Kanjanur Sukran Temple (Venus) - Tamilnadu
-
Who is Shukra?
Shukra or planet Venus is a very beneficial planet in astrology as it bestows materialistic comforts and luxuries. It signifies love, beauty, and comfort. As one of the 9 Navagrahas, it plays a major role in human destiny. After Guru (Jupiter), Sukra is the most beneficial planet.
For those who suffer from Venus afflictions in their horoscope, Kanjanur Sukran temple is a must-visit as it is a Navagraha Sthala for Venus/Sukran, where they can perform Shukra Shanti Poojas for avoiding Venus’ adverse effects in their lives.
If Venus is favorable in your natal chart, you will have an attractive personality. It will also bring you wealth and prosperity. You are likely to be brilliant and have a blissful marriage. Depending on its position, Sukra brings different results.
Strong Venus: When Venus is strong and conjoined with other planets, you may have good relations with the opposite sex. Your conjugal life will be blissful, and life will be filled with comforts. You may have an early marriage. You will have harmonious relationships. You will also have a beautiful spouse, own houses and vehicles, etc. You may have fame and prosperity. You will also be an influential person.
Afflicted Venus: You may have delayed marriage, and there may be problems and obstacles in your married life. You will find it difficult to conceive children. Your relationships will lack harmony. Being the karaka for marriage, this aspect of life will be greatly affected. You are also likely to have eye problems, indigestion, impotence, skin diseases, and loss of appetite.
Kanjanur Sukran Temple
The temple is one of great antiquity. The presiding deity is self-manifested. It was built during the time of the medieval Cholas. Many renovations have been done over the centuries. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here. Lord Sukran is believed to reside in the stomach of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva blessed the revered sage, Parasara Muni, here with His cosmic dance. This place is also called Palasa Vanam or Agni Sthalam. Hence, the deity has the name Agneeswarar. Supposedly, Lord Brahma witnessed the wedding of Shiva and Goddess Parvati here.
Sukran represents prosperity and happiness. Devotees visit the temple to worship Sukran. Offerings include white clothes, white flowers, mochai kottai (common bean), and aththi (figs). Friday is Sukra’s special day.
Lord Agni supposedly worshipped Shiva here, so Shiva got the name, Agneeshwarar. One can see many Shiva Lingams in the temple, of which one is said to have been installed by Kamsa, the uncle of Lord Krishna.
Even the Devas (gods) and Lord Brahma got relief from their curses after worshipping Lord Agneeswarar. The Lord’s consort is in the form of Goddess Karpagambal.Legends of Sukra
According to Hindu Mythology, planet Venus represents Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu.
Sukra, also called Sukracharya, was also the preceptor or Guru of the Asuras (demons). Long ago, the powerful king, Mahabali, an Asura, ruled the Earth and the Heavens. The gods led by Lord Indra appealed to Lord Vishnu to eliminate Mahabali. So, Vishnu went to him as the dwarf, Vamana, and asked him for three feet of land. Sukracharya saw through this ruse and advised the king to deny his request. But the unsuspecting Bali granted the request. So Sukra took the form of a bee and blocked the mouth of the jar or kamandalam from which Bali would pour water to signify the grant of the boon. Vishnu took a blade of grass and used it to clear the blockage in the kamandalam. It pierced Sukra in one eye, and he lost his vision in that eye. Then Vamana took Vishwaroopam and covered the entire universe in two steps. He placed his third step on Mahabali’s head and sent him to Patala. The angry Sukra cursed Vishnu. After doing severe penance to Shiva here, Vishnu was freed of the curse.
There is another legend about how Sukra ended up in Shiva’s stomach. Shiva had taught Sukra the Amirtha Sanjeevini Mantra, which can revive the dead. Sukracharya used the Mantra to revive the dead asuras after a battle with the Devas. The gods complained about this to Shiva, who became angry and swallowed Sukracharya. The latter meditated on Shiva while inside his stomach. Goddess Karpagambal persuaded Shiva to let him out. Shiva agreed. Since then, Sukran is very devoted to the Goddess, and she also holds him dear. Shiva gave Sukracharya the status of a celestial planet here. There is no idol of Sukran in this temple, but Shiva blesses devotees in his stead.
How to Reach:
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kumbakonam. You can travel by road from Thanjavur or Kumbakonam.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Tiruchirapalli. It takes less than 3 hours from here to the temple.
Festivals:
Sukran’s transit from one sign to another occurs every two and a half years. This event, as well as Mahashivaratri, Aadi Pooram, Navratri, and Arudra Darshan, are the important festivals celebrated here. Car festivals are held during special occasions, and the deity is taken on a procession around the temple and streets.
If you have afflicted Sukran/Venus, at Kanajanur Sukran temple, you can get relief by worshipping Sukran and performing Poojas and Homas.