Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur – Religious Significance

Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur – Religious Significance

Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu:

The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state. Here Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy represent the planet Sukran. The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers.

As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship practices of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple. As per contemporary Saivite belief, the energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas can be channeled based on remedial measures. As per local legends, Shiva, the overlord of the nine planetary deities, allowed them to freely grant wishes based on devotion of the devotees.

Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu are;

1. Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Suryan / Sun) 

2. Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur, Thanjavur (Chandran / Moon) 

3. Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Vaitheeswaran Koil, Nagapattinam (Chevvai / Mars) 

4. Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Nagapattinam (Budhan / Mercury) 

5. Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi, Thiruvarur (Guru / Jupiter) 

6. Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur, Thanjavur (Sukran / Venus)

7. Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple (Dharbaranyeswarar Temple), Karaikal, Puducherry (Sani / Saturn) 

8. Naganathaswamy Temple, Tirunageswaram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Rahu / North Node) 

9. Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhperumpallam, Nagapattinam (Kethu / South Node)

Saptha Sthana Temples of Kanjanur:

The Saptha Sthana Temples of Kanjanur are;

1.    Agneeswarar Temple, Kanjanur

2.    Thirukoteeswarar Temple, Thirukodikaval

3.    Vadaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu 

4.    Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Aduthurai

5.    Gomuktheeswarar Temple, Thiruvavaduthurai

6.    Prananadeswarar Temple, Thirumangalakudi

7.    Akshayanatha Swamy Temple, Thirumandurai

Paadal Petra Sthalams:

This Temple is considered as one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Shiva Sthalams) glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar. This Temple is considered as the 90^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 36^th Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu.

Thirupugazh Sthalams:

Saint Arunagirinathar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Uthira Vahini:

Cauvery River flows from North to South in Kanjanur. Taking bath in this place is considered more sacred.