Thiruvenkadu Temple – Mercury (Budha)
The main deity is Lord Shiva in the form Swetharanyeswarar (“Lord of the White Forest”). His consort is called Brahma Vidya Ambal.
Architecture of the Temple
Style: Dravidian architecture. The temple has granite walls enclosing the complex, with beautiful stone carvings and multiple shrines.
Features:
Water bodies: as mentioned (three theerthams).
A five‑tiered Raja Gopuram (main entrance tower).
Multiple entrances (east and west) within the complex.
Several mandapams, pillared halls. Inscriptions from Chola period. Beautiful bronze images and sculptures.
Shrines: main Shiva shrine with Swetharanyeswarar, separate shrine for Budha (Mercury), also Aghora Murthi and Nataraja, among others.
How to Reach to Temple
By Road: Thiruvenkadu is connected by road. It lies about 13‑15 km from Sirkazhi, about 24‑25 km from Mayiladuthurai.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Sirkazhi. Also, Kumbakonam is a major railhead not too far away.
By Air: Nearest major airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) (~150 km), also accessible from Chennai or Pondicherry but farther.
Temple Timings
