A shrine for Saturn

The serenity has an aura of spirituality at Thirukollikadu a sleepy hamlet on the Mannargudi -Thiruthurai poondi road in the agrarian heartland of Tamilnadu.

Thitukollikadu is a temple dedicated to Agneeswarar and Saturn.
The presiding deity - Kollikadar- Agneeswarar

Ambal - Panchiniyum mellidayal
Sthala vriksha - Vanni
Holy waters - Sani theetham

Thirukollikadu is also called Agneeswaram because Agni Bhagwan worshipped the presiding deity and got rid of his curse. Saturn a planet in the navagrahas is intertwined with the lore of the temple.

Sun God

The heat radiated by Sun God -Surya was unbearable that his consort Usha Devi made Chaya Devi marry Surya to mitigate his burning brilliance. Even she was unable to control Surya. Thus with his consorts Surya worshipped Agneeswarar as advised by Agni.Bhagwan.

Agneeswarar happy with their prayers asked them to stand in the Sani Theertham (near the temple) and reduced the heat of Surya. He also blessed them with progeny.

Usha Devi was blessed with a son -Yama and Chaya Devi with Saturn. -Sani

Agneeswarar ordained Saturn to be the most important planet of the Navagrahas and declared that Saturn will punish a man according to his misdeeds so that he will realize his folly.

Thus Saturn took the baton in his hands and chastised celestials and mortals which created a stir in the universe.

Instead of worshipping Saturn they started fearing his wrath. Saturn disturbed by the turn of events requested Agneeswarar that he should be like any other Gods and bless mankind, but now people fear his malefic effect... But the Lord refused to budge and comply with his request. He ordered Saturn to follow his orders and punish the wicked. Saturn however was not satisfied with the Lord's answer and approached Sage Vasishta for advice.

( To be contd)

Usha Raja