Meet the Doctor of doctors (Vaidhyanaathaa). He is the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, of village Vaitheeswaran Kovil in Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu. As per legends, an ace doctor that he is, he prepares and prescribes medicine. His divine consort, Parvathy, revered as Baalaambikaa ( Thaiyal Naayaaki ) takes upon herself the responsibility of administering the medicine to and nursing the patients with a motherly touch. Together they provide relief to us (their children) not only from the physical maladies but also for the biggest illness, that is the vicious grip of life-death cycle (Bhava roga).
On April 29 Kumbabishekam was performed at this temple – after a gap of 23 years. Vaitheeswaran Kovil is also referred as Pullirukku Veloor to denote that the Lord in this kshetra was worshipped by Pul (Bird Jatayu), Rig Veda and Vel (Lord Muruga).
Vaitheeswaran Kovil is one of the 26 temples administered by Dharmapura Aadheenam, a Saivite Mutt established in 16th CE. These temples and the endowments therein render many services to propagate Hinduism in general and Saivism in particular.
Kumbabishekam project of this temple was initiated by November 2019. Within a month a setback in the form of demise of the then Chief Pontiff (26th). However, the administration very smoothly and swiftly passed on to the 27th Pontiff Srilasri Masilamani Desika Gnansambanda Swamikal. Swamikal also paid personal attention at each of the stages and ensured timely completion of the project in spite of the Covid 19 disaster.
Kumbabishekam event was performed as per Vedic traditions right from yagasala pooja, Purnaahuti and consecration by showering holy waters on the kalasas atop the temple tower, chanting mantras. Swamikal ably steered the entire auspicious occasion without giving any room for any flimsy controversy being raised by certain vested interests. One has to compare and contrast the Thanjavur Brahadeeswara Temple kumbabishekam in February 2020 where atheists and linguistic chauvinists who moved heaven and earth to sully the solemn occasion by trying to divide the Hindu society on imaginary grounds.
Bhaktas worldwide who watched over Television channels the Vaitheeswaran Kovil Kumbabishekam conducted in serene manner derived immense satisfaction. The event reaffirmed their faith in the Lord that he will save the humanity from the epidemic.
Bhaktas also appreciate the fact that the Kumbabishekam could be completed in line with Veda-Agamas because the temple is administered by Dharmapura Aadheenam and not by HR&CE (an organ of the secular government). Thus, Lord Vaitheeswara has shown a remedy for a social malady afflicting Hindu society. Hindus need to join hands to keep up the movement to demand Government to quit temple administration handing it over to seers and believers.