SHRI AGNEESWARAR TEMPLE, KANJANOOR

Kanjanoor temple is one of the Navagraha kshetras dedicated to Sukran ( Venus). It is 20 kms from Kumbakonam, 26 kms from Mayiladurai, 3 kms from Suryanar kovil and 3 kms from Aduthurai where Agneeswarar is the presiding deity and his consort is Karpagambal. In this temple Sthala vriksham (Holy tree) is Purasu. The holy water is Agnitheertham.

It is believed that Agni (Fire) have worshipped Lord Shiva in this holy place and hence the name Agneeswarar. In this temple, the Brahma Lingam enshrined and it is said to have been worshipped by Brahma himself. Centuries ago, at the banks of Ganges, sage Senagar and other sages started a yagna called Chatra yagam and at the end of the yagna, a sage called Soodhama arrived. The sages at the Ganges welcomed him to the place. It said that Ganges is the river that can wash away all types of sins that no other river can do. Hearing this Soodhama said that there is a river in the south more divine than Ganges. It added that a temple along the bank of that river that can remove one’s sins and offer a very happy and contended life to those who visit the place. Soodhama then narrated the story of a sage named Parasur munivar who was having an illicit relationship with a boat woman and he became mentally imbalanced. He forgot all his wisdom.

At that time a voice from heaven asked him to pray to Shiva at Palasavanam which is situated in northern bank of the river Cauvery. He obeyed that order and he started a penance towards Lord Shiva. After his prayers, Shiva along with his consort Parvathi appeared before him. Through their blessings, they cured him of his mental illness. Parasura munivar was overjoyed. He requested Shiva to reside in that place so that his devotees can be benefitted. The place later came to be called as Thiru Kanjanur. Hearing this, sages Senagar and other sages reached Thiru Kanjanoor and they finished their holy bath at river Cauvery. They proceeded towards the Agnipureeswar temple. Suddenly they saw the sunrise in a golden hue. They saw Lord Shiva as Agneeswar along with Karpagambal and gave darshan to them. It is believed that one yagna here is equivalent to performing 1000 Chatra yagam’. It is also believed that bathing here in the Cauvery is equivalent to have bathed in the Ganges for 12 years.The temple has three praharams with the majestic rajagopuram which faces south. Outside the rajagopuram is the shrine for karpaga vinayaga. Just opposite in the lane is the Haradattar temple. In this temple we can see Haradattar praying at the feet of Dakshinamurthy. Agneeswara swamy is worshipped here as Sukran, which is unfavorably placed in one’s horoscope, they may suffer from various ailments such skin disease, eye ailments, impotency gastric problems and unhappy marital life. On the other hand, he blesses for prosperity, wealth including house, vehicle etc and a beautiful wife. Pilgrims who Offers white lotus flowers, white garments , and fasting on Fridays said to please Sukran and worshipping Rajarajeshwari and Gajalakshmi, wearing of diamonds and recital of Devi Mahatimiyam are equally effective way of pleasing Sukran.