Pandur Aadhi Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Address

Pandur, Mayiladuthurai Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai District – 609 203

Mobile: +91 94445 33738 / 92822 33044

Moolavar

Aadhi Vaidyanatha Swamy

Amman

Balambigai

Introduction

The Aadhi Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple in Pandur Village, Mayiladuthurai Taluk, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Pancha Vaidyanatha Kshetrams, a group of five Vaidyanatha Swamy temples around Vaitheeswaran Koil

Puranic Significance

Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is Aadhi Vaidyanatha Swamy, representing Lord Shiva. The Mother deity is known as Balambigai.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old and is considered one of the Thiruvasaga Sthalams. It was constructed before the present Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple in Vaitheeswaran Koil.
Worship by Pandavas: According to legend, Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to worship Lord Vaidyanatha at this temple to overcome an incurable disease. This suggests the temple’s historical and curative significance.
Kadan Nivarthi Pooja: In memory of Harichandra, who worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple to get rid of his debts, a special Kadan Nivarthi Pooja is performed on the third Saturday of the Chithirai Month.
Emperor Nala’s Visit: Emperor Nala, who was affected by the bite of Karkodaka, one of the Ashta Nagas, visited this temple for a cure. It is believed that Lord Shiva blessed him with his original appearance.
Temple Architecture: The temple faces east and has an entrance arch adorned with stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvathy, flanked by Nandis and Bhooda Ganas. The complex includes a Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam, and the main sanctum. Shrines dedicated to Vinayaga and Muruga are located at the entrance of Maha Mandapam. The temple also features a Durga shrine and a shrine for Saneeswarar.
Presiding Deity: The presiding deity, Aadhi Vaidyanatha Swamy, is in the form of a Lingam and faces east. The Koshta contains an image of Dakshinamoorthy, and a Chandikeswarar shrine can be found in its usual location.
Goddess Balambigai: Goddess Balambigai has a separate south-facing shrine located to the left side of the sanctum in Maha Mandapam.
Other Deities: The temple complex includes shrines and idols of Vinayaga, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Suryan (the Sun God), and Bhairavar.
Sthala Vriksham and Theertham: The sacred Vilwa tree, known as the Sthala Vriksham, is located on the northern prakaram. The temple is associated with the Surya Pushkarini, a sacred pond located opposite to the temple.

This ancient temple holds historical and spiritual significance and is visited by devotees seeking blessings and cures for various ailments. The legends associated with the temple add to its cultural importance.

Beliefs

Devotees pray here to get relief from debts, skin diseases and planetary Doshams. Devotees with skin diseases will take bath in Surya Pushkarini and then pray to Lord Shiva with Neelotpava flowers.

Festivals

Panguni Brahmotsavam, Navaratri, Shivaratri, Monthly Pradoshams, Saturdays, Saturn Transit and Aippasi Annabishekam are the festivals celebrated here.