Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is the fourth Navagraha sthalam of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Thiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu. It is the abode of Bhudhan or Bhudha (planet Mercury). Thiruvenkadu Bhudha Sthalam is located near Poompuhar, around 10 km from Sirkazhi. The main deity is Shiva – Swetharanyeswarar (“lord of white forest”) and the goddess is Brahma Vidya ambal. This is also called Adhi Chidambaram and the Chidambara Rahasyam is also here.

Among Nine Planets (Navagraha), Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Offering puja to Bhuda Bhagavan on Wednesdays is believed to rectify Bhuda Dhosham. Budhan is associated with intellect and knowledge; hence those who are not doing well in studies should worship Budhan here. Budhan blesses one with good education, knowledge, eloquence, music, astrology, mathematics, sculpture, medicine, scholarship in languages. Offer Green cloth & Full Green Moong Daal (pachchai paruppu) to Budhan here. Malefic effect of Budhan can cause problems related to respiration like asthma and bronchitis, speech impediments and nervous disorders. Budhan is considered as the wisest of all the planets.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu

Architecture
History
Festivals
Puja Timings
How to Reach
Video

The structure of this East facing Swetharanyeswarar Temple, itself consists of two huge Gopuram towers on the western and eastern sides. The stone inscriptions on the walls of the temples depict important historical information on the Chola Dynasty and about several kings of Vijayanagar.

Thiruvenkadu Temple is surrounded by pancha prakarams. Here the Lord is consecrated in his forms as Aghoramurthi (manifestation of His wild and angry form) and Nataraja (a manifestation of Shiva, assumed as the Lord of Dance).The Nataraja image holds seven instruments and weapons, namely, Vetalam, Khadgam, Udukku, Mani, Kedayam, Kapalam and Trisulam.

There are three theerthams (holy tanks) called as Agni Theertham, Surya Theertham and Chandra Theertham which are said to have been created out of the three drops which fell from Lord Shiva’s eyes when he was dancing. The sthala vrikshams are also three in number – Vilvam, Vadaval and Konrai.

Swetharanyeswarar is the main God in this temple. It is said that Agora Murthi was one of the furious incarnation of Lord Shiva. There was an Evil named “Maruthuvasuran” in Thiruvengadu. He gained boons from Lord Brahma and used it wrongly to torture the Devas. The Devas prayed to Lord Shiva to rescue them from the demon. Then Shiva suggested the Devas to go to Thiruvengadu and reside there in camouflage. Thereafter, Lord Shiva sent his Vahana (or vehicle) – Nandi (bull) to fight the demon.

Nandi conquered the demon and threw it into the sea. After that, the demon acquired Sula from Shiva through severe penancae. After getting the Sula the demon returned with larger strength to attack the innocent crowd. Again, the Devas requested Shiva to save them, another time Nandi was sent by Shiva.

But, this time Nandi could not defeat the demon because the demon had Sula (given to him by Shiva). Thus, the demon injured Nandi badly with the Sula. The wounds on the back of Nandi can be seen on his idol. Enraged by the wound of Nandi, Lord Shiva opened his 3rd eye and killed the demon. The Agoramurthi form of Shiva which can be seen in the idol is the expression of his anger. It is also said that one who worships this form (Agoramurthy) of Lord Shiva can never have enemies.

As Lord Shiva took his incarnation ‘Agora murthi’ and killed the ‘Maruthuvasuran under a tree (which is now in Thiruvengadu temple, back to the entrance of Agora murthi). All the people thanked Lord Shiva for saving them.

Indiran, Airavatam, Budhan, Sun God Sooriyan and Moon God Chandiran are said to have worshipped God Shiva here.

There are many festivals which are being celebrated in this village. It includes the chariot festival which is celebrated every year in the month of February. This Chariot festival is celebrated for 10 days. On 5th day a special occasion is celebrated for Lord Agora Murthi. People from many surrounding villages would come here and pray here for their better life. Wednesdays are special at this Temple

Swetharanyeswarar Temple remains open from 6 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM

By Train

Nearest Railway Stations: Mayiladuthurai.

By Bus

Buses available from Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai (Within 30 mins of Travel from both ends)

By Air

Nearest airport: Trichirapalli