SRI AKSHAYAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE VILANKULAM

Sani Baghwan (planet Saturn) graces in the temple facing south with His consorts Mandha and Jeshta in wedding form.

Sri Akshaya Pureeswarar Temple,Vilankulam – 614 612.

Peravurani Taluk, Thanjavur District.

Phone: +91 97507 84944, 96266 85051.

The temple is open from 4.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. continuously.

Mahasivarathri in February-March, Tirukarthikai in November-December and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

The place is closely associated with Planet Saturn. His son, Yama the God of Death hit Him on His leg and was lamed. Saturn began a pilgrimage to all Shiva temples for remedy. When He came here, he fell down struck by the roots of the Vila tree. It was a Saturday (Sani's own day) combined with Poosam star and Akshaya Thrithiya indicating prosperity. As He fell, the spring Poosa Gnanavavi, hidden till then, rose with force and took Him up. Lord Akshaya Pureeswara granted darshan to Him and blessed Sani. His leg became straight.

Combined with the names of Vila tree and the Gnanavari spring, the place came to be known as Vilankulam. Kulam-spring. A Siddha, Poosa Marungar by name, living in Saneeswara Loka (world), used to spill the Sanivari theertha on the springs of Shiva temples. It is believed that the Siddha is visiting the temple for worship daily.

When his leg was affected, Saturn worshipped Akshaya Purreswarar in the temple. This star is eighth in the list of 27 stars. Hence, natives are advised to pray here on the star day or on the Akshaya Tthritiya day falling in the month of April-May for gaining all prosperity and health in life. They should also perform abishek to Sani Bhagwan eight items and circumambulate the shrine eight times for lasting solutions for their problems. Even if the impact of Sani aspect would be severe, this prayer would help reduce the intensity of the planet.

Vilankulam Saneeswara is sought by those facing debt burdens, distressed, frequent health problems, the handicapped and facing obstacles in marriage proposals. The Lord is gracing in the temple with His consorts Jeshta and Mandha in wedding form in the name of Aadhibruhat Saneeswara. Mother Abhivruddhi Nayaki (mother granting all progress in life) ensures all development in life. There is no Navagraha shrine in the temple. Instead, Sani Baghwan and His Father Sun grace from their respective shrines. Lord Vinayaka graces facing west. As He ensures success (Vijaya) to His devotees, He is praised as Vijaya Vinayaka.