Swetharanyeswarar Temple Thiruvenkadu

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is  located in the town of Thiruvenkadu near Sirkazhi.It is one of the Navagraha temple.The temple is quite large and all four important Saivite saints have sung in praise of this lord.This temple is especially known for its unique incarnate of Lord Shiva called "Agora Murthi". He is one of the main god who is being prayed in this village.

Temple :

  

Thiruvenkadu Temple is surrounded by five prakarams known as 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.A unique feature about Swetharanyeswarar Temple is that the image of Lord Shiva has five faces, Easanam, Tatpurusham, Aghoram, Vamadevam and Sadyojatam.The posture of Nandi at the entrance is another unique feature here.

Devi in Her divine form of Bhadrakali has a separate shrine. Besides, there are separate shrines for Ashta Lakhsmis and the Navagrahas.

Worship :

Worship to Lord Shiva's fiery form Aghoramurthy is considered to be of great importance especially on Sunday nights.

Wednesdays are very auspicious to Budha and offering pooja on that day is believed to rectify any Budhan Dhosham in horoscope. Budha is attired in green and can be offered with green moong dhal, white kanthal flower and green cloth.

Presiding Dieties :

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Swedharanyeshwarar and Goddess Parvati as Brahma Vidya Nayaki Ambal (Brahmavidyanayaki). Swetharanyeswarar Temple enshrines a separate sanctum sanctorum for Bhudhan,one the nine Navagrahas and the bestower of wisdom and wealth.

It is said that the Lord performed seven of His dances - Tandavam - known as Ananda, Sandhya, Samhara, Tripuranta, Urdhva, Bhujanga and Lalita.

Festivals :

The most important festival is the float festival which is celebrated on the last day of 12 day celebrations in the Tamil month of Maasi (February - March).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.

Temple Timings :

6 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM

Other Temples Near By :

Naganathar Temple, known as the Kethu Navagraha Sthalam, is located at Keezhperumpallam, around 6 km from Thiruvenkadu.Thiruppallavaneeswaram Temple and Valampuranathar Temple at Melapperumpallam is also located close to Poompuhar.Pullirukkuvelur Vaitheeswaran Koil (Sevvai Sthalam) and Sirkazhi Bhramapureeswarar Temple are just a few minutes drive from the temple.

How to Get Here : 

By Road : The temple is 10 km from Sirkazhi and 59 km from Kumbakonam.

By Train :Thanjavur is the nearest railway station,about 9 km from the temple.