Sri Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple

The temple has six main halls. Among them, one is Tiruvenkadu. In this temple, all the three main aspects - creation, maintenance, and destruction - are present. Among the nine planets, this is dedicated to Mercury. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Among the 64 forms of Shiva, only the Aghora form can be seen in this temple. He attained enlightenment here. Hence, this place is called Adi Chidambaram. Nataraja Sabha and a secret are also present here. Like Chidambaram, Nataraja has a separate sanctum near Perumal. Indra, Airavata, Vishnu, Surya, Chandra, and Agni are present here. Pattinathar received Shiva's blessings and Meikandaar attained enlightenment here. Thiruvenkadu:Thiruvenkadu, Thiruvenkatadevar, Thiruvenkataiar, Thiruvenkatudaiyanar, Thiruvenkattu Peruman are the names attributed to him. He is the deity of this temple. He manifested himself as the Linga form. Natarajar:Natarajar is mentioned as the king here. This temple is also called Adi Chidambaram. Here, just like in Tillai Chidambaram, there is a court for Natarajar. Spatika Linga and a secret are also present here. Every day, Natarajar receives four abhishekams for the Spatika Linga, and he receives six abhishekams per year. Aghora Murti:Aghora Murti is unique to the temple. He appeared from the face of Lord Shiva as a physician to cure the demons. His valiant form is special here. Lord Shiva displays his heroic deeds in the Atta Veeratta temples. This temple witnessed the heroic deed of Lord Shiva. The Aghora Murti cannot be seen anywhere else other than in the Tiruvenkadu temple. Since he protects the surrendered devotees, he is called Aghora Murti. Just like the Lord, who raised his left leg first and then placed his right leg on the ground, similarly, the Lord demonstrates his dancing prowess here. Every Sunday night at 12:00 AM, a special puja is performed for him. Brahma Vidyambal:She is the leader of this temple. She is the power form of Thiruvenkadu. She appeared as a daughter to Sage Madhanga and married him, taking the name Madhangi. She is known as Brahma Vidyambika because she learned the scriptures from Brahma. It is special to teach knowledge to illuminate her. Among the four Karas, Dharmaraja's Kara on the eastern side has a lotus flower (wealth symbol). On the right side, there is Akamalai (Yoga) ring. The southern Kara is Apaya Kara. It speaks of the greatness of the Thiruvenkadar. This is also one of the powerful symbols among the 64 divine forms. Even though the name sounds harsh, he is present in a compassionate state. Like the Lord, who placed his right leg first, then his left leg, similarly, Perumal shows his walking style here. This is special. In this temple, which is included in the four Karas, the heroic action of Lord Shiva took place. The Aghora Murti has been removed from the Tiruvenkadu temple and cannot be seen anywhere else. Kalidevi:Due to the divine power that emerged from the Swetha forest, Swetha Kalidevi is called Kali. She holds eight weapons - sword, shield, spear, club, bow, arrow, skull, and cup. She grinds corn in the mortar in her fury. She stands on the left leg of the peetam, keeping her right leg raised above the pedestal of the temple. She showers grace on those who worship art. The Puthan Deity: The Puthan Deity, also known as Viththayakarakan, is considered as the minister to the mother goddess Vidhyambikai's government. Just like a minister who advises his mother on the administration, he graciously constructs his own temple on the left side of the mother's temple and blesses everyone. In this regard, the mythological history states that Thiruvengadar attained the status of a minister after his dosa cooked by him got eaten by one of the Navagrahas. It is said that he ascended to the position of ruler in the fifth yuga of the Rig Veda. Thiruvengadar achieved great fame and respect among the nine planetary deities. Pillaiyidukki Amman: When Thiruvengadar reached the northern boundary of this deity's region, everything turned into a celestial world, and the sands turned into Sivalingam. Therefore, when he visited this deity's temple in the morning, he called out 'mother.' The great Periyanayaki, who heard his voice, took him to her abode and brought him to the temple. Inside the temple, the statue of Sambandhar, who had resided in his abode, is situated in the northern part of the deity's temple. Individual Sanctum for Mercury: Among the nine planetary deities, Mercury, also known as the Puthan Deity, bestows intelligence, knowledge, eloquence, musical talent, astrology, mathematics, courage, medicine, and linguistic proficiency. In this region, Mercury has his own separate sanctum. The sanctum of Mercury is situated opposite to the sanctum of the Moon, his father, and near the Moon's abode is the Chandira Pushkaraniteertham (the sacred water body). If Mercury is correctly placed in one's horoscope, one attains intellectual prowess, but if not, there may be deficiencies in intelligence and nervous system disorders. Those with such deficiencies can come here to the Chandira Pushkaraniteertham, bathe, and receive dosha removal. Mercury is also worshipped by musicians and filmmakers for their success. Among the nine planetary deities, this is the most prestigious temple dedicated to the worship of the Puthan Deity. The highest form of prayer is offered at this temple. It is considered one of the primary sacred bathing places among the six associated with Kashi. The Manikarnikai well, which is linked to the sixty-four bathing ghats in Kashi, is also connected here. In this region, there are special features such as idols (Thiruvengadar, Agoramurthi, Nadarajar), powers (Durga, Kali, Brahmavidhyambal), waters (Agni Theertham, Surya Theertham, Chandra Theertham), and ruling deities (Vadaval, Vilvam, Konrai). Like Vishnu's foot in Kashi, the Rudra padam is located beneath the throne of Virutchakshanamurthy. This place, known as Adhi Chithampara, is famous and honored by Siva for performing heroic deeds. This place is also one of the seven moksha sthalas. It is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana. Hence, this temple has been witnessed by many ages. It is also mentioned in Silappathikaram. Therefore, it gained prestige as a Shaiva temple in Saivite and Vaishnavite literatures. Those who came to this region were bestowed with the name 'Thiruvengadar,' and it is why the temple is named after him. The temple of Thiruvengadar in this region is renowned for its special puja performed every Sunday night at 12 o'clock for Sivaperuman, the Agora deity.

The demon, by receiving a boon from Brahma, caused distress to the celestial beings. As per the grace of Lord Shiva, the deities came to live in another forest. The demon waged war against them at Thiruvengadu. Despite his meditation, he obtained a spear and attacked the deities. With the spear, he wounded the deity Ridhapa, who was then killed. Ridhapa's spirit appeared before Shiva, who became enraged. At that moment, from one of his five faces emerged the fierce-faced deity Agora. Seeing this form, the demon surrendered to Shiva and sought refuge. Embracing the Agora form, the demon attained salvation. Even today, the idol of Agora can be seen in the sanctum of the Swetharanyeswarar temple, one of the most revered shrines in South India.

In this place, there is a separate shrine for Mercury, who governs education and career. Attaining excellence in education, achieving success in career, alleviating obstacles, and obtaining child blessings through the worship of Mercury is a confirmed benefit. In this region, the Vadaval altar houses the Rudra padam at the feet of the ruling deity. Pitru doshas are relieved when coming for the 21st time. Its name is Rudra Kaya. In Kashi, it is known as Vishnu Kaya. Past life sins are absolved here. Child blessings, marriage proposals, and other auspicious events occur in this region. Additionally, nervous system disorders are cured, intelligence is enhanced, and self-confidence is gained. Afflictions from ghosts and demons are dispelled. For those seeking guidance here, troubles diminish, and mental peace is attained. Furthermore, job opportunities, career advancement, and promotions are also prayed for, and the devotees' desires are surely fulfilled by the Lord.