Shanishwara Temple (Navagraha Temple), Moratandi, Villupuram

Navagraha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Navagrahas located in Moratandi Village near Union Territory of Pondicherry in Villupuram District of Tamilnadu. The Temple covers an area of 2 acres. The main deity Shaniswara Bhagwan is about 27 feet tall and each Navagraha idol is 15 feet tall. All Navagrahas are huge idols with their vahanas. Among them, Surya the sun god is present at the centre who resembles his importance compared with Navagrahas.

Navagraha means nine planets, and thus Navagraha temples are a congregation of temples which are devoted to the nine celestial bodies according to Hindu astronomy, namely, Surya (Sun), Chandra(Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). So, the Navagraha temples are a cluster of nine separate temples, each of which is an abode of one of the Navagrahas.

As each Navagrahas have each distinct tree, there also certain trees that denote the zodiac signs. People with various zodiac signs worship the tree that belongs to their star. Worshipping the god with oil lamps and trees related to star is all a kind of worship in Hinduism. Poojas are also done with various kinds of flowers according to the star of an individual.

There are 108 trees of different breed and of different age around this temple. There are idols of all 27 stars, Shiva, Ganesha and even Vastu Bhagavan all above 15 feet tall. These factors make this temple one of its own kinds.

On Saturdays devotees throng to this temple as this is the day preferred by Lord Shanishwara. Festivals of this temple are Shani Pradosha and New Year.

People suffering from adverse planetary effect visit this temple and do special poojas for their corresponding star deities.Devotees pray here for wedding and child boons.