Varagadai Varundeeswarar (Vaidyanatha Swamy)Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Address

Varagadai Varundeeswarar Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Varagadai, Mayiladuthurai Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai district,

Tamil Nadu 609203

Moolavar

Varundeeswarar / Vaidyanatha Swamy

Amman

Thaiyal Nayagi/ Annapoorani

Introduction

The Varundeeswarar Temple in Varagadai Village, Mayiladuthurai Taluk, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Pancha Vaidyanatha Kshetrams, a group of five temples dedicated to Lord Vaidyanatha Swamy located around Vaitheeswaran Koil.

Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is Varundeeswarar (also known as Vaidyanatha Swamy). The Mother deity is known as Varundeeswara Amman (also called Thaiyal Nayagi Annapoorani).
Location: The temple is located on the banks of the Uppanar River and is situated about 2 kilometers from Korukkai. To reach the temple, devotees can travel along the Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu route, take a left turn after crossing Villiyanallur, and travel for another 3 kilometers.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to have been built by a Chola king named Jayadwa. It underwent extensive renovations in the 12th century CE by Kopperunjinga, a Kadava chieftain.
Temple Orientation: The temple faces east and features an entrance arch with a stucco image of a Lingam flanked by Nandi sculptures.
Temple Structure: The temple is enclosed by compound walls on all sides and includes Nandi and Balipeedam facing the sanctum.
Presiding Deity: Lord Varundeeswarar, or Vaidyanatha Swamy, is represented as a Lingam and faces east within the sanctum. The temple also houses Koshta idols of Dakshinamoorthy, Vinayaga, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga on the sanctum walls.
Chandikeswarar Shrine: A shrine dedicated to Lord Chandikeswarar can be found in its usual location.
Goddess Varundeeswara Amman: The consort of Lord Varundeeswarar is known as Varundeeswara Amman or Thaiyal Nayagi Annapoorani. She has a separate south-facing shrine within the temple complex. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing her shrine.
Additional Shrines: The temple premises also house shrines for Lord Vinayaga (Ganesha) and Lord Subramanya, also known as Lord Murugan.

This temple, like the other Pancha Vaidyanatha Kshetrams, holds spiritual significance and is visited by devotees seeking blessings, particularly for good health and well-being. The temple’s location along the banks of the Uppanar River adds to its natural beauty and serenity, making it a place of worship and devotion.