Kanjanur Agneeswarar

Kanjanur Agneeswarar – Venus God

The Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple, also known as the Sukra Temple, is located in Kanjanur, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Agneeswarar, with a special significance to Sukran (Venus). The Holy Vedas believe that Sukran is located within the stomach of Lord Shiva. But unlike other Navagraha temples, Sukran does not have a separate shrine here. Instead, he is worshipped through the main deity, Agneeswarar or Lord Shiva. Sukran (Venus) is linked to prosperity and relationships so devotees come here seeking blessings for wealth, love, and marital harmony.

Historical Origins :The Kanjanur Agneeswarar Templewas built during the Medieval Cholas period and later renovated by the kings of the Vijayanagar Empire.The temple is counted as one of the temples built on the northern banks of River Kaveri.
Architectural Style: This temple highlights the beauty of Dravidian architecture with a 5-tier Rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams.
Main Deity: Lord Shivaas Agneeswarar,is the main deity accompanied by his wife Goddess Karpagambal, representing Sukran’s powers.
Spiritual Beliefs: Devotees believe that worshipping here is thought to bring prosperity, marital happiness, and relief from Venus-related issues.

Key Festival: Locals and Devotees usually visit Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple on Fridays which isbelieved to be special for worshipping on the day.
Prime Location and Nearby Attractions: It is located near Kumbakonam, making it accessible to other prominent temples in the Navagraha Rituallike the Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple and Alangudi Guru Temple.
Ritual Timing: The temple ritual is performed on a daily basis 6 times a day at 6:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 am, 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9:00 pm. Each ritual consists of 4 steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps).