Loka Nayaka Shaneshwara Temple

Loka Nayaka Shaneshwara Temple- Puliakulam

Loka Nayaka Shaneshwara Temple is located at Puliakulam in Coimbatore district – Tamilnadu.Shani Bhagwan (also known as Shani, Shani Dev, Shani Maharaj, and Chayyaputra) is one of the most popular deities in the traditional religion of Hinduism. This temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old.

The idol of Lord Shani Maharaj is 7 feet (2.1 m) tall and is made of iron. A crow which is the mount of Shani is made also of iron stands in front of the main deity
At this place, Shani and his chariot crow are iron statues which are not found anywhere else in the world. The statue is made of metallic pure steel iron.

The architecture of the Loga Nayaga Shaniswara Temple is characterized by traditional Dravidian elements, with towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors that capture the eye. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Shaniswara, which is the focal point for worship and ceremonies.

Origins of Lord Shani

Shani is the son of Surya, the Hindu sun god, and Chaya (“Shade”), a servant of Surya who acted as surrogate mother for Surya’s wife Swarna. While Shani was in Chaya’s womb, she fasted and sat under the hot sun to impress Shiva, who intervened and nurtured Shani. As a result, Shani turned black in the womb, which is said to have enraged his father, Surya. When Shani opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse: that is Shani turning his father (temporarily) black in a rage of his own.

The elder brother of the Hindu god of death, Yama, Shani delivers justice while a person is alive and Yama serves justice after a person’s death. Among Shani’s other relatives are his sisters—the goddess Kali, destroyer of evil forces, and the goddess of the hunt Putri Bhadra. Shiva, married to Kali, is both his brother-in-law and his guru.

The temple serves as a cultural hub for the community, hosting various festivals and events throughout the year that are centered around the movements of Saturn and its astrological phases, such as Sani Peyarchi (the transit of Saturn) and Shani Amavasya (the new moon day dedicated to Lord Shani). During these times, the temple becomes a hive of activity with special poojas (prayers), abhishekams (ritual bathing of the deity), and annadanam (offering of food) being conducted.