Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple, located in Thiruvenkadu in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai district, is dedicated to the deity Shiva, worshipped as Swetharanyeswarar. The temple is also associated with the deity's consort, Parvati, known here as Brahmavidyambigai. The 7th-century Tamil Saiva work, Tevaram, praises this shrine, classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Recognized as one of the nine Navagraha Stalas for planetary worship, it is especially significant to Saivism, highlighting the influence of Budha.
Spanning two acres, Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple features a grand seven-tiered gopuram that serves as its main entrance. Within its vast complex are multiple shrines, with Swetharanyeswarar, Aghora, and Nataraja standing out as key focal points. Enclosed within large granite walls, the temple has three sacred tanks, providing a peaceful space for worship and rituals. Daily worship occurs six times, while major festivals like Chitra Pournami and Aani Thirumanjanam attract many devotees annually.
Historically, the temple's foundation is credited to the Cholas, with its present structure attributed to the Vijayanagar rulers in the 16th century. Maintenance is now managed by Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Legends surrounding the temple recount that Swetharanyeswarar appeared as Aghoramurthi to protect the people, killing the demon Maruthuvasuran. The site is considered sacred, with Indra, Airavata, Budha, Surya, and Chandra all said to have worshipped here.
Numerous inscriptions within the temple indicate contributions from Chola kings like Aditya and Rajaraja, as well as from the Pandyas and Vijayanagara rulers. Revered as Adi Chidambaram, it is believed to be where Shiva first performed his cosmic dance. The temple is notable for its unique icons, such as the fierce Aghoramurthi and the graceful Nataraja, while the goddess Pillai Idikki Amman is depicted holding a child, representing Parvati with Sambandar.