Agniswarar Temple, an ancient Shaivaite temple, is located in the village of Kanjanur at a distance of almost 18 kilometres on the north eastern side of
Kumbakonam in the
Indian state of
Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is Sukra (Venus). The idol of
Lord Shiva, revered as Agniswarar is installed in the sanctum sanctorum or
garbhagriha of the temple. According to the Saivite belief that Shiva is omnipresent, Sukra is said to be situated inside the stomach of Shiva. Agniswarar Temple narrating the legendary fable states that here the all pervading Shiva had blessed Parasara muni with cosmic dance.
Architecture of Agniswarar Temple
Agniswarar Temple, recounting the architectural magnificence of the primordial period, is said to have been constructed by the Medieval Cholas. Later the monarchs of the
Vijayanagar Empire took up the initiative of the repair and renovation of the temple.
Adorned with 5 tier rajagopuram, the pilgrimage centre is enclosed by two prakarams i.e. the closed precincts of a shrine. Agniswarar Temple finds its mention in the verses of Appar and hence referred to as Padal petra stalam. The temple enshrines a Shivalingam installed on a circular yonipitha. Agniswarar, the central deity of the temple, depicted in the form of a lingam representing Lord Sukra stands contrast to the other Navagraha temple.
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