Saneeswara
Bhagavan Temple, Kuchanur,
Theni
Saneeswara Bhagavan Temple is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Planet Saturn, located in Kuchanur Village near
Chinnamanur Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. This
is the only temple in India dedicated exclusively to Saneeswara Bhagavan. The
Temple is situated on the banks of main channel of perennial Surabhi River.
Legends
For brief details, please refer
below link;
The Temple
This is the only temple in India
dedicated exclusively to Saneeswara Bhagavan. The temple at Tirunallar in Puducherry
is having only a separate Shrine for Saneeswarar. The Temple is situated on the
banks of main channel of perennial Surabhi River. Presiding Deity is Saneeswara
Bhagavan. He is a Swayambhu (Self-Manifested). He is in the shape of Linga
housed in the sanctum, black in color. The Utsava Moorthy (processional idol)
is situated adjacent to the presiding deity.
Since Sani is the Sun of Suryanarayana,
Thiruman (Vaishnava symbol) is seen on the Swayambhu Murthy. As Sani
was also a Shiva devotee and was conferred the Easwaran title, Vibhuti Markings
are seen on the crown. Hence both the Shaivites and Vaishnavites visit
this temple for worship. There are shrines of Murugan and Vinayaga to the north
of sanctum.
Landasanyasi shrine is situated
to the left side of the sanctum. Shrines of Sonai Karuppanaswami, Kannimar and
Nagas can be found near this Temple on the banks of the Surabhi River. There is
also a separate temple for Guru (Vadaguru) on the northern side of the village.
There is a hanuman temple also in this Village, housing a five headed Ganesha.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 7:00
AM to 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM except Saturdays. On Saturdays, the Temple
remains open from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Festivals
Every year festivals are held
during the Tamil month of Aadi Saturdays (July-August) during which devotees
from far and near throng the shrine. Of the five Saturdays, the third Saturday
has special significance since it is the day of festivity. Also, the Shani
(Saturn) transit day is observed very devotionally occurring in every two and
half years. Devotees, who visit the Shani Bhagavan temple, take a dip in
the Surabhi River and then proceed to worship to him.
Only after feeding the crows
that are around (crow is considered to be the vahana (celestial carrier) of
Shani Bhagavan) during Uchikala Poojas, Prasadams are given to devotees. At
times when crows do not partake of the offering, the entire gathering including
priests plead before Shani Bhagavan to forgive their mistakes. Ellu Pongal (a
mix of cooked rice and gingerly powder) is a regular Prasadam offered at the
temple. It is said that there has never been an occasion when crows have not
had the offering.
Worship Procedures
For brief details, please refer
below link;
Contact
Saneeswara Bhagavan Temple,
Kuchanur, Uthamapalayam Taluk,
Theni District – 625 515
Phone: +91 4554 321 108 / 247 285
Mobile: +91 97900 50167 / 73056 36626 / 89404 85801
Mobile: +91 97895 27068 / 94420 22281 / 78713 16060
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
100 meters from Kuchanur Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Chinnamanur, 7 Kms from Chinnamanur
New Bus stand, 11 Kms from Uthamapalayam, 17 Kms from Theni, 22 Kms from Theni
Railway Station, 97 Kms from Madurai and 114 Kms from Madurai Airport. There
are regular buses at every 30 minutes to this temple from Theni bus stand.
There are Buses for every 5 minutes from Theni to Chinnamanur. From Chinnamanur
you may go to Kuchanur by bus or auto.
Location