Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu is one of the famous Hindu Temples in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Agneeswara. Lord Shiva resided in this temple, known as Thirukollikadar or Theevana Nathar, where ‘Thee’ means fire and ‘Vana’ means colour. As the name says, the Shiva Lingam in this temple is reddish with his consort, Lord Shani. The following article has the temple timings, pooja details, history, festivals celebrated, etc.
About Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu:
Contents
- 1 About Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu:
- 1.1 History of Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu:
- 1.2 Timings:
- 1.3 Festivals celebrated in Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu:
- 1.4 What are the opening timings of Pongu Saneeswara Temple?
- 1.5 What is the address of Agneeswara Temple Thirukollikadu?
- 1.6 Which god is worshipped in Ageeswara Temple Thirukollikadu?
- 1.7 Why are festivals celebrated in Pongu Saneeswara temple?
Tamil Nadu is famous for its traditional and ancient festivals, as well as its great architecture and history. Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu is one of them, and it has a great history dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Agni. According to the Hindu faith, the concept of 7 1/2 years of Shani in everyone’s life affects their life. Lord Shani didn’t agree with this, as he believed that this was the result of one’s past Karma, so he started worshipping Lord Shiva on the advice of Sage Vasista.
Lord Shiva in this temple is in the form of Agni, which can be seen in the reddish colour of Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva blessed Shani to positively influence people here, which gave them the name Pongu Shani, which means Prosperous Shani. As the Lord here is in the form of Agni with a reddish colour, Kollikadu became another name, where Kolli means fire in Tamil. This temple was built with bricks during the Chola dynasty and later renovated by Raja Raja Chola 1 with granite.
History of Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu:
The history of Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu says that Lord Agni worshipped Lord Shiva, asking for his power back. Lord Agni lost his powers for two reasons. First, he participated in the Yaagam that Dhaksha Maharaja performed to insult Lord Shiva. Another is to burn down the wax palace where Pandavas stayed to kill them. DelDelighted by the prayer, Lord Shiva blessed Agni with his power back in this place, which became famous as Agneeswara Temple.
Another story is the blame he got for the seven and half years of Shani in people’s lives because of their past actions returning as Karma. So, Shani worshipped Lord Shiva with the advice of Yogi Vasista, and Lord Shiva blessed Shani to influence people’s lives positively. Later, he also asked him to stay in the temple, where he gave the name Shanieeswara. He is the only planet on which the name Eeswara is known.
People believe visiting this temple can remove their Shani with the blessings of Lord Shiva and Shani. The Lord resides here on his vehicle crow and blesses his devotees.
Timings:
The visiting timings of Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu are,
| Day | Timings |
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Festivals celebrated in Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu:
Every Hindu festival in India is famous for its yearly grand festival celebrations. Pongu Sani temple Thirukollikadu is resided with Lord Shiva, Lord Shani and Agni. So Mahashivaratri is the festival that is celebrated grandly with excitement and possession. This festival comes between February and March, and devotees from different parts of the country visit here on this day to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Sanitriodashi is also celebrated here, and people come to remove their negative influence after taking blessings from Shani. Margazhi Tiruvadhirai is another festival that is celebrated here between December and January.
Other places to visit:
There are other places to visit after visiting Pongu Sani Temple Thirukollikadu and taking blessings from the Lord Shiva and Shani. The following list helps you to plan according to your trip.
- Brihadeeswara Temple
- Thirunellika temple
- Thyagarajaswamy Temple
- Saraswati Temple
- Tharangambadi Beach
- Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
- Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple
Hotels near Sri Pongu Sani Temple Thirukolliakdu:
The following list has affordable and luxurious accommodations for your Pongu Sani Temple Thirukolikadu visit. They are,
- Mantra Koodam
- Hotel Kanakabhishegam
- Laya Regency
- Royal Shri Amritayga
- Hotel Million Day
- Annai Residency
- Temple stays
How to reach?
There are three ways to reach the famous and traditional Pongu Sani Temple Thriukollikadu. They are,
By air: The nearest airport is Tanjavur Airport, a half-hour journey to the temple from which you can take a taxi or private cab.
By rail: Thiruvavur Railway Station is 25 km away and takes 33 minutes to reach. Many trains reach this destination, and once you reach it, you can take any taxi or cab to the Agneeswara Temple.
By road: This temple is located 7 km from Katchanam and 2.5 km from Vikirapandiyam, with many bus stations. Many private taxis can drop you off at the temple from any bus station.
Address and Phone number:
Address: Arulmigu Pongueeswarar Temple, Valangaimam Taluk, Thirukollikadu, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
Phone number: 04374-269407
Email Id: srisanibhagavatemple@gmail.com.
FAQs:
What are the opening timings of Pongu Saneeswara Temple?
The temple’s opening hours are 6:00 AM—8:00 PM, during which devotees can receive blessings from Lord Shiva and Lord Shani.
What is the address of Agneeswara Temple Thirukollikadu?
Arulmigu Pongueeswarar Temple, Valangaimam Taluk, Thirukollikadu, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
Which god is worshipped in Ageeswara Temple Thirukollikadu?
Lord Shiva and Saneeswara Swamy are worshipped in Agneeswara Temple along with Lord Agni.
Why are festivals celebrated in Pongu Saneeswara temple?
Mahashivaratri and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai are the two festivals celebrated grandly yearly in this temple.