SRI SHANIMAHATMA TEMPLE Temple Famous for : This temple is famous for removing ill effects. Belief / Faith : Domestic Issues, Unfavourable Influence (Dosha), Temple Tank and Sacred Tree : Banks of Madhure Kere, a big lake. About Sri Shanimahatma Temple : Shani or Shanishwara is one of the nine planets in Hindu astrology. Shanishwara is an embodiment of Saturn. He is the son of Suryadeva and his second wife Chaya Devi. He is one of the most feared and revered astrological deities. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shanishwara, one of the planets in Hindu Astrology. The Shani Mahatma temple located at Chikka Madhure, was constructed by Ganga Hanumaiah, a local farmer. It is believed tha, t one can get rid of or lessen the negative effects of Sade sathi (seven and a half years effect) or Ashtama Shani or Panchama Shani on worshipping or by offering special poojas to Shri Shaneshwara temple at Chikka Madhure. In support of this, one can see lot of people offering Ellu Batti to the fireplace right in front of the temple. 'Ellu Batti' means black sesame seeds are put into small pieces of cloth and are tied with black thread and this is dipped in Gingelly oil (sesame oil). This offering is believed to please Lord Shanishwara. The idol of Shani Mahatma is dark in colour, heavily adorned with jewellery and clothed in black. Though open on all days, the temple attracts devotees in huge numbers on Saturdays, the special day dedicated to Shani Mahatma. A chariot procession of Shani Mahatma during the annual festival, would be the right time to visit the temple with the whole family. It is believed that by praying and offering poojas at Shri Shani Mahatma temple, one can lessen the negative effects of the planet in life. He is a strict Deva who esures the punishment he has been ordained to give with severity. Yet, he also blesses with generosity. Shanishwara’s negative influence on one’s natal chart, is one of the most feared beliefs in India. People flock to temples to worship Shanishwara, in order to lessen the ill effects of his influence. There are many temples for Shanishwara, one of the most famous being the temple at Thirunallar in Tamilnadu. The Shri Shanimahathma temple at Chikka Madure is considered to be one of the oldest. This temple is located on the banks of Madhure Kere, a big lake. This temple is constructed in the South Indian style, with a Gopura (tower). The annual festivals in which an idol of Shanishwara is taken out on procession on a chariot, attracts a lot of devotees. People come to this temple to pray to Lord Shanimahathma.