Are you going through a difficult time due to Sani Dosham? Do you know there is a powerful temple where Lord Shiva himself protected a devotee from Saneeswara and humbled the planet Saturn? -

Welcome to Thiru Vazhuvur (Valuvur), one of the 8 heroic temples (Atta Veeratta Sthalam) of Lord Shiva. Located near Mayiladuthurai, this temple is famous for the Gajasamhara Murthy (Shiva slaying the Elephant Demon) and a unique, powerful shrine for Saneeswara Bhagavan.

Here is everything you need to know about the Sirapu (Speciality) and Prasithi (Fame) of this divine sthalam.

Enna Sirapu? (What is Special?)

1. The Legend of Sani’s Defeat (Sani Garva Bhangam)

The most unique specialty of Valuvur is the legend involving King Vikrama Raja. The King was being chased by Saneeswara (during his Sani Dasa) and suffered greatly. To escape, the King jumped into the sacred temple tank (Eesana Theertham).

The Miracle: Lord Shiva, seeing his devotee in trouble, rose in anger. Saneeswara, terrified of Shiva’s fury, fell at the Lord’s feet and asked for pardon. Legend says Saneeswara was punished and even injured his leg here, which is why he stands humbly in this temple.
Benefit: Since Sani himself surrendered here, devotees believe that worshipping Shiva and Sani here provides immediate relief from the harsh effects of 7.5 Years Sani (Ezharai Sani) and Ashtama Sani.

2. Saneeswara with a Bow (Dhanus)

Unlike other temples where Saneeswara is seen with just his crow or simple weapons, in Valuvur, Saneeswara Bhagavan appears in a unique form holding a Bow (Villu). This rare form signifies his power, but here he is subservient to Lord Shiva.

3. Guru and Sani Face-to-Face

Usually, Jupiter (Guru) and Saturn (Sani) are considered adversaries and do not face each other. However, in Valuvur, they are seated face-to-face. This makes the temple a “Griha Mitra Kshetram”, meaning it brings harmony between different planetary effects.

Yen Prasithi Petrathu? (Why is it Famous?)

1. Pariharam for “Kettai” Star (Jyeshta)

Valuvur is extremely famous as a remedial temple for people born under the Kettai (Jyeshta) star. Special Abishekams are performed here to remove obstacles in marriage and career for Kettai star natives.

2. Relief from Debt and Fear

Just as Lord Shiva peeled the elephant skin (Gajasamhara) to remove the ego of the sages, worshipping here removes the “fear of death” and “heavy debts” caused by planetary positions.

3. The Sacred Theertham

The temple tank, Pancha Brahma Theertham (or Eesana Theertham), is considered very holy. It is the same tank where King Vikrama bathed to get cured of Sani’s affliction. Devotees take a holy dip here to wash away their karmic sins.