Sukra, also known as Venus, is the sixth of the nine planets that make up the Navagrahas. In Sanskrit, the word “lucid, clear, and bright” refers to Sukra, which is the brightest planet. Venus exudes femininity. The deity in charge is the goddess Lakshmi. Venus rules the natal chart’s second and seventh signs, Taurus and Libra. He is also known by the names Shukra, Kavyaha, Shukra Reta, Sudhihi, Himabhaha, Kundadhavalaha, Pugar, Asura Guru, Shubramshu, Bhargavaha, and Sutaprada. He is the lord of the stars Bharani, PurvaPhalguni, and Purvashadha.
Venus is associated with material pleasure, family affection, intimacy, ornaments, luxury, comfort, vehicles, sensual satisfaction, passions, a propensity to enjoy pleasure, vitality, affluence, appearance, artistic talents, and the fine arts. Venus represents both love and beauty. Sukra is a sign of things that have to do with partners and spouses. Venus is in charge of a physical body’s reproductive system, face, throat, and kidney.
Sage Bhrigu’s son is named Shukra in Hindu mythology. Also known as Shukracharya, Sukra is the demon guru of Asuras. Another version states that Venus, the master and teacher of demons (Asura Guru), lived and meditated within Lord Shiva’s stomach for a thousand years. After that, Lord Shiva released Venus and brought her back to life.
Because he spent so many years in Lord Shiva’s body, he was given the status of a planet. Sukra is depicted sitting on a white lotus and holding four hands. He holds a lotus, beads, and a stick. He is frequently depicted standing on a white horse and wielding a bow and arrow.
Wealth, luxuries, worldly pleasures, gains, favor of luck, peace of mind, strong intellect, higher position and expertise in art and music, a very good love and marital life, inherent sense of beauty, harmony, devotion, and sensitivity are all possible outcomes of Sukra’s strong placement.
On the other hand, if it’s in a weak spot, it could lead to a lot of career and professional issues, bad luck, a bad reputation, losses from investments and speculation, a lack of discipline, self-indulgence, vanity, and exhaustion. Additionally, it may lead to skin rashes and pimples, indigestion, and a decrease in appetite.
The most efficient way to receive blessings is to offer prayers to Lord Sukra on Fridays. In the southern part of Tamil Nadu, there is a temple called Kanjanoor that is dedicated to Venus. Diamond is the gemstone that Venus is said to wear. Worshipping Sukra with white lotus, jasmine, and other white-scented flowers is most fitting. Venus favors mochai, a type of field bean or leema bean.
Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur
18 kilometers north-east of Kumbakonam, in the village of Kanjanur, is the Hindu temple known as the Agniswarar Temple. Sukra (Venus), the presiding deity, reigns. However, “Agniswarar,” or Shiva, is the temple’s most prominent idol. Sukra is said to be in the stomach of the Shiva idol, which is consistent with the Saivite belief that Shiva is all-pervading.
Here, Siva is said to have performed cosmic dance to bless Parasara muni, a sage. It is believed that Shiva appeared as Sukra to extricate himself from the Sukran dosha. It is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state. It houses the image of Sukra (Venus). The temple is one of the temples built on the northern banks of the River Kaveri.