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Tamilnadu Agastheeswarar Temple Pozhichalur
For people who visit and worship the Navagrahas, Agastheeswarar temple is regarded as the Shani Sthalam meaning temple for Shani, who is one of the Navagrahas. This temple is around 800 years old and features the architecture of 12th century but does not resemble the magnificence of the historical Cholas temples. This fact is evidenced by the construction style which comprise of a Gaja-Brashta-Vimana similar to the back of the elephant and the inscription in the stones.
It is believed that the Shiva lingam was found when the inhabitant mudaliars, a group of Hindus, were ploughing their land. Conventionally, every temple that was visited by the Sage Agasthya was called Agastheeswaram. This temple is also believed to be visited by that Sage, on the way returning from the Himalayas to Podhigai hills for worshipping Lord Shiva and hence named as Agastheeswarar Temple.
History
Sri Aanand Valli Sametha Agastheeswarar temple is located in Pozhichalur, which is the only village in North Tamil Nadu among the Navagraha remedial places of Thondai manadalam for Lord Shani. The Saturn God has many phases which include Janma Shani, Ezharai Shani and Kanda Shani. It is believed that Lord Shani will provide harmful effects to the people due to dhoshams. He wanted to get relieved of these sins, and hence prayed to Lord Shiva. He in turn asked Lord Shani to come to this place for worship. Obeying the words of Lord Shiva, Shani came here, created a sacred pond which is called 'Nallar Shani Theertham', where he washed off all his sins and worshiped God and finally got rid off of all his problems and considered as the main shrine.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport form Pozhichalur is the Meenambakkam airport at Chennai which is just 3 km from the village. The temple is located behind the airport.
By Rail
For tourists coming from outside Chennai, the chief railway stations are the Chennai Central and Tambaram Railway Station. Within Chennai, local trains are plying from Tambaram to Beach through Pallavaram station, which is just 3 km from the temple.
By Road
Numerous bus services are available to Chennai, from various places of South India. All local buses passing through Guindy and Tambaram, stops at Pallavaram, from where direct buses to Pozhichalur are available frequently. Taxis, Share Autos and Auto rickshaws are the other options of local transportation.
Important Shrines
The chief Shrine is Lord Agastheeswarar and his consort Anandavalli Thayar. There is an individual idol for Lord Shani. The Lord's sanctum is face towards east, while that of consort is faced towards South.
Significance Of The Temple
In this temple, a separate idol of Shaneeswarar is kept facing the western direction, which is believed to be very powerful and is also referred to as Vadathirunallaru. Crow is considered to be the vehicle of Lord Shani and they come in large numbers have the offerings of food are made to God. People who want to get rid of the harmful effects of Shani Bhagavan feed the cattle, dog and mainly the crows in this temple and get relieved of their sins.
Weather And Time To Visit
Since most of the months are very hot in Chennai. January, February, November and December are the ideal months for visiting the Agastheeswarar temple, which will offer you a comfortable and wonderful experience. Special poojas are conducted on a daily basis by 5.45 am, 8.00 am, 11.30 am, 3 pm and 8.30 pm.
Accomodation
There are many comfortable places for accommodation like Suvi Transit, Hotel KEK which are within 2 km from the temple and hotels like Shylee Niwas and Grand Palace which are within 5 km offering rooms at affordable rates.
Tips For The Devotees
Black til is collected in a black cloth dipped in gingili oil and are lighted as lamps by the devotees. The deity is to be seen only sideways by the devotees and then have to visit Lord Shiva and then Anandavalli Thayaar. It is said that lord Shani should be visited back after seeing Lord Shiva. They also prepare til rice and offer it as food for God.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
This temple is referred in Nadi Jodhidam for parikarams and hence it is popularly known as Naadi Pariharasthalam. Several North Indians and foreigners visit this temple for doing parihaarams for their dhoshams. The most important festivals that are celebrated with great splendor and pomp are Karthikai Deepam, Maha Shivarathri, Guru Peyarchi and Shani Peyarchi. Special rituals are done for getting rid of their sins and lead a happy and healthy life.
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