Vajrasthamba Nathar: The diamond pillar of Thirumazhapadi | Fusion - WeRIndia

Thirumazhapadi in Tamil Nadu is home to the revered Vajrasthamba Nathar Temple, one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

The temple holds immense spiritual and historical significance, attracting devotees from across the region.

Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Vajrasthamba Nathar (also called Vayirathoon Nathar or Vaithiyanathaswamy).

According to legend, Purushamirugam brought the Shiva Linga from Brahmalokam and consecrated it at this spot.

Brahma tried to retrieve it but failed, and Indra, amazed by its firmness, exclaimed it was a diamond pillar. Thus, the Lord here earned the name “Diamond Pillar.”

The temple was praised by saints Thirunavukkarasar and Thirugnana Sambanthar. Thirugnana Sambanthar wrote that worshipping here frees devotees from all sins. This highlights the spiritual significance of the temple in the Saivite tradition.

The goddess is Azhagammai, also known as Sundarambigai or Balambigai. The sthala vriksha is the palm tree.

The sacred temple pond is believed to have medicinal properties that cure skin diseases, especially when followed by Abhishekam to Vaithiyanathaswamy.

Structurally, the temple has a majestic seven-tier Rajagopuram. Inside, devotees see the flagpost, Nandi, Balipeedam, and beautiful mandapams.

There are two goddess shrines and a shrine for Muruga with Valli and Deivanai. One of the rarest features is the wedding of Nandidevar. Saint Silatha conducted the divine wedding of his son Seppaser (Nandi) with Suyasadevi here.

This celestial event is celebrated annually in the Tamil month of Panguni under the Punarpoosa Nakshatra.

Sundarar, during his pilgrimage, was divinely guided to this temple after hearing Shiva’s voice in Thiruvalampozhil. He sang a hymn here in deep devotion and surrender.

Devotees fulfil Nerthikadan (vows) here, just as they do at Vaitheeswaran Koil. Rasam rice with parboiled rice is offered to Joorahar for relief from fever.

Significance of the temple:

• Powerful healing shrine of Lord Shiva.
• Mentioned in Thevaram hymns, ranked 54th among Paadal Petra Sthalams.
• Devotees believe bathing in the pond and Abhishekam can help them relieve chronic diseases.
• Nandi’s marriage is a unique, rare festival.
• Known for granting boons and removing sins.

With deep legends, divine grace, and miraculous healing powers, Thirumazhapadi stands as a living testimony to Tamil Nadu’s rich Shaivite heritage.

Image Credit: 2017tour, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thirumazhapadi_Temple_Main_entrance.jpg