Ivanallur Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Address

Ivanallur Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Unnamed Road, Ivanallur,

Mayiladuthurai District,

Tamil Nadu 609811

Diety

Vaithiyanathar Amman: Thaiyalnayagi

Introduction

The Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, located in Ivanallur 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.

Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is Vaidyanatha Swamy, who represents Lord Shiva. The deity is in the form of a Lingam. The Mother deity is known as Thaiyal Nayagi.
Location: The temple is situated approximately 2 kilometers from Korukkai. To reach Ivanallur, devotees can travel along the Mayiladuthurai to Villiyanallur route, take a left turn at Kondal, and travel for another 5 kilometers.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old, reflecting its historical and cultural importance.
Temple Orientation: The temple faces east, a common orientation for Hindu temples.
Condition: The temple has faced significant damage over the years, with most of the structure in ruins. However, some of the ruins and idols are preserved under a thatched roof.
Magizha Tree: There is a prominent Magizha Tree located on the banks of a nearby pond. This tree may hold cultural or religious significance in the local context.
Legend: It is said that the Pancha Pandavas, the legendary figures from the Mahabharata, visited this village during their exile in the forest. This association with the Pandavas may have contributed to the name of the village, which was originally “Aivar Nallur” and later became “Ivanallur.”
Idols: The temple houses idols of Lord Vinayaga (Ganesha) and Nagas (serpent deities) along with the main deities.

Despite its current state of disrepair, the Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple in Ivanallur carries historical, cultural, and religious significance. It may still serve as a place of devotion and heritage for those who visit and appreciate its historical context.