Swetharanyeswara Temple Tamil Nadu Full Details

Among the 9 Navagraha temples in Tiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu, Swetaranyeswara Temple is the fourth Navagraha site. It is the abode of Bhudhan or Bhudha (planet Mercury). Thiruvenkadu Bhudha Sthala is located near Poompuhar, 10 km from Sirkali. The main deity is Shiva – Swetaranyeswara (“Lord of the White Forest”) and the deity is Brahma Vidya Ambal. It is also known as Aadi Chidambaram and the secret of Chidambaram is also here.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple Tamilnadu Full Details

Among the nine planets (navagrahas), Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. It is believed that worshiping Lord Bhudab on Wednesdays will get rid of soil pollution. Budhan is associated with intellect and wisdom; That is why those who do not excel in studies should worship Buddha here. Budhan bestows good education, knowledge, eloquence, music, astrology, mathematics, sculpture, medicine, and mastery of languages. Offer green cloth & full green moong dal (pachai paruppu) to Budhan here. The side effect of Budhan can be respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, speech impediments, and neurological disorders. Mercury is considered the wisest of all the planets.

Construction of Swetharanyeswara Temple

This east-facing Swetaranyeswara temple structure has two massive gopurams on the west and east sides. The stone inscriptions on the walls of the temples depict important historical information about the Chola dynasty and the kings of Vijayanagara.

Thiruvenkadu temple is surrounded by five ramparts. Here the Lord is enshrined in his forms as Aghoramurti (his ferocious and angry form) and Nataraja (a manifestation of Shiva, considered the Lord of Dance). Udukku, Mani, Kedayam, Kapalam and Trishulam.

There are three tirthas (sacred tanks) called Agni Tirtha, Surya tirtha, and Chandra tirtha, which were created from the three drops that fell from Lord Shiva’s eyes while he was dancing. There are also three sthala trees – vulva, vadaval, and Konrad.

History of Swetaranyeswara Temple

Swetaranyeswara is the main deity in this temple. Aghora Murthy is said to be one of the wrathful avatars of Lord Shiva. In Thiruvengadu there was an evil man named “Maruthuvasuran”. He received boons from Lord Brahma and misused them to torture the gods. The gods prayed to Lord Shiva to save them from the demons. Then Lord Shiva instructed the deities to go to Tiruvenga and hide there. After that, Lord Shiva sent his vahana (or vehicle) – Nandini (bull) to fight the demon.

Nandi defeated the demon and threw him into the ocean. After that, the Rakshasa obtained Sula from Lord Shiva through intense penance. After getting Sulan, the demon returns with great strength to attack the innocent crowd. Again, the gods requested Shiva to save them, and once again Nandi was sent by Shiva.

But, this time Nandi could not defeat the demon because the demon had Sula (given to him by Shiva). So the demon severely injured Nandini with his sword. The wounds on Nandi’s back are visible on his idol. Angered by Nandi’s wound, Lord Shiva opened his 3rd eye and killed the demon. The Aghoramurthy form of Lord Shiva seen in the idol is an expression of his anger. It is also said that one who worships this form of Lord Shiva (Aghoramurthy) will have no enemies.

Paramashiva took his avatar ‘Aghora Murthy’ and killed ‘Maruthuvasuran’ under a tree (which is now in Tiruvengadu temple, back to the entry of Aghora Murthy). All the people thanked Lord Shiva for saving them.

Indiran, Airavatham, Budhan, Sun God Suryan, and Moon Chandra are said to have worshiped Lord Shiva here.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple Tamilnadu Full Details

Swetaranyeswara Temple Festivals

Many festivals are celebrated in this village. It includes the Rathotsava which is celebrated in the month of February every year. This Rathotsavam is held for 10 days. On the 5th day, a special occasion is held for Lord Aghora Murthy. People from many surrounding villages come here and pray here for a better life. Wednesdays are special in this temple.

Swetaranyeswara Temple Pooja Timings

Swetaranyeswara Temple is open from 6 AM to 12.00 PM and from 4 PM to 9 PM

How to reach Swetaranyeswara Temple

By train:-

Nearest Railway Stations: Mailaduthurai.

By Bus:-

Buses available from Sirkali, Myladuthurai (within 30 minutes drive from both ends)

By air:-

Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli

Navagraha Temples in India Full Details