Kanjanur Sri Agniswarar (Sukran Navagrahastalam) Temple (Venus) - Kanjanur

Address

Sri Agneeswarar Shukran Temple (Venus) Aduthurai-Kuthalam Road, Kanjanur, Tamil Nadu 609804

Diety

Agneeswarar, Amman: Karpagambigai

Introduction

The Agniswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in the village of Kanjanur, 18 kilometres north-east of Kumbakonam. The presiding deity is Sukra (Venus). However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Agniswarar” or Shiva. In concordance with the Saivite belief that Shiva is all-pervading, Sukra is believed to be located within the stomach of the idol of Shiva. The temple was built by the Medieval Cholas and renovated by the kings of the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams (closed precincts of a temple). The temple is revered by the verses of Appar and hence referred as Padal petra stalam. It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar. Theertham: Agni Theertham, Parasara Theertham

Puranic Significance

Haradatta Sivacharyar of Vaishnava origins – originally known as Sudarshanar is said to have undergone ordeals to prove the tenacity of his devotion for Shiva to fellow Vaishnavites. Images of Agneeswarar and Karpagambal are also seen in the Varadarajar Temple at Kanjanur. Several legends pertaining to events in the life of Haradatta Sivacharyar pertain to this shrine. This temple with a two prakarams has a five tiered Rajagopuram at its entrance. Haradatta Sivacharyar is said to have composed many works in sanskrit here. Images depicting legends related to Haradatta Sivacharyar are seen in this temple. There are also shrines to Maanakkanjaarar Nayanmaar and Kalikkaamar here.Stone images of Natarajar and Sivakami are seen in this temple in the Nataraja Sabha referred to as the Mukti Mandapam. The Shivatandavam here is referred to as Mukti Tandavam. Legend has it that Shiva blessed Paraasara muni with a vision of the cosmic dance – Mukti tandavam here.

Special Features

The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state – it houses the image of Sukra (Venus). Legend is that Siva blessed Parasara muni (sage) here with cosmic dance. It is believed that Shiva appeared in the form of Sukra to propitiate himself off the dosha of Sukran.

Festivals

Six worship services are offered each day here. A festival commemorating Haradatta Sivacharyar is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai each year. Mahasivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Navaratri and Aadi Pooram are celebrated here.