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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 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 with wedding. 

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. 

Saneeswara has importance in such temples.  The Siddha has a rare power of visiting the world of Sun and the world of the Pithrus (departed ancestors) and is the Guru of the crows.  It is believed that the Siddha is visiting the temple for worship daily.

Temple Timings:


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

Temple Festivals:

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

Sani Baghwan (planet Saturn) graces in the temple facing south with His consorts Mandha and Jeshta in wedding form.Poosam starrers are advised to perform abishek to Sani Bhagwan (planet Saturn) with eight objects as oil, panchamirtham, punugu a cosmetic paste, green coconut, milk, curd etc.

They also have to circumambulate the shrine eight times.The adage goes that Poosa Padan brings friendship.  Padan denotes Saturn.  When his leg was affected, Saturn worshipped Akshaya Purreswarar in the temple.  This star is eighth in the list of 27 stars. 

Hence, they 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.  Even if the impact of Sani aspect would be severe, this prayer would help reduce the intensity of adverse look of the planet.

Besides those belonging to Poosam star praying for removal of planetary afflictions, those handicapped and those suffering from leg pain and those facing obstacles in wedding proposals throng the temple for remedy.

Do's:

  • Do pray Your Ishta Devata before Pilgrimage to temple
  • Do Contact Temple Devasthanam information center for inquiry ,temple information and for pooja details etc.
  • Do reserve your travel and accommodation at temple well in advance.
  • Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple
  • Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  • Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  • Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
  • Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only

Don't s:

  • Do not come to Temple for any Purpose other than worshiping of God and Goddess
  • Do not smoke at Temple.
  • Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple
  • Do not Eat Non Vegetarian food in the Kshetram
  • Do not approach mediators for quick Dharshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others
  • Do not carry any weapon inside the temple
  • Do not wear any head guards like helmets ,caps ,turbans and hats inside the temple premises