1.Legend of Angaraka (Mars):
According to Hindu mythology, when the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons) were churning the celestial ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, a poison called Halahala emerged. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to protect the world, and his body turned blue due to the poison’s effect. Lord Subramanya (Murugan) came to the rescue and applied medicinal herbs on Lord Shiva to heal him. It is believed that this event took place at the Vaitheeswaran Temple, and Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vaitheeswaran (the divine healer).
2.Markandeya’s Cure:
Another mythological story is associated with a sage named Markandeya. It is said that Markandeya was destined to die at a young age due to the influence of Kala (Time). He prayed fervently to Lord Shiva at the Vaitheeswaran Temple, and Lord Shiva appeared as Vaitheeswaran and cured him of his ailment. This incident solidified the temple’s reputation as a place of healing and rejuvenation.
3.Jatayu’s Redemption:
In the epic Ramayana, when Jatayu, the divine vulture, encountered the demon king Ravana while trying to rescue Sita, he fought valiantly but was mortally wounded. After Ravana’s departure, Lord Rama and Lakshmana arrived at the scene and found Jatayu. Lord Rama embraced Jatayu and proclaimed that he would attain moksha (liberation) at this very spot. It is believed that Jatayu’s soul was relieved from the cycle of birth and death at the Vaitheeswaran Temple, making it a sacred place for redemption.
