Kanjanur Sukran Temple

Located in the village of Kanjanur, 18 kms from the city of Kumbakonam, Kanjanur Sukran Temple (also known as Agneeswarar Temple) is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Sukra (celestial deity- Venus). However, the presiding deity of the shrine is Lord Shiva in the form of Agniswarar. The temple has been established with the common belief that Lord Shiva is all- pervading and that Venus (Sukra deity) is located within the stomach of Lord Shiva. Built during the times of medieval Cholas, the temple boasts of striking architectural finesse with a five tiered gopuram and two precincts. The construction of the shrine is believed to have been completed during the Vijayanagar Period and ever since, it is known by different names including Palaasavanam, Brahmapuri, Agnistalam and Neelakudi.

Besides Lord Shiva enshrining the temple, there is also housed a spacious shrine for Goddess Parvathy in addition to several deities- Maanakkanjaarar, Nayanmaar and Kalikkaamar. The village of Kanjanur is popular for being one of the nine Navagraha sthalas in the Cauvery Delhi region dedicated to Venus and called Sukra. Unlike the other temples of its kind, Kajanur Sukran depicts a Shiva Linga to depict the Agniswarar. The shrine also boasts of stone images of Nataraja and Sivakami. The temple is a revered pilgrimage site and is thronged by devotees and tourists all through the year.