Tamil Nadu Temples

Agneeswarar Temple at Kanjanur is one of the nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu. It is associated with Lord Sukran (Planet Venus), the sixth of Navagraha planets. Lord Agneeswarar in this temple is there in the form of a Lingam, an infinite nature of Lord Shiva, which depicts Shukra.

Also, the Thayaar of Agneeswarar Temple is Goddess Karpagambigai (Goddess Parvati). The other deities of the temple are Lord Karpaga Vinayagar, Lord Dhakshinamoorthy, Lord Natarajar as well as Pullunda Nandhi. Moreover, the special feature of this temple is that Lord shiva blessed the sage Parasara Muni with His divine cosmic dance. Also, according to Shaivites, followers of Lord Shiva, Shukra is within the stomach of Lord Shiva.

What is the history of Kanjanur?

According to history of Kanjanur, Sukracharya was the son of Brigu Maharishi.  During a war between devas and asuras, Brigu Maharishi’s wife, was accidentally beheaded by Vishnu’s chakram (discus).  An angry Sukracharya cursed Vishnu.  As a result of the curse, He was born as Sudarsanar to Vasudeva, a Vaishnava Brahmin.  

Sudarsanar was a staunch Shiva devotee and was popular as Haradatta Shivacharyar.  There are stories of the ordeals of Haradatta to prove his devotion for Shiva. Images pertaining to these are there in this temple and also in the Vishnu temple in the village. Haradatta used to spend much of his time meditating before the Dakshinamurthy.

The presiding deity Agneeswarar is the embodiment of Sukran. Sukran was the Guru of asuras. He had got the blessings from Lord Siva after severe penances. In the Vamana Avataram of Lord Vishnu, Vamana sought three footsteps of land from Mahabali, an asura king.

Realising Vamana to be no mere mortal, Sukrachariyar assumed the form of a bee and tried to block the flow of water from the kamandalam. Vamana picking up a pavithram blinds Sukracharya in one eye while trying to unclog the hole in the kamandalam.

Sukracharyar also has the prowess to bring the dead to living by virtue of his knowledge of Amirtha Sanjeevini Mantra. Using this mantra, in the asura war against the devas, he revived the slain asuras. Hence, this helped the asura army swell.

The devas prayed to Lord Siva for help, who swallowed up Sukracharya in a fit of rage. After residing in Lord Siva’s stomach in a siddha state, he emerged from Lord Siva’s stomach.

What is the significance of the Kanjanur Temple?

The significance of the Kanjanur Temple is that Lord Dakshinamurthy (Guru) is always seen with a demon being crushed under his feet. The demon signifies ignorance. It means that Dakshinamurthy leads us from ignorance to the knowledge of self. The image of Haradatta worshipping Dakshinamurthy is a unique feature.

Sukra endows those who pray to him will be blessed with wealth, pleasure, wife, prosperity as well as vehicles. He is alsothe next most beneficial planet after Guru. Moreover, if in a person’s horoscope, Sukra is well placed, then the person will enjoy pleasure, beautiful wife, wealth, house, vehicle, good food, fame, love, affection, marriage, siblings, governmental help, chance to govern the country/state and hold influential status.

What are the timings of Kanjanur Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Kanjanur Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at the Kanjanur Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kanjanur Temple are:

Mahasivaratri: Mahashivratri is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva or Shankara. Priests wash the Shivalinga every three hours that day with cow’s milk, curd ,honey , cow ghee ,water. Women pray for the well being of their husbands and children, girls keep fast so that they get good and understanding husband.

Aadi Pooram: Aadi Pooram, also called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’ is a prime festival of Tamilians. This festival is for  Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Aadi Pooram is a 10-day festival in all Lord Vishnu temples in the state of Tamil Nadu. Of these, the last day (10th day) is ‘Aadi Pooram’ and a grand marriage ceremony of Goddess Andal and Sri Ranganathaswamy takes place.

