Tiruvenkaadu Temple is located at Tiruvenkadu near Mayiladuturai, Poompuhaar. The deity worshipped here is Shiva. Legends: Indra, Airavatam, Budhan, Surya and Chandra worshipped Shiva here. A sage called Swetaketu was saved from the clutches of death by the grace of Shiva here. It is also believed that Shiva took the form of fierce Aghoramurthy to vanquish the demon Maruttuvan.

Temple: This is temple is known for its shrine to Aghoramurthy and to Mercury - Budhan - one of the nine Navagraha stalams. This temple is known as Aadi Chidambaram, Nataraja`s dance here is known as Hasti Natanam. There are several shrines here including that of Durga and Kali. Worship of Aghoramurthy - Shiva`s fiery form (Veerabhadrar) is said to be of significance on Sunday nights. The Aalamaram here is referred to as Akshayavadam (infinite one, indestructible banyan tree). Special worship is offered to Natarajar and the associated Spatikalingam. The Soma Theertham and the Surya Theertham created by the Sun and the moon are of great importance here. It is believed that the Somakundam and Suryakundam referred to in Silappatikaaram state the presence of these tanks. Vilvam and Konrai are stala vrikshams.

Inscriptions from the time of Aditya Chola I (870-907), Raja Raja I (10th - 11th cent) & his descendants state facts about the endowments made by the Chola rulers to this temple. Vikrama Cholan built the Vikramacholan Tirumandapam (1118-1135). The present temple structure and the beautiful bronze images were contributed by Chola emperor, Raja Raja Chola I. Some of these bronzes were recovered from the treasure unearthed here. The Ardhanareeswarar and Chandeswarar bronzes are now housed in the Chennai Museum. Natarajar, Somaskandar, Devi, Bhoga Sakthi are housed in the temple, while images of Subramanyar, Rishabhavahanadevar, Bhikshatanar, Kalyanasundarar Kannappar and others are housed in the Thanjavur Art Gallery.