Venni Karumbeswarar Temple

Venni Karumbeshwarar Kshetra is an ancient and sacred Shiva temple located in the village of Kovil Venni, near Needamangalam in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvarur District. Historically known as Tiruvenni, this temple is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams in Chozha Naadu (south of the Cauvery), glorified in the hymns of Tamil Shaivite saints. Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Karumbeshwarar, represented uniquely as a Lingam shaped like a bundle of sugarcane stems, symbolizing sweetness and divine grace. The region was once covered in sugarcane (karumbu) and Venni trees, hence the name. The consort of the Lord is known as Goddess Soundaranayagi. Locally, He is also referred to as Rasapureeswarar, meaning "Lord of Sweet Essence," aligning with the belief that devotion at this shrine brings the sweet essence of divine blessings. Over time, the village name evolved from Venniyur to Kovil Venni, centered around the temple. This place is also the birthplace of Vennikuyathiar, a celebrated poet of the Sangam period who contributed to Purananuru, and Chola King Karikala Chola, who is believed to have significantly renovated and promoted the temple following his historic Venni war victory. The temple is also notable for conducting a special “Diabetes Relief Puja”, a Vedic ritual believed to aid in healing chronic ailments like diabetes. Devotees believe this sacred puja, invoking Lord Karumbeshwarar and Goddess Soundaranayagi, helps cleanse karmic blockages, restore inner energy balance, and promote well-being.