The Agniswarar Temple is the Navagraha Temple located at Kanjanur Tamil Nadu, associated with Lord Sukran (Planet Venus), the sixth of Navagraha planets. In this temple, Lord Agniswarar appears to be Shukra in the form of a Lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva’s infinite nature. The Agniswarar Temple is basically a Hindu temple in the village of Kanjanur, 18 kilometres north-east of Kumbakonam. A special feature of the Linga of Agneeeswarar is that it absorbs all the oil poured on it during the process of Abishekam.

Story Behind Agniswarar Temple

It is said that Lord Siva performed a cosmic dance here to bless the sage Parasara Muni. It is widely acknowledged that Shiva assumed the identity of Sukra in order to appease his dosha of Sukran. This is one of the temples constructed along the River Kaveri’s northern banks.

History of Agniswarar Temple

The medieval Chola temple was renovated and rebuilt by the Vijayanagar Empire kings. The temple is surrounded by a rajagopuram with five levels and two prakarams, or closed temple precincts. The temple is referred to as Padal Petra stalam in the Appar verses because of its high regard.

According to legend, Siva performed a cosmic dance here to bless the sage Parasara muni. Sukra is thought to have been the manifestation of Shiva to appease the Sukran dosha.

Architecture of Agniswarar Temple

The temple is located in Kanjanur, a village on the Kumbakonam-Aduthurai road that is 57 kilometres from Thanjavur and 18 kilometres to the northeast of Kumbakonam. The kings of the Vijayanagar Empire restored and rebuilt the ancient Chola temple. The temple’s closed precincts are bounded by two prakarams and a five-tiered rajagopuram. The temple is referred to as Padal Petra stalam in the Appar verses because of its high regard. One of the locations where Nayanar Appar, a Tamil Saivite, sings the Vaippu Sthalams.

Facts about Agniswarar Temple

• The Agniswarar Temple houses the image of Sukra (Venus), is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu and is part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state.
• Lord Shiva of Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple is a Swayambhu murti (self-manifested).
• One unique characteristic of the Agneeswarar Linga at the Kanjanoor Agneeswarar Temple is that it takes in all the oil that is applied to it during the Abhishekam ritual.
• Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple, one of the nine well-known Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Shukra, is referred to as the Parihara Sthalam for “Shukra Dosha”.
• Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the presiding deities of Kanjanoor Agneeswarar Temple, represent Planet Venus or Shukra.
• According to legends Lord Shiva blessed Parasara muni (sage) here with cosmic dance.
• Lord Brahma is said to have been blessed with a heavenly vision of Lord Shiva’s marriage with Goddess Parvati here.
• According to legend, Agni worshipped Lord Shiva in this shrine, giving rise to the name Agneeswarar.
• Lord Shukra’s most auspicious days are considered to be Fridays. Therefore, worshipping Lord Shukra on Friday is highly valued.

Famous Festivals In Agniswarar Temple

• Mahasivaratri: Lord Shiva or Shankara is honoured during the festival of Mahashivratri. Every three hours throughout the day, priests use cow’s milk, curd, honey, cow ghee, and water to clean the Shivalinga. Girls fast so that they can marry a good and understanding man, and women pray for the well-being of their husbands and children.
• Aadi Pooram: Aadi Pooram, likewise called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’ is a superb celebration of Tamilians. Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, is the focus of this celebration. In the state of Tamil Nadu, every Lord Vishnu temple celebrates Aadi Pooram for ten days. The final day, or “Aadi Pooram,” is a grand marriage ceremony between Sri Ranganathaswamy and Goddess Andal.
• Darshan of Arudara: Arudara Darshan takes place between December and January in Tamil. Because it is primarily a Shaivite festival, it honours Lord Shiva’s Nataraja form of the cosmic dance. Girls keep fast for a happy marriage, while women keep fast for their husband’s health. Additionally, devotees decorate the temple with flowers and diyas during early morning Ardra darshan.
• Navaratri: Nine days of festivities are held to celebrate Navratri. One of the nine incarnations of the Goddess Shakti is worshipped each day. Chaitra Navratri happens after Holi and during Chaitra Shukla Paksha. This beginnings right from the start and finishes on the 10th day which is likewise Slam Navmi.

How To reach Agniswarar Temple

The temple is located in Kanjanur, a village 18 km (11 mi) northeast of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Aduthurai road and 57 km (35 mi) from Thanjavur.

By Air: The nearest airport to Agniswarar Temple is Thanjavur Airport, which is 46 Km away from the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Agniswarar Temple is Mayiladuthurai railway station which is 18 Km away.

By Road: From Mayavaram, Aduthurai, Thiruvidaimarudhur, and Kumbakonam, there are local bus services that go directly to the Agniswarar Temple.

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