Shanieswarar Temple

Overview

The temple is located in Pozhichalur, about 3 kms from Pallaavaram Railway station off the Kunrathur road.

About The Temple

This beautiful temple is an ancient Shiva temple belonging to Chozha period and is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) dedicated to Lord Sri Shaneeswara Bhagavan. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape (Thoongaanai Maadam) shape. Lord Ganesha (Vinaayagar) is seen under a peepal tree at the south west corner of the temple. At southeast of the sanctum, Lord Anjaneyar (Sri Hanuman) has a separate shrine.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple 'Maa Maram' (Mango tree) is at the north western side of the temple. There is a beautiful Shiva Lingam under the Mango tree along with Sri Nandhi. The Theertham of this temple is called ‘Sani Theertham’ which is located a little away from the temple. The temple is facing north and does not have Rajagopuram. This temple is also a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu and Kethu.

About The deity

The presiding deity is Shiva called Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing the east. His consort Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli is seen facing the south. Sri Sani Bhagavan is facing west towards the main deity in the sanctum.

Legend and Stories

According to legend, Lord Shiva directed Sri Agasthiyar to go south to balance the earth during His wedding at Mount Kailash. As per the God’s direction, Sage Agasthiyar came down to the southern part. On his way to Podhigai hills, he stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord Shiva, a Swayambhu (self-evolved) Lingam. Sage Agasthiyar had a boon that wherever he worships Lord Shiva, he will get the dharshan of the Lord’s marriage with Goddess Parvathi. Sage Agasthiyar got Lord’s dharshan in this place.

Sri Shaneeswara Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. As Sri Shaneeswara had been giving ill effects to people, he had gained Dhosham out of it and wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams, he prayed Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva asked Sri Sani Bhagavan to come to this place and worship Him. As directed, Sri Sani Bhagavan came, created a pond called ‘Sani Theertham’ and worshipped Lord Shiva and got relieved of his problems. Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Shaneeswarar with no dhoshams or ill effects. People having problems because of Sani (Saturn), worship here to reduce the ill effects. This place is also called ‘Vada Thirunallaaru’.

Festivals

Raahu Kaalam, Pradhosham, Aarudhra Dharsanam, Sivarathri, Sani Peyarchi and Karthigai Deepam.

Rules and Rituals of the Temple

This temple is referred in Nadi Jodhidam for parikarams and hence it is popularly known as Nadi Pariharasthalam. Several North Indians and foreigners visit this temple for doing parihaarams for their dhoshams. Special rituals are done for getting rid of their sins and to lead a happy and healthy life.

Accommodation

The comfortable places for accommodation are Suvi Transit, Hotel KEK which are within 2 km from the temple and hotels like Shylee Niwas and Grand Palace which are within 5 km offering rooms at affordable rates.

Best Time to Visit

Since most of the months are very hot in Chennai, January, February, November and December are the ideal months for visiting the temple. Special Poojas are conducted on a daily basis by 5.45 am, 8.00 am, 11.30 am, 3 pm and 8.30 pm

Significance

In this temple, a separate idol of Shaneeswarar is kept facing the western direction, which is believed to be very powerful. Crow is considered to be the vehicle of Lord Shani and they come in large numbers to have the offerings of food that are made to God. People who want to get rid of the harmful effects of Shani Bhagavan feed the cattle, dog and mainly the crows in this temple and get relieved of their sins.

Accessibility

Airport

Meenambakkam airport at Chennai is just 3 km from the temple.

Railways

Chennai Central and Tambaram Railway Station. Within Chennai, local trains are plying from Tambaram to Beach through Pallavaram station, which is just 3 km from the temple.

Road

All local buses passing through Guindy and Tambaram, stops at Pallavaram, from where direct buses to Pozhichalur are available frequently.

Temple Address

Sri Agastheeswara Swami Temple,
Pozhichalur,
Chennai
Pin code - 600 074.