#thiruvengadu #thiruverkadu #2026 #திருவிழா

Thiruvenkadu is a prominent village in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India, located 12 kilometers from Sirkazhi. It is globally renowned for the ancient Swetharanyeswarar Temple, which is the primary Budhan Sthalam (Mercury temple) in the Navagraha temple circuit and is considered one of the six places equivalent in sanctity to Kasi.Key Highlights of ThiruvenkaduThe Deity: The main Lord Shiva is worshipped as Swetharanyeswarar (Lord of the White Forest) and his consort is Brahma Vidya Nayaki.Navagraha Importance: Devotees visit to perform Budhan Shanthi (Mercury poojas) to remove the negative astrological effects of the planet Mercury.Architecture & Legends: Also known as Adhi Chidambaram, the temple features a unique Agora Moorthy (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) shrine built to defeat the demon Maruthuvasuran.Sacred Tanks: The temple has three holy theerthams (ponds): Agni, Surya, and Chandra. Bathing in these waters and the nearby sea at Poompuhar is believed to absolve sins.Practical InformationGetting There: The nearest major railheads are Vaitheeswaran Koil (about 12 km away) and Sirkazhi. Regular local buses and cabs are available from both towns.Best Time to Visit: Wednesdays are highly auspicious for Budhan Poojas.Nearby Attractions: It is often visited alongside the Poompuhar beach (approx. 10 km) and the Vaitheeswaran Koil (approx. 15 km away).