Description
The Hindu temple of Pongu Shaneeshwarar is located at a distance of 7 km from Katchanam and 2.5 km from Vikkirapandiyam, Tamil Nadu. This holy place is also known as Agneeswarar temple at Thirukkollikadu or Kallikadu. Among the 64 Swayambhu Lingams the Lingam at this place is one of them. As per the name, the colour of this Lingam here is slightly reddish.
History
Agni was under the hold of ezharai sani when he had missing some of his energy due to the following factors. Agni took part in yaga performed by Dakshan who was father-in-law of Lord Shiva. The main objective of performing yaga by Dakshan was to offend Shiva. Agni had also been affected with dosha when the wax palace was burnt with the purpose to destroy the Pandavas. Fire (Agni) interceded to Lord Shiva at this place to get returning his energy. Lord Shiva gratified him here & therefore known as Agnesswarar. There is a tale behind how this temple is so essential for Saneeswaran praise. Saneeswaran is just a planet that has effects on the individual according to his karmas (deeds). However, individuals misinterpreted and terrifying the very discuss of the name. Ezharai Sani or the 7.50 % period interval when the planet molds its malefic impact on the native of the horoscope is a terrifying peroid. In the same way ashtama Sani is feared. Saneeswaran did not like this and he appealed to the Lord that he should not be blamed accountable or attributed for doing his allocated process. Master Shiva was satisfied with Saneeswaran and conferred him the tittle Saneeswaran here. No other planet has the tag Easwaran connected. He instructed Saneeswaran to remain at this temple as Pongu Sani and bless the enthusiasts.
Importance/Significance
Agni Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Siva here and hence the name Agneeswarar and the location came to be known as Agnipuri. In genuine Tamil, Thirugnana Sambandar is also known as the Lord Kollikaadar. This historical temple was designed as a marble framework by the Chola kings. The identities seen in the temple are Rajendra Chola, Raja Raja Chola, and Rajadiraja Chola-I are to be seen in the temple. There's no Raja gopuram. The sannadhi for Sani Bhagavan is in the South west area. The idol is seen with kalappai or plough (right) & crow (left) in his top two hands, left-hand part as ooru hastam and the right part as abhaya hastam (Anugraha murti). Tenders of Oomatham plant to Lord Sani here is said to treat psychologically affected enthusiasts. On executing pooja with Vanni leaf he will shower prosperity and on providing Kondrai flower he will bless enthusiasts with serenity & unity in the family.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The main festival of this temple is Maha Shivrathri which is held during the period from February-March. It is celebrated with great excitement and obsession. People from different parts of India throng this temple to take darshan of Lord Shiva on the ritual occasion of Maha Shivrathri. Margazhi Tiruvadhirai is another festival celebrated from December-January.
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