This Shiva temple is one of the 6 most sacred places on the banks of river Cauvery which is considered equivalent to the temple at Varanasi. The other 5 are Tiruvaiyaru, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.
The ancient Shiva temple at Tiruvenkaadu stands as a true marvel of Tamil Nadu's rich religious heritage, a place of profound reverence and historical significance. This massive temple complex sprawls across an impressive 12 acres of land, surrounded by broad roads on all four sides to accommodate the temple's grand chariot processions. The temple's intricate design features four concentric prakarams, or enclosures, that run parallel to the outer roads, creating a sense of sacred, layered space that draws devotees ever deeper into the temple's sanctum. The east and west sides of the temple are dominated by two majestic, towering gopurams - the ornate, pyramidal gateways that serve as iconic landmarks, visible for miles around. Additional gopurams also connect the outer and inner prakarams, forming vital passages that worshippers traverse as they make their way towards the temple's central shrine. According to legend, the deities Indiran, Airavatam, Budhan, the Sun God Sooriyan, and the Moon God Chandiran are all said to have worshipped the Swetharanyeswarar at this hallowed site.
Stone inscriptions found within the temple complex reveal that the early Chola kings, including Aditya Chola and the illustrious Rajaraja Chola, made substantial contributions and endowments to this temple over the centuries. The present structure of the temple as well as the beautiful bronze images in this temple are a contribution of the Great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I. Some of these bronzes were recovered in treasure troves unearthed here. The Ardhanareeswarar and Chandeswarar bronzes are now housed in the Chennai Museum. Natarajar, Somaskandar, Devi are housed in the temple, while images of Subramanyar, Rishabhavahanadevar, Bhikshatanar, Kalyanasundarar, Kannappar and others are housed in the Thanjavur Art Gallery.
The temple at Tiruvenkaadu is believed to predate even the famous Chidambaram Temple, making it one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in all of Tamil Nadu. The central deity Swetharanyeswarar is a 'swayambhoo linga' and there are Nataraja Sabha, Spatika Lingam, and 'rahasyam' as in chidamaram temple. The ritual of 'abishekam' is done 4 times a day for the spatika lingam and 6 times a day for Nataraja. Goddess Durga and Kali in this temple are renowned for its eye-catching beauty and are of great importance. But perhaps the most breathtaking is the magnificent bronze statue of Natarajar, the cosmic Lord of Dance, whose fluid, graceful movements are captured in stunning detail. Interestingly, the temple also contains a sannidhi dedicated to Mahavishnu, mirroring the dual Shiva-Vishnu worship found at the famous Chidambaram temple.
Akora Murthy - The temple at Tiruvenkaadu is home to the manifestation of Shiva known as Akoramurthy. This fearsome form emerged during a momentous battle between the devas, or celestial beings, and a demon named Maruthuvan. Strengthened by boons granted from Brahma, Maruthuvan had been terrorizing and harassing the devas, who ultimately sought refuge at Tiruvenkaadu. But the relentless Maruthuvan pursued them there, leading to a confrontation with the mighty Rishabadevar. In the fierce clash that ensued, the demon unleashed a potent trident that pierced the sacred Nandi, the divine bull that serves as Shiva's mount. This act of desecration enraged God Shiva, who then manifested the Akoramurthy form from his 'eeshanya' or north-eastern face. Akoramurthy, also known as the Veerabhadrar, is one of Shiva's 64 distinct manifestations, seen only at this temple at Tiruvenkaadu. When the demon Maruthuvan laid eyes upon Akoramurthy, he was immediately overcome with terror and surrendered. This dramatic event is said to have taken place on the sacred day of 'poora' star, a Sunday. To this day, the temple at Tiruvenkaadu draws throngs of devoted worshippers who come to partake in the lively Sunday night rituals honoring Akoramurthy. We can see the nine holes on the Nandi in front of the deity's sannidhi.
Tiruvenkaadu is known for its triple tri-glories. There are three 'murthy' - Swetharanyeswarar, Natarajar, Akoramurthy.
There are three 'Shakthi' - Brahma Vidhya Nayaki, Kaali Devi, Durgai.
There are three 'theertham' - Surya theertham, Chandra theertham, Agni theertham.
There are three 'Sthala vruksham' - Vadaval, Vilvam, Kondrai.
Beneath the sprawling canopy of an ancient Banyan tree, near the sacred waters of 'chandra theertham', lies 'Rudhra Paadham' - a revered spot where the very footprints of Shiva are believed to have been etched into the earth. People come to pay their respects to their departed ancestors, for it is widely held that performing rituals and ceremonies here can yield positive results.
Adi Chidambaram - Tiruvenkaadu is revered as the "Adi Chidambaram" due to its remarkable parallels with the renowned Chidambaram temple. Nataraja Sabha is housed within a copper chamber, mirroring the iconic Chidambaram temple's own architectural wonder. The daily rituals performed here to 'spatika' lingam are identical to those observed in Chidambaram. Moreover, the "rahasya" or esoteric mystique associated with Chidambaram finds its echo in Tiruvenkaadu. But the true jewel in Tiruvenkaadu's crown is the awe-inspiring spectacle of the nine cosmic dances performed by Lord Shiva himself - the Anandha thandavam, Kali thandavam, Gowri thandavam, Muni thandavam, sandhya thandavam, tripura thandavam, samhara thandavam, and Baishaadanam.
Navagraha Sthalam - Tiruvenkaadu is one of the 9 temples dedicated to the 9 planetory deities. It is recognised as a 'Navagraha Sthalam' for Budhan (Mercury). Situated to the left of the Brahma Vidhya Nayaki sannidhi, is a dedicated sannidhi specifically for the planetory deity 'Budhan'. According to Vedic astrology, Budhan (or Mercury) and Chandra (the Moon) are believed to have a familial relationship, with Budhan considered the son of Chandra. Directly across from the son's (Budhan) lies the father's (Chandra) sannidhi and the Chandra Pushkarani theertham. Budhan is linked to matters of the nervous system and neurological health, as well as education, communication skills, and excellence in one's profession. Budhan is even regarded as the lord of music, making this temple an auspicious place for musicians and artists from the film industry to visit in hopes of furthering their creative pursuits and careers.
Tirugyanasambandhar, in his Pathikam, offers profound insights into the spiritual practices that can help those who have not been blessed with children. A specific ritual involving bathing in three sacred water bodies and worshipping the deity Swetharanyeswarar can bestow the gift of healthy and vibrant offspring.
It is also the birth place Tiruvenkattu Nangai, spouse of Siru-Thonda Nayanar, one of the 63 celebrated saivaite saints.
East Gopuram
View from East Gopuram
Nandi, Kodimaram, Balipeetam
Inside View
Agni Theertham
Chandra Theertham
Surya Theertham
Way to Main Sannidhi
Entrance to Nataraja Sabha
West Gopuram
Nandi, Kodimaram, Balipeetam in front of Ambal Sannidhi
View of the Prakaram