Tirukkollikkadu Agneeswarar Temple – Pongu Saneeswarar Shrine Guide

 

Location

• Situated at Tirukkollikkadu (historical name: Keeralathur) in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deities

• Moolavar (main deity): Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar (Theevanna Nathar).
• The Lingam here is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) and has a reddish hue, symbolizing fire.
• Consort: Goddess Panjin Melladi Ammai (also called Mrudu Pada Nayaki, Menthiruvadi Amman).
• All names signify “the one with soft feet.”

Subshrines & Features

• Navagraha Shrine: The temple is popularly known as Pongu Saneeswaran Temple, as Lord Shani (Saneeswarar) is worshipped here with special significance.
• Sacred Tree (Sthala Vruksham): Vanni tree.
• Sacred Tank (Theertham): Agni Theertham.
• Other shrines include Goddess Amman and Navagraha deities.

Temple Significance

• Spiritual Importance:
• Believed to burn away hindrances and bring good fortune to devotees.
• Associated with Agni (Fire God), who worshipped Shiva here to regain his lost powers when afflicted by planetary influences (Ezharai Sani).
• Literary Significance:
• Classified as a Padal Petra Sthalam (one of the 275 sacred Shiva temples praised in hymns).
• Saint Thirugnana Sambandar has sung Thevaram hymns in praise of Agneeswarar.
• Unique Aspect:
• The temple is especially famous for Saneeswarar worship. Devotees believe that worship here reduces the malefic effects of Saturn and grants relief from hardships.

History

• The temple dates back over 1000 years and is revered as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, celebrated in the hymns of Thirugnana Sambandar.
• The ancient name of the place is Keeralathur, later known as Tirukkollikkadu.
• It has long been a center of worship for devotees seeking relief from planetary afflictions, especially Saturn (Shani).

Legends

• Agni’s Worship: According to legend, the Fire God (Agni) lost his powers due to the influence of Saturn’s seven-and-a-half-year period (Ezharai Sani). He worshipped Lord Shiva here to regain his strength.
• Saneeswarar’s Blessing: This temple is unique because Saneeswarar (Saturn) is given special prominence, worshipped as Pongu Sani. Devotees believe he blesses them with prosperity and reduces hardships.
• The temple is thus considered a powerful site for those undergoing Shani dosha or difficult Saturn periods.

Rituals

• Daily Poojas: Conducted according to Saiva Agama traditions, with offerings to Lord Shiva (Agneeswarar) and Goddess Panjin Melladi Ammai.
• Special Saturn Worship: Devotees perform Shani Pooja here, as the temple is renowned for Pongu Saneeswarar.
• Abhishekam (holy bath): Performed with sacred items like milk, curd, honey, and ghee to the Lingam.
• Navagraha Pooja: Rituals for planetary deities, especially Saturn, to reduce malefic effects.
• Agni Theertham Bath: Pilgrims take a dip in the temple tank before worship, believed to purify sins.

Festivals

• Mahashivaratri: Celebrated grandly with night-long worship and special abhishekams.
• Saturn Transit Days (Shani Peyarchi): Major festival when devotees throng the temple to seek relief from Saturn’s influence.
• Monthly Pradosham: Evening worship of Shiva during Pradosham is considered highly auspicious.
• Navratri & Amman Festivals: Dedicated to Goddess Panjin Melladi Ammai, with special rituals and cultural programs.
• Karthigai Deepam: Lighting of lamps symbolizing Agni (fire), aligning with the temple’s association with the Fire God.

Beliefs

• Worship here is believed to:
• Burn away hindrances and obstacles in life.
• Grant prosperity and good fortune.
• Reduce the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani dosha).
• Devotees believe that Agni regained his powers here after worshipping Shiva, so prayers at this temple are said to restore lost energy and confidence.
• The temple is considered a remedy site for Ezharai Sani (7.5-year Saturn period), offering relief from hardships.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Evening: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Hours may extend during major festivals like Shani Peyarchi and Mahashivaratri.

Getting Here

• Nearest Towns:
• 21 km from Tiruvarur
• 20 km from Thiruthuraipoondi
• 20 km from Mannargudi
• 112 km from Trichy
• By Bus:
• Regular buses run from Tiruvarur to Vikrapandiyam (Bus No. 28).
• Timings: 5:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM.
• Get down at Vikrapandiyam, which is close to the temple.
• By Train: Nearest railway station is Tiruvarur, well connected to Trichy, Chennai, and other towns.
• By Road: Accessible via local taxis and autos from nearby towns.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Saturdays (for Shani worship), Pradosham days, and during Saturn transit festivals.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred; men often wear dhotis and women sarees or salwar.
• Offerings: Sesame oil lamps, black cloth, and til (sesame seeds) are common offerings to Saneeswarar.
• Sacred Bath: A dip in Agni Theertham before darshan is considered auspicious.
• Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; allowed in outer areas.

Crowd Management

• Peak Days: Saturn transit (Shani Peyarchi), Saturdays, and Mahashivaratri. Expect heavy crowds.
• Tips:
• Arrive early morning for peaceful darshan.
• Carry water and light snacks, as facilities are limited.
• Elderly devotees should avoid peak festival hours; mid-week visits are calmer.
• Local volunteers and temple staff guide queues during major events.