Bhudhan is the lord of all knowledge and learning about science and arts. He is the son of Chandran and Thara. Sukumaravanam was a forest under the curse of Umadevi, that whoever set foot into those woods would turn into a female. Not knowing this, the prince by name Ilan rushed into it during hunt and was transformed into a beautiful maid. Bhudhan was enchanted with her and had a son born who he named Prura and made emperor of Pistapuri.
Bhudhan is in a greenish tinge. His seat is in the form of an arrow. He rides a horse and has a lion as emblem. His chariot is powered by four horses. He likes the white Kanthal flower. Budha has a similarity of appearance with Lord Vishnu. He is an auspicious planet. He is the one of whom the fifth chapter of the Rig Veda is addressed. On his right hand, he holds a posture of refuge. The other hands have weapons of war. He is also known as Buddhidaha, Thanapradhan, Manoharan and Sowmiyamurthi.
The Temple of Thiruvenkadu
Temple is also known as Sweythavanam. Entrance into the temple is through the eastern tower. The tower has five tiers. There is a school at the entrance called ‘Meikandar Padasalai’. On the shores of the pond are the shrines for Vinayakar, Meikandar. Chandra Theertham and Surya Theertham are also within the temple. There is a hall of Subramanya, a shrine of Muruga and another one for Divine mother.
The shrine of Thiruvenkadu is known for Bhudhan. The sanctum of Bhudhan is under Banyan tree. Divine mother initiated Lord Brahma under this tree into the secrets of all arts. Here the divine mother herself has came to be called Bramhavidhyambikai. The mother is worshipped by the childless for the issue of progeny. Sukravara Amman is also worshipped in this temple.
To the east Chandra Theertham is a magnificent Banyan tree with many roots and trunks where Vinayagar and two foot prints, termed as Rudrapudan are worshipped. The Lingam which Chandran worshipped is to be found under this tree. The flag pole of the temple, etched figurines of Lord Siva’s wedding, the statue of Somaskandar, the sixty three saints, all inspire devotion in the heart of visitors to this temple. The statue of Agoramurthy is of such magnificence that one cannot visualize it from mere words. Agoramurthy has eight hands, two of which clench a trident; his head is bent to a slight degree and he seems to step forward.
The story associated with Agoramurthy is this Lord Siva, pleased with the penance of Maruthuvan, the son of Salandramurthy, once gifted him with a trident. Marythuvar became proud, started on a course which humiliated the Devas and sought to destroy all those who he saw as rivals. Upon which event, Lord Siva grew angry and sent Nandhi to defeat him. Marthuvan threw the trident at the Holy Nandhi; it pierced at nine spots. Lord Siva became more furious and manifested as Agoramurthy to destroy Maruthuvan. It was the next day after Masi Magam, every year on that day, the special puja is offered to Agoramurthy at 10.p.m. The holes that were pierced in Nandhi are to be seen in the beautiful form in this temple.
There is the Nataraja Sabha in this temple which is similar to the one originally found at Chidambaram. Next to the Bhairavas is Kasi Thundira Ganapathy. Mother Durga is in a magnificent sanctum facing West and is quick to grant the wishes of her devotees.
The temple of Thiruvenkadu is a magnificent one in a village which is rather tiny. Those desirous to have a child should take bath in all the three tanks for the fulfillment of their longing. Thirugnansambandar has sung a hymn to this effect: “He who takes bath in the waters of all three tanks of Thiruvenkadu shall bear children and their wishes shall bear fruit. There need be no doubts on this. He who has been washed by the waters of my lord of Thiruvenkadu whose inseparable half is mother Uma is saved from all harmful sins.”