Vaaram Oru Alayam Episode #20 (Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar Alayam,Thiruvenkadu)
Nataraj Prakash
Navagraha Sthalam – Graha : Mercury (Budhan)
Audio Duration : 9m 26 sec (Download audio link below)
AudioLink:
This week's Podcast is about "Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar Alayam,Thiruvenkadu The sthalam of Budan is Thiruvengadu, which is located 15kms from Sirgazhi enroute to Poompuhar. The name Thiruvenkadu, as also its Sanskritic equivalent Swetaranya, literally means 'sacred white forest'. The place is differently known as Jnana-aranya, (forest of wisdom), Patala Kailas, Adi Chidambaram etc. The temple enshrines Lord Shiva - Swetaranyeswara - Thiru-ven-kaatu-eswara - and His consort Brahma Vidyanayaki.
Presiding Deity
: Swetharanyeswarar
Goddess :
Brahma Vidyambigai
Planet : Mercury
Vehicle : Horse
Gem : Maragadam
Flower : white kanthal flower
It is said that the Lord performed seven of His dances - Tandavam - known as Ananda, Sandhya, Samhara, Tripuranta, Urdhva, Bhujanga and Lalita.
Those who visit Thiruvengadu will find relief from puthira dosham, poor studies, mental instability, nervous disorders. Knowledge, music, astrology, maths, sculpting, medicine, language skills are the beneficial aspects of Budan. The planetary diety Budha is propitiated increasing health and intelligence.
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.
The shrine is associated with prominent devotees like Meikandar, Pattinathaar and Swetaketu. In fact, Pattinathaar had the childhood name of Thiruvenkadar.Pattinathuadigal Thiruvengadar, the son of Sivanesan and Gnanambigai, with the blessings of a Siva Muni received Siva Ditchai and a Siva Linga and came to be called Pattinathu Adigal.
Temple is open from 6 A.M. to 12.00 P.M. and 4 P.M. to 9 P.M.
To hear more about this temple including sthalapurana . Click on Podcast link below:
ThanxNataraj Prakash
For previous episodes :
Episode #19 :Arulmigu Vaidhyanathar Alayam,Vaideeswaran kovil
Episode #18 :Arulmigu Kailasanathar Alayam,Thingaloor