Arudara Darshan: Arudara Darshan occurs in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January). It is essentially a Shaivite festival and hence celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva in the Nataraja form. Women keep fast for husband’s well being while girls for a good marriage. Also, Ardra darshan is in early morning and devotees decorate the temple with flowers and diyas.

Navaratri: The festival of Navratri is marked by the celebrations of nine days. On each day the worship of one of the nine incarnations of the Goddess Shakti takes place. Chaitra Navratri occurs after Holi and during Chaitra Shukla Paksha. This starts from the first day and ends on the ninth day which is also Ram Navmi. 

What are the poojas and Rituals of Kanjanur?

The poojas and rituals of Kanjanur are:

• There are six worships for the Lord in Kanjanur. Lord Shukra’s worship usually takes place with white lotus, white cloth, diamond, ‘mochai’ powder and athi to ward off evil effects owing to the malefic planetary effects.

• By praying to Lord Sukra one can solve these problems. Arts, sculpture, love, vehicles are the beneficial aspects of Sukra.

• The temple offers Six worship services daily. Fridays are auspicious to pray Lord Sukra. Sukran, the next most beneficial planet after Guru (Brihaspati), bestows his devotees with wealth and prosperity. If in a person’s horoscope, Sukra is in a good position, then the person enjoys better life and wealth.

• Kanjanur is the temple for performing “Kalathira Dosha Pariharam” for Lord Sukiran. Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar is the presiding deity while his consort is Goddess Karpagambal. Lord Agni one of the “AshtadhikBalakars”  worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the name Agneeswarar

How to reach Kanjanur?

Here’s how to reach Kanjanur:

• Air: Nearest airport to Agneeswarar Temple in Thanjavur airport, which is 46 Km away from the temple.
• Rail: Nearest railway station to Agneeswarar Temple is Mayiladuthurai railway station which is 18 Km away.
• Road: There are direct local bus services to Agneeswarar Temple from Mayavaram, Aduthurai, Thiruvidaimarudhur and Kumbakonam.

Where to stay in Kanjanur?

Some of the places where one can stay in Kanjanur are:

• Mantra Veppathur Resort Contact: 536/537A,No.1, Bagavathapuram Main Road Extension, | Srii Sailapathipuram Village, Veppathur,, Kumbakonam 612103, India
• Sivamurugan Hotels Contact: 60 Feet Main Road | Near New Bus Stand, Kumbakonam 612001, India
• Sara Regency Contact: 45/1 Chennai Road, Kumbakonam 612002, India
• Quality Inn VIHA Contact: #2, New Railway Road | Kumbakonam, Tanjore Dist, Kumbakonam 612001, India
• Hotel Metro Contact: 19/11 Sarangapani Sannithi Street, Kumbakonam 612001, India

Where to eat in Kanjanur?

Some of the places where one can eat in Kanjanur are:

• Dosa Plaza Kumbakonam Contact: 332 Nageshwaran North Street | Kurinchi Metro Bazz
• Habibi Restaurant Contact: 29/921 Sarangapani East Street, Kumbakonam
• Raya’s Restaurant Contact: 18,19 Head Post Office Rd, Kumbakonam 612001
• Venkataramana Contact: near Municipal office, Kumbakonam, India
• Sri Mangalambiga Vilas Contact: Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Complex, Kumbakonam

What are some temples near the Kanjanur Temple?

Some of the temples near the Kanjanur Temple are:

Suryanar Koil: Suryanar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples, which houses the Sun God (Surya god). further, to offer worship at Sooriyanar Temple, one has to reach the Rajagopuram (Main Entrance) and more towards North where Pushkarani of temple is present. One can also take bath in the tank or sprinkle holy water in the head as purification. 

Sri Sarabeswarar Temple: Sri Kambaheswarar Temple (or) Sarabeswarar Temple has located at Thirubuvanam village of Kumbakonam taluk, Thanjavur district. The main God of this temple is Lord Shiva as  Kambaheswarar as well as Goddess Parvathi. The Chola King Kulothunga Chola had built this temple for his victory of North Indian battle. 

