Thiruvenkadu, near Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, is the Navagraha temple for Mercury, Budhan, set in the ancient Swetharanyeswarar Shiva temple by the Kaveri.
Your darshan is free. You come to pray to Mercury for a clear mind, learning, speech and success in study and business, and to ease a weak Mercury in your chart. It is one of the nine planet temples on the Kumbakonam circuit, and Wednesdays are its special day.
Mercury and the mind
In Indian astrology Mercury, Budhan, rules the mind, learning, speech and trade, so you come to Thiruvenkadu to pray for study, clear thinking and success in business. The temple is also a revered Shiva sthalam in its own right, with old shrines and sacred tanks. You can arrange an abhishekam or an archana to Mercury at the temple counter, in the green that Mercury takes. Agree any priest's fee first, because that is a personal service, not the free darshan.
Free darshan and timings
- Your darshan is free and open to all.
- The temple opens in a morning window and again in the late afternoon and evening, with a midday break, so plan around the closed hours.
- Wednesdays are Mercury's day, so they are busier, and festival days draw crowds.
[Confirm the exact timings and any special pooja on the HR&CE listing and locally. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
How to reach
Thiruvenkadu is near Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai in the Nagapattinam region of Tamil Nadu, on the Navagraha circuit. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli, and Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai have railway stations. You reach it by road from Kumbakonam or Mayiladuthurai. Pair it with the other eight planet temples on a one or two day loop.
What to carry
Carry a photo identity and modest dress for the shrine. Carry small cash for a pooja, lamps and the green offerings Mercury takes, even where counters accept digital payment. Carry water and a hat for a day of temple visits. Keep a note of each planet's temple if you do the full circuit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Your biggest mistake would be paying a private site for a "Budhan pooja booking," when your darshan is free and you arrange poojas at the temple counter. Next, do not ignore the midday closing. Do not rush this old Shiva temple, which is worth your time beyond the planet shrine. Do not miss the other eight planet temples nearby.
Questions people ask
Is Thiruvenkadu darshan free?
Yes, your darshan is free. You pay only for a pooja or lamps at the temple.
Which planet is this?
Mercury, Budhan, in the Swetharanyeswarar Shiva temple at Thiruvenkadu.
Why do people come?
To pray for a clear mind, learning, speech and success in study and business.
When is it busiest?
On Wednesdays, Mercury's day, and on festival days.
Is there an official booking site?
No. It is a Tamil Nadu government HR&CE temple with free darshan, so arrange any pooja at the counter.