Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvenkadu, a village in Mayiladuthurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva, known as Swetharanyeswarar, is represented by the lingam. His wife Parvati is portrayed as Brahmavidyambigai.

The presiding deity is praised in the Tamil Saiva canonical work Tevaram, which was written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and is categorised as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism because it is one of the temples connected to Budha (Mercury), one of the Navagraha Stalas, which are the nine planet elements.

Story Behind Swetharanyeswarar Temple

Swetharanyeswarar is the most significant deity in this temple. One of Shiva’s enraged manifestations is said to have been Agora Murthi. Maruthuvasuran, a demon, lived in Thiruvengadu. He performed penance in order to appease Brahma because he had gained special abilities. His devotion pleased Brahma, who awarded him special abilities. Maruthuvasuran started torturing saints and innocent people while abusing his power.

They all begged Lord Shiva to put an end to their suffering, including the saints and those who were ill. Shiva took the form of Agoramurthi and killed Maruthuvasuran beneath the tree that is thought to be the Thiruvengadu temple. The place has additionally been referred to as Swetaranyam, Adi Chidambaram, and Nava Ntirya Stala. It is claimed that Indra, Budha, Surya, Chandra, and Airavata all offered worship to Swetharanyeswarar in this location.

History of Swetharanyeswarar Temple

The current spot was constructed by Vijayanagar rulers in the 16th century after initially being a part of the Chola line and with a lot of dedication from Aditya Chola and Rajaraja Chola. The temple contains stone inscriptions from the Chola, Pandya, and Vijanayagar empires. The genius of this temple is credited to Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola, Virarajendra Chola, Kulothunga Pandya, Kulasekara Pandya, Vikrama Pandya, and Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya.

Architecture of Swetharanyeswarar Temple

The current structure was constructed by Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century and was built during the Chola dynasty. The sanctuary is east-bound and has passages on the west and east sides with seven-layered gopurams. The sanctuary has 5 passages and a primary pinnacle (rajagopuram). The temple’s walls contain significant historical information about the Chola and Vijayanagar dynasties.

The temple was constructed in a Dravidian design. The enormous stone-built temple has long, wide rooftops and engraved points of support all over. This temple’s unique Lord Shiva deity has five faces, each of which represents a different aspect of the Lord. There are many shrines in the temple. The Budha shrine is located in the third precinct, directly across from one of the theerthams.

Facts about Swetharanyeswarar Temple

• This temple is one of the popular Navagraha temples it has the deity of Budha (Mercury).
• Budha means an individual’s talking abilities. Therefore, if you want to become a great leader or orator, this temple is a must-see.
• Also known as Jnyanaranya, the temple of wisdom, the temple brings wisdom, knowledge, education and excellence.
• This temple is very important to people who want to get married or bring a child into the world because it grants marriage and childbirth blessings.
• It is considered very auspicious to worship the lord here after taking a dip in the three threethams – Soma, Surya and Agni.
• Sri Vallabha Ganpati (Sri Vallabha Devi with Sri Ganapati) deity is housed in such a way that it looks like an old traditional house.
• A seven-tiered gopuram serves as the primary entrance to the roughly two-acre temple complex.
• The most recognisable preserves in the temple complex are those of Swetharanyesarar, Aghora, and Nataraja. The three temple tanks and each place of worship are surrounded by enormous concentric rectangular stone walls.
• By worshipping this Vinayaka, one is freed from the chains of hunger and poverty.

Famous Festivals In Swetharanyeswarar Temple

• Brahmotsavam in February – March
• Vinayakar Chaturthi in August – September
• Navratri in September – October
• Apart from these, Pradosham is also observed regularly.

How to Reach Swetharanyeswarar Temple

The village is located in Thiruvenkadu, a village in Mayiladuthurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

By Air: The Trichy airport is 150 kilometres away from the temple. Pondicherry and Chennai air terminals are 104 km and 250 km from the sanctuary individually.

By Rail: Kumbakonam is 60 km from the temple. There are trains connecting the major cities of Tamil Nadu to Kumbakonam.

By Road: The Swetharanyeswarar Temple is 14 km and 25 km from Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai respectively from which adequate buses are available.

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