Erikuppam Saneeswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai
Saneeswarar
Temple is located at Erikuppam Village in Thiruvannamalai District of
Tamilnadu. This is a famous Navagraha Temple dedicated to Sani Bhagavan/Shani
Bhagavan (Planet Saturn). This 15th century temple was discovered
recently and has been renovated. On Saturdays, devotees throng the place. Normally
Sani Bhagwan is worshipped in idol form in almost all temples. Here he is in
Shivalinga form in this temple with a Yantra in the Linga. Yantra is a diagrammatic
representation of the power of the deity we worship.
History
Against
the idol form, Sri Sani Bhagwan graces in the Erikuppam temple in the form of
Shivalinga. A king built this temple for the planet installing him as a Linga
with the yantras. The temple disappeared due to ravages of time
leaving the Linga alone in the open space. Later, people built this
temple. As he graces as a Linga with Yantras, He is known as Enthira
Saneeswarar.
The
Temple
Sri
Saneeswara Bhagwan is the principal and presiding deity in the temple. There is
a shrine for Lord Varasiddhi Vimayaka only in the prakara-corridor. Lord
Saneeswarar is present in a unique Yantra form which is considered more
powerful and hence the name ‘Yantra Saneeswarar’. Sri Saya Devi, mother of Sri
Saneeswarar is present to his left side and due to the presence of his mother;
Saneeswarar is in a peaceful and happy mind state here. Hence he is able to
bless his devotees, bestowing complete happiness, removing their sorrows, sins
and difficulties.
The
temple is in the midst of green fields. The entrance of the temple
has a sculpture showing Sani Bhagwan in a Rath (car) drawn by 5 crows. There
are also paintings of all planets with their vahans in the front
hall. As there was no proper shrine earlier, even today the temple
has no roof. Sunlight, wind, rain, all falls on the temple
directly. We can hear elders saying ‘Don’t stand and pray straight
in front of Saneeswarar’ but his straight sight here will bring only goodness
to life.
The Holy
Shrine is open to the skies, without any roof-top. Saneeswarar is present in
the Yantra form nowhere else in the world excepting this one and another in
Shinkapur, 70 km from Shirdi, in Maharashtra state. This Saneeswara Yantra has
been made in a single granite stone, with a fantastic size of 5.5 feet height
and 1.5 feet width and looks majestic.
The
Shutkona Yandra consists of Manthras in a right left mirrored form, praising
Lord Shiva, Lord Anjaneya and Saneeshwara. This Yandra is believed to be one of
the most powerful ones and unique in its kind. It is suggested to offer
archanas with Vilwa leaves related to Shiva worship. Special abishek is
performed on Saturdays between 6.00-7.30 a.m. covering the Sani Hora time
followed by special pujas in the Yagasala.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. On
Saturdays, the temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. without any breaks.
Festivals
Saturn
transition day is devotionally celebrated in the temple occurring once in two
and half years.
Prayers
It is
suggested to offer archanas with Vilva leaves for Shiva worship. On the next
day of the Pongal, Mattu Pongal day, abishek is performed with 108 pots of
milk. Those who may have to face adverse consequences due to the transit
of this planet and those who may have this planet adversely placed in their
very horoscopes, pray to Saturn for relief and for diluting the intensity of
the effects thereof. Sani transition commonly known as Sani Peyarchi
is observed in the temple with a five day puja and homas. People seek his
blessing for child boon, wedding and success in litigations. Saturn is
also the authority to decide the longevity of lives and professional successes.
Hence, people pray to him for a long life and development in their respective
trades. They light lamps in His shrine with black dhil oil known as Ellu
Ennai in Tamil.
Contact
Sri
Enthira Saneeswarar Temple,
Tiruerikuppam
– 606 903
Kalambur
Post, Thiruvannamalai District
Phone: +91 4173 229 273
Mobile: +91 93602 23428
Connectivity
The
temple is about 9 Kms from Arani to Padavedu route. Arani is about 58 Kms
from Thiruvannamalai and 41 Kms from Vellore. The temple can be reached through
Santhavasal in Thiruvannamalai to Vellore route. Santhavasal is about 3 Kms
from Erikuppam. The temple is 1 km far from the Erikuppam bus stop. Plenty of
buses are available on Saturdays from Arani. Nearest Railway Station is
located at Vellore and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.