Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple
Shiva is worshiped as Swetharanyeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Brahmavidyambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
History of Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple
This temple’s campus covers an area of almost 12 acres. The rivers, Kaveri and Manikarnigai, flow near this holy shrine. Lord Shiva here is also praised as Thiruvenkaadar, Thiruvenkaattu Devar, Thiruvenkaadaiyar and Thiruvenkaattu Peruman.
There are stone inscriptions available here which relate to the period of Chola Kings Adhithiyan, Rajarajan, Rajendran, kulothungan, Vikrama Cholan and Rajathirajan. The name of this place in Sanskrit is “Swetharanyam” (“Sweth” means white and “Aranyam” means forest). Some stone inscriptions relate to Pandiya kings Kulasekara Pandiyan, Vikrama Pandiyan, Sundara Pandiyan and Parakirama Pandian. In Tamil, this can be translated as “Venmai” meaning “white” and “Kaadu” meaning forest.Hence this place is called “Thiru Venkaadu”. The lord here is known as “Sri Swetharanyeswarar”.
Architecture of Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple
Budha (Mercury) is believed to signify a person’s speaking skills. There are many shrines inside the temple. The temple has three presiding deities namely Swetharanya, Aghora and Nataraja who are believed to govern Budha. The temple has three water bodies namely Surya, Chandra and Agni. The shrine of Budha is located in the third precinct opposite to one of the temple tanks. The temple occupies an area of 2 acres (0.81 ha) with all its shrines and water bodies housed inside granite walls. The temple has two entrances on eastern and western directions and are adorned by seven-tiered gopurams.
Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple Festivals
- 13-day Brahmotsavam (Indra Vizha) in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar)
- 10-day Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (Jul-Aug)
- Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept)
- Navrathiri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct)
- Skantha Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct – Nov)
- Arudra Dharisanam in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan)
- “Laksharchanai” to Lord Agoramurthy in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr).
- Special poojas called “Agorapoojai” are performed during midnight on the third Sunday in the Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec) to Lord Agoramurthy, There is a festival in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June) to celebrate the incident of Iraavadham (Lord Indra’s white elephant) getting relief from his curse.
- In the Tamil month of Aadi (Jul-Aug), there is a festival to celebrate the legend of Saint Pattinathar receiving “Shiva Deeksha” from Lord Shiva.
Location: To view the location please click here
Landmark: Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple is located near Agni Theertham
Address: Thiruvengadu, Sirkali Taluk, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu
Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple Official Website: Not available
Temple Opening Hours
Morning Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening Hours: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
For more details please dial 0435 247 3737
Nearest Airport: Trichy International Airport – 160 km
Nearest Railway station: Sirkazhi – 14 km, and Mayiladurai – 25 km
Bus Route
Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple is 28 km from Mayiladurai towards Sirkazhi . Frequent bus facility available. It is located 28 km from Mayiladurai Bus Terminal.
Hotels to stay in Mayiladuthurai
1. Hotel Pams Residency
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2. Million Day
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3. Classic Residency
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4. Hotel Aadhi
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Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu
Ph: +91 99429 51505
Near By Temples: Vaitheeswaran Koil (Sevaai) Temple
Near By Places to Visit: Darasuram, Thirubuvanam, Patteeswaram
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