Swetharanyeswarar Temple

The structure of this East facing Swetharanyeswarar Temple, itself consists of two huge Gopuram towers on the western and eastern sides. The stone inscriptions on the walls of the temples depict important historical information on the Chola Dynasty and about several kings of Vijayanagar.

Thiruvenkadu Temple is surrounded by pancha prakarams. Here the Lord is consecrated in his forms as Aghoramurthi (manifestation of His wild and angry form) and Nataraja (a manifestation of Shiva, assumed as the Lord of Dance).The Nataraja image holds seven instruments and weapons, namely, Vetalam, Khadgam, Udukku, Mani, Kedayam, Kapalam and Trisulam.

There are three theerthams (holy tanks) called as Agni Theertham, Surya Theertham and Chandra Theertham which are said to have been created out of the three drops which fell from Lord Shiva’s eyes when he was dancing. The sthala vrikshams are also three in number – Vilvam, Vadaval and Konrai.

Swetharanyeswarar is the main God in this temple. It is said that Agora Murthi was one of the furious incarnation of Lord Shiva. There was an Evil named “Maruthuvasuran” in Thiruvengadu. He gained boons from Lord Brahma and used it wrongly to torture the Devas. The Devas prayed to Lord Shiva to rescue them from the demon. Then Shiva suggested the Devas to go to Thiruvengadu and reside there in camouflage. Thereafter, Lord Shiva sent his Vahana (or vehicle) – Nandi (bull) to fight the demon.

Nandi conquered the demon and threw it into the sea. After that, the demon acquired Sula from Shiva through severe penancae. After getting the Sula the demon returned with larger strength to attack the innocent crowd. Again, the Devas requested Shiva to save them, another time Nandi was sent by Shiva.

But, this time Nandi could not defeat the demon because the demon had Sula (given to him by Shiva). Thus, the demon injured Nandi badly with the Sula. The wounds on the back of Nandi can be seen on his idol. Enraged by the wound of Nandi, Lord Shiva opened his 3rd eye and killed the demon. The Agoramurthi form of Shiva which can be seen in the idol is the expression of his anger. It is also said that one who worships this form (Agoramurthy) of Lord Shiva can never have enemies.

As Lord Shiva took his incarnation ‘Agora murthi’ and killed the ‘Maruthuvasuran under a tree (which is now in Thiruvengadu temple, back to the entrance of Agora murthi). All the people thanked Lord Shiva for saving them.

Indiran, Airavatam, Budhan, Sun God Sooriyan and Moon God Chandiran are said to have worshipped God Shiva here.