One of the Navagraha in Hindu astrology, Saneeswaran is said to have a crippled leg, resulting in him being a slow or sluggish walker. His typical mode of transportation is a crow. According to Hindu mythology, Surya Deva and Saya Devi were his parents when he was born. Due to this, Mandan was given to him.
Sandhyadevi, the wife of Lord Surya, lost her power to the intense heat of the sun. In order to regain her strength, she devised a shadow duplicate named Sayadevi to take her place. While Sandhya went to Earth for penance, Sayadevi took up residence with Surya. However, Sayadevi’s son Shani had a dark complexion due to his shadow origin. This led Surya to reject Shani, causing Sayadevi to weep and Shani to glare in anger, resulting in a solar eclipse. It was then that Lord Shiva clarified Shani’s role in delivering just verdicts without bias. Eventually, Surya came to accept Shani and he moved on to Saniloka to fulfill his duties, setting aside personal desires. It was said that even Lord Shiva himself could not escape the powerful gaze of Shani.
Dharparanyeswarar Tirunallaru
Located in the Union Territory of Puducherry, Tirunallaru Dharparanyeswarar Temple is one of India’s most famous Shaniswara temples. In this temple, there is a separate sanctum for Shaniswar. Saneeswaran is said to have traveled here after paying homage to Lord Shiva in Kashi.
Temple of Kuchanur Saneeswaran
At Kuchanur Saneeswaran Temple in Kuchanur, Theni district, Saneeswaran is the source of Swayambu.
Saneeswaran Temple in Trincomalee
Sri Lanka’s Saneeswaran Temple was built in 1885, opposite the Sri Krishnan Temple in Mattathadi, Trincomalee.
Temple of Lok Nayak Saneeswaran
There is a metal statue of Lord Saniswar at Loka Nayak Saneeswaran Temple in Puliyakulam in Coimbatore district.
