Shukra means brightness and clearness. It is the name for the son of Bhrigu and son of the asuras. He presides over Friday. He is white in complexion. He holds stick, lotus and beads.
This is the temple for performing “Kalathira Dosha Pariharam” for Lord Sukiran. Lord Shiva named as Agneeswarar is the presiding deity and Goddess parvathi is named as Karpagambal. Lord Agni one of the “Ashtadhik Balakars” is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the name Agneeswarar. Guru is always seen with a demon being crushed under his feet. The demon signifies ignorance. It means that guru leads us from ignorance to the knowledge. Agniswara Swami Temple at Kanjanur is associated with Lord Sukran (Planet Venus). As per the Sthala Purana, Lord Brahma was blessed with a vision of Shiva’s marriage with Parvathy here. The Brahma Lingam enshrined in this Temple is said to have been worshipped by the Lord Brahma himself. It is to note that there is no separate shrine for Lord Sukra since Lord Shiva himself is believed to have incarnated as Venus here.
In the field of astrology, Shukra represents love, romance and sexuality. A person is to be blessed with artistic talents, wealth, pleasure and fine arts, such as music and dance. Those with Shukra strong in their charts are likely to appreciate nature and enjoy harmonious relationship.
Lord Sukran is the most beneficial planet after Guru. Lord Sukran is the teacher for Asuras. Sukra dasa acts in one’s life for twenty years after Ketu dasa. If the Lord Sukran is placed in a good house, those people running Sukra dasa gets peaceful and leisurely life.
For people the period of Sukra dasa is major breakthrough in the life. This great Lord in charge of the money, wealth, marriage and enjoyment. The dasa and bukthies of Sukran is very important and must be carefully watched. Sukiran is the deciding authority to favour one’s marriage proposals as well happy married life. Often people with the blessings of Sukiran in favoured houses in their horoscopes get married at the younger age without any obstacles.
If Lord Sukran is not placed well in one’s horoscope, they get their life partner with great difficulties and often unhappy about their suitability. Those people must visit this temple and perform suitable Parihara Pooja to get out of the trouble. If marriage gets delayed you must thoroughly check your horoscope with a knowledgeable astrologer and find out if you have any Kalathira Dosham. If Sukran is favourably placed in a person’s horoscope, they will be blessed with prosperity, own house, vehicle, fame & happy marriage life. Unfavourably positioned Sukiran in horoscope causes eye ailments, indigestion and types of skin problems.
Lord Sukiran is offered with white Lotus, white cloth and common bean to lighten the problems caused by Sukra dosham. Friday is the day of Sukran and worshipping on Fridays is considered special. Generally, Fridays are considered auspicious day to pray Lord Shukra.
This temple is also known as Sukran Navagraha Sthalam. Agniswarar temple is located around 18 km from Kumbakonam and 2 km to the east from Suriyanar Kovil. This holy temple has its presence in- between the “Kallanai – Poompuhar” road in Tamilnadu.