Temple Dedicated to Lord Sukra
Dedicated to the Hindu god, Lord Sukra, the Kanjanur Sukran Temple (also called Agneeswarar Temple) can be found in the little town of Kanjanur, some 18 kilometres from Kumbakonam. Lord Shiva, in his incarnation as Agniswarar, is, nonetheless, the primary focus of worship there.
Suggested Duration - 1 to 2 hours
The temple, which dates back to the Chola dynasty of mediaeval India, features an impressive five-tiered gopuram and two separate enclosures. So, you can spend some time exploring the intricate architecture here.
Located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Kanjanur Sukran Temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples dedicated to the planet Venus (Shukra). Set amidst a peaceful village landscape, the temple is famed for its Dravidian architecture, astrological significance, and divine connection with Lord Shiva in the form of Agneeswarar. As a result, it draws devotees seeking blessings for love, wealth and harmony. So, whether you're spiritually inclined or fascinated by temple architecture, Kanjanur offers a calm and soul-soothing experience.
Famous For | Navagraha shrine of Venus, Lord Agneeswarar, divine remedies for love, beauty, and prosperity |
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Timings | 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Daily) |
Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Entry Fee | No Kanjanur Sukran Temple ticket price applicable |
Time Required | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Nearby Attractions | Someswarar Temple, Brahma Temple, Tiruchirappalli, Kumbakonam, Nagarhole, Coimbatore, and Vellore |
The temple’s presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar, and the Navagraha aspect worshipped here is Shukra (Venus). Uniquely, the Shukra deity is not in a separate shrine but believed to reside within the main lingam. Consequently, this makes Kanjanur distinct among the Navagraha temples.
Devotees pray here for marriage harmony, financial stability, artistic talents, and relief from Venus-related doshas (astrological afflictions). Lastly, Fridays are considered especially auspicious for Sukran worship.
Kanjanur’s spiritual roots trace back to the Chola period, with inscriptions pointing to royal patronage. Moreover, the temple is believed to have been sanctified by Sage Parasara and features inscriptions from the reigns of Kulothunga Chola I and other South Indian kings. Lastly, the temple’s legends speak of Venus worshipping Lord Shiva here, making it an important astrological and spiritual site in the Navagraha circuit.
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