Kattur UthiraVaidhya Lingeswarar Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Kattur UthiraVaidhya Lingeswarar Temple, Kattur, Thiruporur Taluk, Chengalpattu District – Mobile: +91 94448 78797 / 94475 36549

Diety

UthiraVaidhya Lingeswarar Amman: Thaiyal Nayaki

Introduction

The Uthira Vaidhya Lingeswarar Temple, located in Kattur Village in Thiruporur Taluk, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its significance as a Parihara Sthalam for Chevvai Dosham.

Deities:
- The presiding deity is known as Uthira Vaidhya Lingeswarar, and He is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Lingam facing east.
- The goddess of the temple is called Thaiyal Nayaki and is housed in a separate shrine facing south in the Maha Mandapam.
Legend of Sage Agastya: According to legend, when celestial beings attended the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati in the Himalayas, the earth lost its balance. Sage Agastya was appointed by Lord Shiva to restore balance by moving to the southern direction. In the process, he visited various sites in South India to witness the divine marriage, and this temple is one of those sites. It is believed that Sage Agastya himself installed the Shiva Linga here.
Healing Pond: The temple’s history includes a period when the area was affected by an unknown illness. Sage Agastya sought a solution from Lord Shiva, who advised the sage to excavate a pond, perform a puja to the Lingam using the water from the Theertham, and offer this sanctified water to the villagers. The villagers were miraculously cured after consuming the Theertha water. As a result, Lord Shiva became known as Uthira Vaidhya Lingeshwarar, signifying His role as a healer.
Chevvai Dosham Parihara Sthalam: The temple is considered a Parihara Sthalam for Chevvai Dosham (affliction due to the planet Mars). Devotees with Chevvai Dosham visit this temple to seek relief from the adverse effects of Mars, along with prayers for healing from various diseases, the removal of obstacles in marriage, and prosperity. Pregnant women also worship the goddess, Thaiyal Nayaki, for a safe delivery and a healthy child.
Architecture: The temple faces east and has a five-tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance. Additionally, there is a south-facing entrance with a three-tiered Rajagopuram opposite the Mother Shrine. The temple complex includes Mandapams (halls) such as Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam. Koshta idols of deities like Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga can be found around the sanctum walls.
Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals, including Vaikasi Visakam, Navaratri, Karthigai Deepam, Arudhra Dharshan, Maha Sankranti, and Panguni Uthiram.

The Uthira Vaidhya Lingeswarar Temple is not only a place of worship but also serves as a destination for those seeking relief from the malefic effects of Chevvai Dosham and ailments, as well as for devotees looking for blessings and healing through the grace of Lord Shiva and Goddess Thaiyal Nayaki.