History:

    There are several shrines of significance in this well visited temple , including those to Durga and Kali. The image of Natarajar here is of great beauty.Worship to Aghoramurthy - Shiva's fiery form (Veerabhadrar) is said to be of significance on Sunday nights. The Aalamaram here is referred to as Akshayavadam (infinite one, indestructible banyan tree). Special worship services are offered to Natarajar and the associated Spatikalingam, as in Chidambaram.

    The Soma Theertham and The Surya Theertham created by the Sun & the moon are of great significance here. It is believed that the Somakundam & Suryakundam referred to in Silappatikaaram refer to these tanks. Vilvam & Konrai are the other stala vrikshams here. Inscriptions from the time of Aditya Chola I (870-907), Raja Raja I (10th - 11th cent) & his descendants speaking of endowments made by the Chola rulers to this temple are found here.

     Vikrama Cholan built the Vikramacholan Tirumandapam (1118-1135). 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, Bhoga Sakthi are housed in the temple, while images of Subramanyar, Rishabhavahanadevar, Bhikshatanar, Kalyanasundarar Kannappar and others are housed in the Thanjavur Art Gallery.

About Mercury - The planet of Communication :

    Mercury or Hermes served as a messenger to the gods. He was responsible for the spreading of news and was known for his intelligence, wit and charm. As such Mercury shows us how we communicate with others, and how we think and rationalize. Mercury is associated with the signs Gemini and Virgo.

     His colour is light green; his vahana is the horse. Among Nine Planets ( Navagraha), Budan is the planetary ruler of Studies, Knowledge, Music, Astrology, Mathematics, Artistry, Medicine, mlti-lingual skills. Budan influences one’s relationship with maternal uncle (Thai maman) .

    According to Puranas, Budhan is the son of Chandran. Scholars say that if one prays to Lord Budhan, one will get what one wishes for.

    Wednesdays are very auspicious to Budan Bagavan, offering pooja to Budan Bagavan on Wednesdays is believed to rectify Budan Dhosham.

About Temple:

    Thiruvenkadu is located near Mayiladuthurai and is 10 km from Vaitheeswaran Koil and Seerkazhi railway stations. Pilgrims can alight at any of these stations to reach the temple.

    The temple is situated in a sprawling area of 2,45,520 sq. ft. surrounded by five prakarams known as pancha prakarams. Apart from the presiding deity, the Lord is consecrated in His forms as Aghoramurthi and Nataraja. The Nataraja image bears the seven instruments and weapons - Vetalam, Khadgam, Udukku, Mani, Kedayam, Kapalam and Trisulam. Devi in Her divine form of Bhadra Kali has a separate shrine. There are two shrines of Ashta Lakshmi, four in each. The Navagrahas are installed in a row, which is very unusual in any temple. Thiruvenkadu occupies the eleventh place in the list of 274 Siva temples, compiled by Umpathi Sivachariyar and is considered as sacred as Banaras. The theerthams - three in number - are called Agni theertham, Surya theertham and Chandra theertham. The sthala vrkshams are also three in number - Vilvam, Vadaval and Konrai.

    The stone inscriptions on the walls of the temples, which have been documented by the Archaeological Department, contain important historical information on the Chola dynasty as well as several kings of Vijayanagar.

Features:

     The notable feature of this temple, according to lore, is that Lord Budhan prayed to Lord Venkattunathar and got his blessings. The Budhan shrine is outside the Ambal temple. There are three theerthams, three murthys, three sakthis and three temple trees (sthala vrikshams) are the special features of the temple.

    The three tanks are Somakulam, Suryakulam and Agnikulam. The three theerthams are compared to the three eyes of Lord Siva.

Deities:

    The main deity in the temple is Lord Venkattunathar. The deity is also called Suvedharanyeswarar. The Amman's name is Brahmavidya Nayaki.

Offerings for worshipping the God:

    Budan Bagavan is attired in green, offering him with full green moong dhal, white kanthal flower and green cloth is believed to bring Sasthra Gnanam to devotees.

Special Poojas:

    The float festival that is conducted on the last day of 12-day celebrations in the month of Masi (mid-February and mid-March) is the most important festival in Thiruvenkadu.

The float festival is conducted in the Chandra theertham.

Mantra for Mercury:

Aum Mahalakshmaye vidmahe
Vishnu Priyaye dhi mahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat

Opening Hours:

6.00 A. M to 12.00 noon
4.00 P.M to 9.00 P.M.