Vishnu related - Thirukkollikadu - Pongu Saneeswaran who gives boon

Thirukkollikadu - Pongu Saneeswaran Temple

Normally all the temples where the deity is Sani (Saturn) Bhagavan devotees come to get relief from Sani Dasa (saade saathi - Ezharai Sani,  Ashtma Sani etc) in the horoscope. But there is one temple dedicated the Lord Sani where the lord instead of just giving remedy for the dosha gives the desired boons to the devotees.

It is the general belief of the people that Lord Sani is a malefic Graha (house - planet) creating miseries and obstacles in one's life during the period of the Sani Dasa (planetary position of planet Sani - Saturn in disadvantageous position). These periods are known as saade saathi, ezhara sani, sani payarchi, Ashtma sani etc when the concerned persons will have the experience of living as if in a horrible hell subjected to all kinds of obstacles, terrors and humiliations etc. Hence people dread at the very mention of the name Sani. But  the real position is that Sani is a just planet doing its duties without fear or favour. The sufferings to be undergone by persons are due to their Karmas (deeds) of the past or past life. He is only doing what is to be done as just. So Sani did not like this unenviable position in the minds of people for no fault of his. He approached the Lord Param Eswar and explained his position and wanted not to blamed for his doing the work assigned to him. The Lord Param Eswar was pleased with Sani and directed him to stay in the place as Pongu Sani and bless the devotees who come to him. He also conferred on Sani the title of 'Saneeswar'. Saneeswar is the only planet to get the tag Eswar attached to his name. This took place in a temple at Thirukollikadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Agni (fire - Mangal) but is famous for Saneeswar's presence. The lord here is seated on his carrier (vehicle) crow as anugraha murthy meaning one who showers blessings. His lower right hand is in abhaya posture meaning showering blessings to the seekers.The temple is also known as Pongu Saneeswaran Temple as the lord here gives prosperity (pongu means higher position, prosperity, improvement, growth etc).  

Sani Pradosh (pradosh falling on Saturday. Pradosh means the dusk - sayam sandhya  falling on the waxing moon - Thrayodasi after Amavasya)  is an important day which is considered as an extremely auspicious day of worship.

It is the belief that people affected by Sani Dasa should go to Thirunallar another Saneeswara temple to get the effect of the dasa reduced or removed and then go to Thirukollikadu Saneeswar temple and get his blessings.

Sani planet is also called as Saneeschar (planet moving slowly). Many people mix up the words Saneeswar and Saneeschar as if both are same. Both are not same as one identify it as a god (eswar) and the other word is to indicate the slow pace of movement of the planet.

Thirukollikadu Saneeswar is in Agneeswar (lord Fire) temple in the village Thirukollikkadu under the Thirunellikaval P O in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnad. It is about 25 km from Thiruvarur. Nearest towns are Thrivarur and Mannargudi and are having decent accommodations.

http://templesoftamilnadu.co.in/2010/02/thirukkollikadu-pongu-saneeswaran/