Agneeswarar Temple / Kanjanur Sukran Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple

At a distance of 3 Km from Suryanar Kovil and 18 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, the Agneeswarar Temple, commonly referred to as the Kanjanur Sukran Temple, is a Hindu shrine located in Kanjanur, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Sukran, the celestial deity of Venus. However, the main deity worshipped at this temple is Lord Shiva, manifested as Agneeswarar. In concordance with Saivite philosophy, which holds that Shiva is omnipresent, it is believed that Sukra resides within the idol of Shiva's stomach. This temple is one of the nine navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu and among the must-include places in Kumbakonam leisure tour packages.

History of Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple

The temple's history traces back to the Chola dynasty of medieval India. It is thought that the shrine was largely renovated during the Vijayanagar Period, and ever since, it is known by different names including Palaasavanam, Brahmapuri, Agnistalam and Neelakudi. Saint Poet Thirunavukarasar in the 6th Thirumurai has sung 10 verses in praise of the Lord. Praising the place as Kanjanur in each of these verses, he says that he was delighted to have had darshan of Karpagam at this place.

Mythology of Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple

The Agneeswarar Temple stands out as a significant Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu, each of which corresponds to a celestial entity in Hindu astrology. This temple is specifically associated with the planet Sukran (Venus), which is thought to reside in the stomach of Lord Shiva. According to tradition, Lord Shiva manifested as Sukra to alleviate the dosha of Sukran and bestowed his cosmic dance upon Parasara Muni at this site. Additionally, it is said that Lord Brahma observed the divine wedding of Lord Shiva at this revered location.

Architecture of Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple

The Kanjanur Sukran Temple exemplifies traditional Dravidian architecture, featuring a five-tiered gopuram and two prakarams (enclosures). The main deity, Lord Shiva, also referred to as Agneeswarar, is represented in the form of a Shiva lingam in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Lord Shiva himself is worshipped here as Sukran, which explains the lack of a distinct shrine dedicated to Sukran. A notable characteristic of the Agneeswarar Linga is its ability to absorb all the oil applied to it during the Abishekam ritual.

In addition to the prominent shrine for Goddess Parvati, the temple houses several other deities, including Maanakkanjaarar, Nayanmaar, and Kalikkaamar. The shrine is adorned with stone sculptures of Nataraja and Sivagami. This temple is a significant pilgrimage destination, attracting devotees and tourists year-round who come to pay their respects to Lord Sukran. Worshippers typically present white garments and white flowers, seeking blessings for prosperity, good fortune, and relief from the planetary challenges associated with Sukran.

Festivals of Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple

Friday is recognized as the day of Sukran, and worship on this day holds significant importance at the Kanjanoor Sukran Temple. The temple hosts grand celebrations for various festivals, including Maha Shivaratri in February/March, Arudra Darsanam in December/January, Navaratri in September/October, and Aadi Pooram in July/August. Additionally, the temple commemorates the transit of Lord Sukra (Venus) as it moves from one zodiac sign to another, an event that takes place every two and a half years.

Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple Timings

Monday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 50

Best Time to Visit Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple

The optimal time to visit Kanjanur Temple is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are more moderate. The temple is particularly vibrant and bustling during Shivaratri, which takes place in February or March. Additionally, Fridays, known as the day of Sukran, hold special significance for worship at the Kanjanoor Sukran Temple. It is advisable to avoid the hot summer months of April to June, as temperatures can reach up to 40°C, making outdoor activities quite uncomfortable. The monsoon season, from July to September, also brings heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

How to Reach Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple

Trichy Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station offers extensive train services to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services are available, linking Kumbakonam to all regions of Tamil Nadu. Kanjanur Sukran Temple, situated about 18 kilometers from Kumbakonam, is well-connected by public buses as well as private cabs from Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Aduthurai, and Anaikarai.