Pongu Sani Temple, Thirukollikadu

Discover the unique temple in Tamil Nadu where Saneeswaran knows only to bless and not to punish

If you are undergoing the second cycle of Ezharai-Sani (seven and a half years when Sani is in your Moon sign, its 12th, and 2nd), then there is a temple you should definitely visit. It is Pongu Sani Temple, Thirukollikadu, Tamil Nadu. The temple is also known as Agneeswarar temple, Shiva being the Mulavar here. His consort is Pnajinum Melladiyal (Mridupada Nayaki).

What is Pongu Sani?

Ezharai-Sani (seven and a half) comes every 30 years in your life. The first one is called Mangu-Sani which can slow you down and cause a lot of troubles. The second cycle called Pongu-Sani can give you blessings in terms of health, wealth, and prosperity. The third cycle called Marana-Sani usually sees the end of the person's life.

Thirukollikadu Saneeswaran

Saneeswaran at Pongu Sani temple, Thirukollikadu is famous for enhancing the good effects of this Sani period of his devotees who Saneeswaran at Pongu Sani temple, Thirukollikadu is famous for enhancing the good effects of this Sani period of his devotees who come to him. Some people may face troubles even during Pongu Sani due to peculiar positions of Sani in their horoscopes. Such people also come here to get solace and relief through the blessings of Saneeswaran.

How Saneeswaran became a blessing God

Saneeswaran is a God of discipline and punishment. He punishes offenders with an intention of purifying them. However as crime in the world increased, more and more people became subject to the severity of his punishments. People started fearing Sani. They became scared even to go to his temple or worship him.

Sani Bhagawan felt that people were looking upon him as a demon rather than a God. He went to Sage Vasishta and sought his advice. Vasishta advised him to go to Thirukollikadu and propitiate Lord Shiva (Agneeswaran) through tapas. Agneeswaran became pleased with Sani Bhagawan's tapas and gave him power to bless. Lord Shiva removed the rod of punishment (danda) from Shani Bhagawan's hand and gave him a plough instead. The plough stands for fertility and creative power. His mind was also turned into a benevolent mood.

Pongu Sani Bhagawan is placed near Goddess Mahalakshmi. Right opposite to him is Lord Bhairavar, his own Guru. 

It is with the blessings of Sani Bhagawan at this place that King Nala regained everything he had lost including his kingdom. Both Agni Bhagawan and Sani Bhagawan have observed tapas here to propitiate Lord Shiva who is called Agneeswarar.  A Chozha king also obtained relief from severe Sani dosha at this place.

Offerings to Pongu Sani Bhagawan

• Ellu sadam
• Uzhundu vadai
• Naval pazham

Location

Knowledge Bank

Are Shiva and Rudra the same?

According to Shiva Purana, Shiva is Parabrahma, the supreme truth. Rudra is that aspect of Shiva who is responsible for the annihilation of the universe at the time of pralaya.

What kind of idols are suitable for worship at home?

Idols made of stone, wood, and metals.