Sri Mahalinga Swami Temple: Mahalinga swamy temple has located at Thiruvidaimaruthur, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district.The holy tree Marutham had found in this region like forest. Therefore, this place has known as Maruthur. This Temple was at the middle of the Maruthur so it was popular as Thiruvidaimaruthur. Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnana Sambandhar visited this temple. They sang many songs about Mahalinga Swamy.

Kalyanasundara Swamy Temple: It is believed that unmarried boy or girl will enter into wedlock if they propitiate the presiding deity Kalyanasundarar and his divine consort- Kokilambal. Parvathi Devi performed Tapas in this sthalam to marry Shiva Perumaan and finally married in this sthalam.

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Vaitheeswaran Kovil is a holy place near Mayiladuthurai in Nagapattinam District. It is famous for the Shiva temple in honor of Vaidyanatheeswarar, the healer of all diseases and his consort Thaiyalnayaki. Jatayu, Rig Veda, Muruga and Surya worshipped the Lord here. This temple consist of several Mandapam and Gopuram 

What is the history of Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

According to history of Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Chevvai is son of shiva. Once Shiva was in deep meditation, perspiration from his third eye fell on earth. From that sweat a child was born and later on known asangaragan (chevvai). Chevvai Bhagavan is worshipped in the town of Vaitheeswarankoil or Pullirukkuvelur.

Angarakan (Mars) was one of the Navagraha in 9 planets. One day, he suffered a lot from Skin diseases (Leprosy). He prayed Lord Vaidyanatha Swamy in Vaitheeswaran Koil. Lord Shiva blessed him and cured his diseases. So he stayed in this temple and caleed as “Vaitheewaran” and cure all the diseases by whom praying him.

Thirunavukkarasar was suffering from severe stomach pain. At time, his sister told him to pray Lord Vaidyanatha Swamy. Then he prayed and got cured by Lord Shiva. He also became a great devotee of Lord Shiva and sung many songs for Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple. The five towers – Gopurams of the temple are on a straight line. The Maragatha Linga (Emerald Linga) is very famous. There are two flag posts-Kodimaram before the presiding deity made of silver and gold. Navagrahas the nine planets are generally in the front side of the sanctum facing different directions in Shiva temples.

What is the significance of the Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Here’s the significance of Vaitheeswaran Kovil:

• There is a widespread believe that when one visits here, it would remove obstacles of the delayed marriage(Chevvai dosham). In chevvai temple the Prasadam (Food) offered by the name of tiruchendur urundai and it is considered to be a panacea capable of many elements it is made of ashes taken out from the homa kundam in front of Subramaniya strain.

• The Lord Vaidyanatha and Thaiyal Nayagi are the family God (Kula Dheivam) for Kshatriya Community (Vanniyakula Kshatriyas) of South India. This temple is also Navagraha Sthalas of Lord Angarakan. Moreover, it is a famous tourist spot in Nagapattinam District.

• Lord Bhairava protects the temple in the east, by Lord Veerabadra in the west, Lord Vinayaka in the south and Ma Kali in the north. Also, with its five tier Rajagopuram, the temple is facing west. The temple belongs to Darumapuram Aadheenam of Tiru Kayilaya Parambara – descendants of Kailash dynasty.

What are the timings of Vaitheeswaran Kovil Temple?

Here are the timings of Vaitheeswaran Kovil Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at the Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

• Skanda shashti: Kanda Sashti occurs in the Tamil Month Aippasi. Skanda Shasti celebrates the victory of Lord Skanda over demon Surapadma. In many places the festival commences six days before the Sashti day and concludes on the day of the Sashti. During these days, devotees recite inspiring hymns, read stories of Subramanya, and enact the exploits of the Lord on stage.
• Aadipooram: Aadi Pooram, also called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’ is a prime festival of Tamilians. This festival is for Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The day also holds immense significance in Goddess Shakti temples scattered all over the country. In the event, priests offer glass bangles to Goddess Andal and then distribute them among all devotees.
• Karthigai: Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lights, celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai. Accordin gto beliefs, Lord Muruga, the divine light of Lord Shiva, took his form during this month. On this day, all his six forms were united by Parvathi(his mother) and this way, he had six faces.
• Panguni Uthiram: The Panguni Uthiram festival falls in the month ‘Panguni’ (March-April). This is also teh wedding day of Gods and Goddesses such as Parvati and Shiva, Devasena and Murugan, Andal and Ranganath and Sita and Rama. Devotees of Lord Muruga pierce their bodies with needles and spikes as a sign of their devotion to the Lord.

