Agniswarar Temple
Agniswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kanjanur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams — the Shiva temples glorified in the Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmar saints. On the Navagraha circuit it is the shrine of Shukra (Venus), one of the classic nine-planet pilgrimage circuit in the Kaveri delta around Kumbakonam.
Kanjanur, the Venus (Shukra) shrine of the Navagraha circuit, is a serene Kaveri-delta temple where Shukra is worshipped within Shiva himself — unusual among the nine planetary shrines.
About Agniswarar Temple
The Agniswarar Temple (கஞ்சனூர் அக்கினீஸ்வரர் கோயில்) is a Hindu temple in the village of Kanjanur, 18 kilometres north-east of Kumbakonam. The presiding deity is Sukra (Venus). However, the main idol in the temple is that of "Agniswarar" or Shiva. In concordance with the Saivite belief that Shiva is all-pervading, Sukra is believed to be located within the stomach of the idol of Shiva.
Legend
Legend is that Siva blessed Parasara muni (sage) here with cosmic dance. It is believed that Shiva appeared in the form of Sukra to propitiate himself off the dosha of Sukran.The Agniswarar Temple in Kanjanur has a rich history dating back many centuries. It is one of the prominent Navagraha temples, each associated with a celestial body in Hindu astrology. The temple is particularly linked to the planet Sukran (Venus).
The ancient scriptures and legends associated with the temple narrate its significance in mitigating the malefic effects of Venus and bringing positive influences to the lives of devotees. The architecture and inscriptions within the temple provide glimpses into the cultural and religious practices of the region during different historical periods.
Architecture and layout
The temple is located in Kanjanur, a village 18 km (11 mi) north-east of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Aduthurai road and 57 km (35 mi) from Thanjavur. The temple was built by the Medieval Cholas and renovated by the kings of the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams (closed precincts of a temple). The temple is revered by the verses of Appar and hence referred as Padal petra stalam. It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar.
Why it matters
The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Sukra (Venus).
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.
Plan your visit
How to reach
Agniswarar Temple is roughly 240 km from Chennai, about 6 h by road. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), about 92 km away. Most visitors base themselves in Kumbakonam, which has the rail links and hotels, and make this a day trip. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.
Today at a glance
Chennai time (IST), from our own panchangam. Nalla Neram is the good window; avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam for starting a journey or a ritual.
Festival days to plan around
- The graha's own weekday — weekly
- Amavasya and Pournami — monthly
Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.
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Quick facts
| Deity | Shiva — Navagraha shrine of Shukra (Venus) |
| Town | Kanjanur |
| District | Thanjavur district |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Sacred lists | Navagraha Temples · Paadal Petra Sthalams |
Visiting
Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.
Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.
Temples near Kanjanur
More Navagraha temples
Frequently asked
How far is Agniswarar Temple from Chennai?
About 240 km, or about 6 h by road. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), roughly 92 km from the temple.
What are the timings at Agniswarar Temple?
Most Tamil Nadu temples open around 6 am, close from about noon to 4 pm, and reopen until 8–9 pm. Festival days follow a different schedule, so confirm locally before you travel.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is left outside at the stands provided. Some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone.
When is the best time to visit Agniswarar Temple?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: The graha's own weekday, Amavasya and Pournami. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.