History of the place

Sage Siladha of Thiruvaiyaru did penance on Lord Shiva for child boon. A divine voice adviced him to perform Puthrakamesthi Yajna during which he would get a boy who would have longevity for just 16 years. Siladha found the box with a boy child and named him Japesar. When Japesar was 14 years, understanding his father's agony, he started a staunch penance on one leg on the 'Ayana Ari' Theertham in Thiruvaiyar. Moved by his penance, the Lord cured him completely and granted a long life. Later, Japesar was married to Suyasambikai in Thirumazhapadi. As Japesar continued his penance even after his marriage, he was rewarded as the chief of Shiva Ganas, elevated as the first security chief at the first gate of Kailash and was named as 'Nandhi Deva'.

Saints who worshiped

Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnana Sambandhar and Sundarar. This is the 54th temple of the 274 devara sthalams.

Speciality of this temple

The Lord Shiva here is swayambumurthy. Nandi's (The sacred bull vehicle of Lord Shiva) wedding which took place here is celebrated on the Panguni Punarvasu star day. Two Mothers - Balambika and Sundarambika blesses the devotees. Sage Markandey grants darshan in the temple on Vaikasi Visakam star day holding a Mazhu (a battle axe like weapon). Hence this place is known as Mazhuvadi.

Pariharam

People with severe diseases pray to Lord Vaidyanathaswami.

Pariharam Procedure

Those suffering from high temperature offer boiled rice with rasam as nivedhana to Lord Jura Haraharar in the temple. Also people bathe in the sacred spring (Theertham) for disease cure. Those who wish marriage boon attend the Nandi's wedding festival.