where Agasthiar took them there as he was also going to that place. They all reached the place. Everybody took bath in cauvery worshipped Lord Pranavaradhan and Mangalambigai. Agasthiar stretched his hand on cauvery took waters and poured on the lord. It was sight to be seen. Everybody admired Agasthiar. There every Navagraha was afflicted with the disease no leprosy. Slowly and Steadily their body began to shrunk and foul smell started. They asked Agasthiar to guide them on their mode of worship. Agasthiar asked them to choose north-east and place the vinayagar to remove and avoid obstacles for them and start doing their penance from Sunday, Agasthiar asked them to choose nine water spots and each one of them should take bath daily from it. Navagraha enquired about his significance to them the secreat of it. It is one way of curing the illness as the leaf contains some medical touch. Navagrahas as directed by Agasthiar followed the rituals strictly on fath day, Monday much to their surprise they took bath in cauvery and they found that the disease has cured more them 50%. They offered worship to lord Pranavaradhan and Mangalambikai. Both appeared before them and blessed them as they were satisfied about their meditation. They were completely cured from the disease. Lord asked them to stay in the Argavanam constrict temple of their bless the devotees freely. As Navagrahas were in ecstasy, KalaMunivar appeared before them, prostrated and sobbed uncontrollably for their suffering, Navagrahas pacified KalaMunivar and enquired about his knowings on them. KalaMunivar explained to them about his meeting of Agasthiar and narration of Agasthiar. All worshipped vinayakar for his benign blessings to complete their task without any obstacles. They named the vinayakar as "Koltheertha Vinayakar". Navagrahas requested KalaMunivar to build them each temple at Argavanam. KalaMunivar obeyed Navagrahas by building them a temple for each one of them.
Specialities
Inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120) refer to this temple as the Kulottunga Chola Martanda Alayam. Kulottunga Chola is said to have had a good relationship with the Gahadwal dynasty of Kanauj (1090 - 1194), whose rulers were Sun worshippers, and hence Suryanar Koyil, is considered to be an expression of their influence in South India. Inscriptions from the period of Krishna Deva Raya, speaking of endowments made to this temple are also seen here.