What are the Poojas and Rituals of Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

The poojas and rituals of Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

• At the midnight Pooja the priests worship Lord Selva Muthukumaraswamy with special prayers. This is famous as ‘Punugu Kappu Dharshan’
• Chevvai related dosha are rectified by performing pariharam(remedies) poojas to this deity. It is traditional to perform navagraha pooja to get rid of financial crisis, property dealing, productivity of agriculture and milk. It also solvess any problem between brothers and sisters. Chevvai also heels cut wounds.
• The devotees as soon as entering the temple, they first go to Sithamirtha tank (Sithamirtha tank consist of 18 wells) filled with holy water and mix with medicines in form of leaves. The water has curative properties for various skin elements.
• The person’s diseases even that could not get cured by mani, mandra, aushatha, after coming to this temple they got cured at this place. Therefore, here Shiva is Vaithiyanathan (doctor).
• Devotees also undertake tonsuring.  Ear boring ceremony also takes place in the temple.  They also light Maa Vilakku made of rice flour and ghee, offer mangal sutras and god symbols as a prayer commitment.  They also place salt, pepper and mustard and eye symbols made of silver in the Ambica shrine. 

How to reach Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Here’s how to reach Vaitheeswaran Kovil:

• Air: No direct connectivity to flight between Nagapattinam and Chennai is available.
• Road: It is between Sirkazhi and Mayiladurai in the route of Chidambaram-Mayiladuthurai. This temple is 15 KM from Mayiladurai or 24 KM from Chidambaram.
• Rail: The Nearest station is Mayiladuthurai. Direct train between Nagapattinam and Chennai is available.

Where to stay in Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Some of the places where one can stay in Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

• Hotek Sadhabishegam Contact: Vaitheeswarankovil,Tamil Nadu 609117.
• Hotel Sri Akshardham Contact: SH 64,Vaitheeswarankovil, Tamil Nadu 609117
• Chola Inn Contact: 105, Pidari South Street,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi,Tamil Nadu 609111
• Ayarpadi Hotel Contact: Old NH,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi,Tamil Nadu 609110
• Hotel Aryabhavan Contact: Old NH,Thiruvalluvar Nagar,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi,Tamil Nadu 609111

Where to eat in Vaitheeswaran Kovil?

Some of the places where one can eat in Vaitheeswaran Kovil are:

• Samboorna Restaurtant Contact: Old NH,Thenpathi,Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu 609110
• Garden Restaurant Contact: Thenpathi,Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu 609110

 What are some temples near Vaitheeswaran Kovil temple?

Some of the temples near Vaiteheswaran Kovil Temple are:

• Nellukadai Mariamman Koil: Nellukadai Mariamman Temple is at Nagapattinam. Interestingly, Mariamman appeared in the dream of a rice trader and asked him to build a shrine for him. He then constructed a beautiful temple in Nagapattinam and started offering prayers.
• Sri Mullaivananathar temple: The fame of this temple rests largely upon the Goddess Shri Garbharakshambika (an avatar of Goddess Parvati) who offers protection to, the human embryo. And it is no wonder that this temple draws worshippers from all sects. Also, Lord Shiva in this Sthalam is famous as Mullaivananathar and the Ambika as Karparakshambigai. Another presiding deity is Lord Mullaivana Nathar. 
• Sikkal Singaravelan Temple: Sikkal Singara Velan Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga and a contender for the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with the popular Arupadaiveedu (six abodes of Lord Muruga). Devotees also belive that Lord Murugan had got his Vel (weapon) from his divine mother at Sikkal, to kill the asura.

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