Pozhichalur Sri Agastheeshwarar Temple (Sani Sthalam), Chennai

Address

Pozhichalur Sri Agastheeshwarar Temple (Sani Sthalam), Pozhichalur, Chennai – 600 074 Phone: +91 44 22631410 / 32564022 Mobile: +91 93818 17940 / 93823 05974

Diety

Sri Agastheeshwarar Amman: Ananthavalli.

Introduction

The Agastheeshwarar Temple, located in Pozhichalur behind Chennai Airport in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a significant temple with historical, mythological, and astrological importance.

Puranic Significance

According to legend, the great sage Agastya played a crucial role in balancing the earth when all the celestial beings traveled to the Himalayas to attend the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. His divine intervention stabilized the earth.
Agastya, who wanted to witness the divine wedding, received divine sight from Lord Shiva, allowing him to witness the marriage from various locations across South India.
The temple is called Agastheeshwarar because it is believed that Agastya installed the Shiva Lingam here during his divine journey.

Lord Agastheeshwarar:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Agastheeshwarar, a form of Lord Shiva. The sanctum enshrines a large Shiva Lingam.
The sanctum is built in the Gajabrushta shape, also known as Thoongaanai Maadam shape.
In the month of Chithirai, on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days, when the sun rises in the east, its rays fall directly on the Shivalingam, creating a spectacular sight.

Saniswara Bhagavan (Saturn):

The temple has a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Saneeswara Bhagavan (Saturn), often referred to as Vada Thirunallar. This shrine is considered to be very powerful, and Lord Saneeswara is seen with a Chin Mudra.
The temple is known for its unique tradition of feeding crows, which are believed to be the vehicle of Lord Saneeswara. Devotees offer food to the crows to seek relief from the impact of Sani Dosham (the adverse effects of Saturn).

Parihara Sthalam for Rahu and Ketu:

In addition to its significance related to Lord Saneeswara, the temple is also a Parihara Sthalam for Rahu and Ketu, two of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities).

Beliefs

Those who cannot go to Tirunallar worship here and do Dosha parihara and return happily. Light ghee lamp in Sani Hora and live in prosperity mitigating all troubles.

Special Features

Other Deities and Features:

Lord Nataraja’s presence as Utsava Moorthy makes the Arudhra festival a special occasion at the temple.
The temple also houses a shrine for Goddess Durga, as well as Lord Anjaneyar (Sri Hanuman).
A separate Navagraha sannidhi (shrine) is located inside the temple complex.
Outside the temple, there is a Go Shala (cow shelter), reinforcing the importance of cow worship in Hindu tradition.
The temple has a sthala viruksham (sacred tree) called “Maa Maram” (Mango tree), located at the north-western side of the temple.
There is another Shiva temple located approximately 100 meters northeast of the Agastheeshwarar Temple, which is also ancient and features a large Shiva Lingam. This temple does not have a separate shrine for the goddess.

Theertham and Surroundings:

The temple’s sacred water tank (Theertham) is called “Sani Theertham.” Unfortunately, this pond is in a state of disrepair with encroachments all around.
A unique neem tree stands to the southwest of the temple, alongside a Banyan tree. The site features a Ganesha idol and Nagas (serpent deities).

Festivals

Mahasivarathri, Karthikai Deepam, Sani Peyarchi, Rahu Kaalam, Pradoshams, Arudhra Dharisanam and Guru Peyarchi are the major festivals celebrated amid much pomp and splendor.