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The Vaitheeswaran temple draws many devotees and seekers for healing as it is said to cure ailments and diseases. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva whose avatar in this temple is the god of medicine. Though small, this temple has an enigmatic and mysterious aura due to the legends surrounding it. It is said that devotees take a dip in Siddhamirtham, the temple tank believed to possess healing properties. The place is also famous for the sun’s rays falling for some minutes on the deity at 6 in the morning translated as the sun god worshipping lord Shiva, among many other things.
Location
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
The temple, known as the “land of jasmine flowers,” has great historical and spiritual importance for many, attracting thousands of visitors. It is just 25 kilometres from Chennai city, the temple is easily accessible by taxi, bus, railway, or airline.
How To Reach Vaitheeswaram Temple
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By Air: You can fly to Tiruchirappalli International Airport which is 170 km from the temple or Chennai International Airport,253 km away.
By Rail: The railway station, Mayiladuthurai is just 27 km from the temple. So, the railway is nearer to the temple, however, you will have to take a cab or bus to reach the temple.
By Road: Bus services near the temple, such as Vaitheeswaran Koli Bus stand provide good bus services to and fro from the temple. Besides the temple is just 25 kilometers away from Chennai city so reaching there by road is easy.
Places To Visit In And Around Vaitheeswaran Temple
The places around Vaitheeswaran are a mix of relaxation and thrill. Here is a list of the places you can visit:
1. Sri Sivaloganathar Temple
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This is the 19th Shiva temple whose praise is found in the Thevaram hymns located just 4 km from the Vaitheeswaran temple. The temple has many fascinating tales, one of which is about how King Chokkolingam saw a lotus flower and, shot an arrow at it to attain it but the lotus bled and formed a lingam, so this is how the temple came to be. The central shrine has the lingam. The seven-tier gopuram is the main gateway of the temple complex. Built by the Cholas and the masonry structure in the 16th century by Vijayanagar Kings, this temple is the most visited in TamilNadu,
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
2. Mayura Natha Swamy Temple
Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This beautiful temple was built during the Chola period and is 16 kilometres from Vaitheeswaran temple. Even though restructuring has been made during the 17th century, the authenticity of the architecture is still intact. The place captivates visitors with its beautiful architectural design and carries interesting tales. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and in this temple he crushed Mother Parvati and turned her into a penhen, but later she was forgiven. It also has a tale of Shiva turning into a peacock and dancing with Mother Parvati.
Timings: 5:30 AM -12 AM and 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Poompuhar Beach
Photo: MARIKANNAN G / Wikimedia Commons
This beach is 20 kilometres away from the Vaitheeswaran temple. This beach site is unique because of its historical and scenic beauty. This once-port city was the capital of the Chola dynasty. This beach attracts many tourists due to its golden sand beach. If you visit this beach during their chitra pournami celebration around April-May, this place is filled with people who come here to take a dip. The beach is 3 kilometres long and begins from the Kaveri River and ends towards Neithavasal to the north. Other attractions are the maritime museum, a lighthouse, and the Kannagi temple.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
4. Nataraj Temple
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This temple is just 27 kilometres away from the Vaitheeswaran temple. The Nataraj temple also known as the centre of the earth is a popular tourist attraction. The temple is located in a small village famous for its palm-leaf astrology. This temple boasts of being one of the oldest temples in southern India and has a mix of arts and spiritual architectural design. This 10th-century temple built during the Chola dynasty has an image of a bejewelled Nataraj as its main attraction.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Muthupet Mangrove Forest
Photo: Marinebalaji / Wikimedia Commons
This beautiful place is just 111 km away from the Vaitheeswaran temple. If you love nature and bird watching, this place offers both. The scenic beauty and the lush forest attract migratory birds like pink flamingos, egrets, painted stroke. The place is well maintained with a wooden bridge of 162 meters built right between the mangroves for tourists to enjoy. The other attraction of this lagoon is its seventy-three varieties of fish. This 120 km stretch of mangrove forest can be reached by a motor boat from the Jambuvanodai point.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free entry (₹1500 for motor boat)
Where To Stay
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There are many resorts, hotels, and homestays around the Vaitheeswaran temple. This place has thriving lodging facilities as it is a popular tourist attraction. Hotels like Sri Akshardham, Hotel Sadhabishegam Vaitheeswaran Koil, Clarks Inn Express, and more have a price range between ₹1000-3000. If you want more budget stays, you can choose lodges like Sri Bhakyam Lodge which starts from ₹500 approx.
Where To Eat
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The place around the temple has many eatery options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Restaurants like Thanga Inbavalli Residency offer pure veg food and other restaurants such as Mm Bismi Briyani, only coffee, etc offer all types of traditional Tamilian and non-Tamilian food.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
The city is ready to welcome tourists from November to February since the weather is pleasantly cool (22 degrees Celsius). Winter is also a gala time of festivals and many fun activities around the city.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
The average cost can range from ₹12000 onwards, depending on the choice of accommodation, food, and recreational activities. Other than that, you can have a good time within that budget.
Tips For Travellers
- Stay hydrated to avoid heat.
- Take public transportation as it is well-maintained and drops you to most of its tourist attraction sites.
- Learn basic Tamil for smooth navigation.
The setting of Vaitheeswaran Temple is rich in spirituality, culture, and history. Thus, it is a great place to live out the deep-rooted traditions of Tamil Nadu in its architectural beauty. From healing rituals at Vaitheeswaran Koil to majestic Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, the region offers a very enriching journey through Tamil Nadu’s religious and cultural tapestry. Book a trip with TripXL and bask in nature’s lap or the past glory, the choice is endless.
Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
