About Agneeswarar Temple, Kanjanur
Agneeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanjanur village near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, revered as the Sukra (Venus) sthalam. Built in Dravidian style with Chola-era origins, the temple features a five-tier gopuram, stone mandapas and shrines to Agneeswarar and Karpagambigai, attracting pilgrims and visitors interested in architecture and religious tradition.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a traditional Dravidian temple complex with a five-tier eastern gopuram, pillared mandapas, stone sculptures and shrines dedicated to Agneeswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Karpagambigai. The temple courtyard houses the Sukra (Venus) shrine, Nandi mandapa and subsidiary shrines. The setting is a quiet village environment near Kumbakonam. Visitors can observe daily pujas, view architecture and inscriptions, and explore the temple precincts on foot.
Key highlights
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One of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, representing Sukra (Venus)
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Dravidian architecture with five-tier rajagopuram and pillared mandapas
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Main deity Agneeswarar (Shiva) with consort Karpagambigai
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Medieval Chola origins with later Vijayanagara contributions and stone inscriptions
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Sacred temple tank and Sukra shrine revered by pilgrims
History of Agneeswarar Temple, Kanjanur
The temple is attributed to the Medieval Chola period with later expansions under the Vijayanagara rulers. Stone inscriptions and Dravidian architectural elements reflect its historical development. It is traditionally associated with the legend of Sukra (Venus) worshipping Shiva here to regain his lost eye.
Culture & Context
Revered as the Sukra Sthalam among the Navagraha temples around Kumbakonam, the temple is an important Shaivite pilgrimage centre. Devotees visit to offer prayers to Sukra for prosperity and well-being. The temple follows Shaiva Agama rituals and hosts festivals such as Maha Shivaratri.
Route
| By air |
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