According to Hindu mythology, Saneeswaran is one of the Navagrahas. He is said to be born to Surya Deva and Saya Devi. He uses a crow to travel. Due to his crippled leg, he is slow or sluggish in walking, which is why Mandan was given to him.
Sandhyadevi, the wife of Lord Surya, lost her power to the intense heat of the sun. In order to regain it, she created a duplicate named Sayadevi to take her place. Sandhya then went to Earth to perform penance, while Sayadevi moved in with Surya. Sayadevi’s son Shani was born with a dark appearance due to his shadowy origin. This caused Surya to reject him, leading to Sayadevi’s tears and Shani’s angry gaze that resulted in a solar eclipse. However, Lord Shiva later explained that Shani’s duty is to deliver justice impartially. Upon understanding this, Surya accepted Shani and he left for Saniloka to fulfill his duties without any personal attachments. It was believed that Shani’s intense gaze had an effect on everyone, including Lord Shiva himself.
Dharparanyeswarar Tirunallaru
Tirunallaru Dharparanyeswarar Temple is one of Puducherry’s most well-known Shaniswara temples. In this temple, there is a separate sanctum for Shaniswar. Saneeswaran is believed to have traveled here after paying homage to Lord Shiva in Kashi.
Temple of Kuchanur Saneeswaran
At Kuchanur Saneeswaran Temple in Kuchanur, Theni district, Saneeswaran is Swayambu.
Saneeswaran Temple in Trincomalee
The Saneeswaran Temple in Sri Lanka was built in 1885 opposite the Sri Krishnan Temple in Mattathadi, Trincomalee.
Temple of Lok Nayak Saneeswaran
There is a metal statue of Lord Saniswar at Loka Nayak Saneeswaran Temple in Puliyakulam in Coimbatore district.
