Navagraha temples - Shukra

Information about Shukra (Venus) graha

Temple Information:
Temple Name: KANJANUR SHUKRA Temple
Village Location: KANJANUR, Tamil Nadu 609804, India
Historical/ Scriptural Name: SHREEAGNIPURISHWARA Temple
Deities: Lord Shiva is known as SHREEAGNIPURISHWARA (Shree + Agni + Puri + Ishawara) and Consort Parvati as SHREEKARPAGAMAMBAL (Shree + Karpagam + Ambal)

How to reach the Temple:

It is on the highway between KUMBHAKONAM and MAYILADUTHURAI. The temple is 17 kms from KUMBHAKONAM and about 3 kms from SURYANAR KOVIL by road.

History of Shukra Graha Temple:

According to Scriptures, Shukra (Shukracharya) was Guru of demons and had Sanjeevani mantra by which he would bring to life demon who had died in fight.

Once, Brahma performed penance at this place to see ShivaParvati in their wedding attire and for others to witness the glorious vision too. Because of this, the Shiva temple is to the right and Parvati temple is to the left.

Local folklore has it that sugarcane and honey were plentiful here – river of honey – therefore the name Kanjanur. It is further believed that AadiParaShakti (Parvati) created the TriMurtis (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) at this place.

According to history, Chandra (Moon), Parashar Muni, Kansa (Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle) had worshipped Lord Shiva here. Hence, there are three separate Shiva-Lingams present here.

There are three Punya-Teerth or sacred ponds here – 1.Brahma Teerth created by Brahma, 2. Agni Teerth created by Agni and 3. Parash Teerth created by Parashar Muni. River Cauvery runs nearby and it is also considered a Teerth.

History of Shukra Graha:
According to Scriptures, Shukra is son of Bhrigu Rishi and his wife Pulomisha. When Shukracharya was performing penance to get Sanjeevani matra, Indra’s daughter Jayanti performed seva (service) to Shukracharya. After the birth of their daughter Devayani, Jayanti went back to Devalok.

Shukra got his name because of his (silver) light complexion. Shukracharya had obtained the Sanjeevani mantra from Lord Shiva by which he could bring to life the dead demons. Brihaspati (Guru of Devas) sent his son Kacha to learn the Sanjeevani mantra from Shukracharya. Kacha served Shukracharya with all his might and won over the hearts of Shukracharya and his daughter Devayani. Because of this, the demons killed Kacha and mixed his ashes in water and gave it to Shukracharya to drink. Because of Devayani’s insistence, Shukracharya got Kacha out of his stomach. In the process, the Sanjeevani mantra lost its power.

Shukracharya had three wives, one son and two daughters. He wrote a book (in Sanskrit/ North-Indian language) on law known as Shukra Neeti.

Shukracharya went to Kashi, performed penance and got a boon to become a Graham (Celestial Body).

Importance of Shukra Graha:
Shukra is a Shubha Graham. He is the Lord of Rishabh and Tula rashi/ zodiac (by Moon based astrology). He is very powerful in Meen and Kanya rashi/ zodiac. In Rigveda, he is known as God Vena. Generally Shukra Mahadasha comes only once in life and is for 20 years. Shukra is responsible for marriage. Shukra’s grace can remove infertility. His benefits can be felt in the months of November, December, March and April and also when he is in Rishabh, Tula and Meen rashi.

Nivritti (Absolution) from Shukra Dosha:
DeviUpasana is advised (prayer/worship of GajaLakshmi and/or RajRajeshwari). Also parayana (regular reading) of DeviMahatamya. Fasting on Friday and wearing of white clothes, use of white color lotus flower and white cloth in puja is also advised.

The sacred tree is Pipul/ Pimpla.

NavaGraha Aspect/ Characteristics Summary – Shukra (Venus):

#	Navagraha Aspect	Venus
1	Consort	Sukirti and Urjaswati
2	Cloth color	White
3	Gender	Female
4	Element	Water
5	God	Indrani
6	Mounts	Horse/ Camel/ Crocodile
7	Presiding Deity	MahaLaks hmi
8	Metal	Silver
9	Gemstone	Diamond
10	Body Part	Semen
11	Taste	Sour
12	Grain	Flat White Beans/ Lima Beans
13	Season	Spring
14	Graha deities face this direction	East
15	Flower	White Lotus
16	Kshetra vruksha (tree)	Pipul
17	Week day	Friday
18	Sound	Ni

Rangoli for Shukra Graha: 
To be drawn when worshiping Venus god

Mantra for Shukra Graha:
Below is mantra for Venus god.