Did you know there is a temple in South India that is known for curing diabetes? Yes, you read that right. The Venni Karumbeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is famous for this belief. Many devotees say praying here helps them manage or even cure their diabetes. Keep reading if this has piqued your interest.
Venni Karumbeswarar Temple: The Diabetes Temple In India

Venni Karumbeswarar Temple is located at Koilvenni in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple holds a very special place among devotees. It is believed that people suffering from diabetes can get relief from this ailment. They just have to pray here and offer sugar to the main deity, a form of Lord Shiva called Karumbeswarar, which means ‘Lord of Sugarcane.’ The word ‘Karumbu’ in Tamil means sugarcane, which is where the name actually comes from.
The temple in South India is believed to be 1,300 years old. The Shivalingam here is also quite unique. It is said to resemble a bunch of sugarcane stems tied together. Devotees visit not just to pray but to find some relief from their ailment. The place is also one of the 275 Shiva Sthalams of the Nayanmars, which makes it spiritually significant, too. Beyond its healing powers, the Venni Karumbeswarar Temple is also known for its positive energy. People visit to seek peace, prosperity, and good health for their families.
A Unique Ritual Involving Ants & Sweet Offerings
It is said that a unique ritual is followed at the Venni Karumbeswarar Temple. Devotees offer a mixture of semolina (rava or sooji) and sugar or jaggery around the temple corridors. The colony of ants present at the temple consumes this sweet offering. This is believed to magically lighten the burden of sugar in the devotee’s body.
There is one more thing that makes this temple different. The Shivling Abhishekam is done not just with milk, curd, and honey but also with sugarcane juice. Not just locals, but devotees from thousands of kilometres away, even from other countries, come to visit this famous ‘Diabetes Temple’ in Tamil Nadu. Many visitors have also claimed to notice a drop in their blood sugar levels after repeated visits. It surely sounds magical and fascinating.
How to Reach Venni Karumbeswarar Temple
If you’re planning to visit the temple, here’s a quick guide to help you –
Coming by road: You can take state buses from nearby cities such as Mannargudi, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur.
Travelling by train: The closest railway station is Mannargudi Railway Station, 15 km from the temple.
Arriving by air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), about 100 km away. From the airport, you can book a taxi or take a bus.
Also Read: Tirupati Temple Offers Free Special Darshan Tickets To Devotees Who Donate Blood
Have you ever visited the Venni Karumbeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu? How was your experience? Do let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Venni Karumbeswarar Temple, Wikipedia/ Nittavinoda
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