Information of Sri Mandeswara (Saneeswara) Swamy Temple, Mandapalli, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

Sri Mandeswara (Saneeswara) Swamy Temple is located in the village named Mandapalli, in the district of East Godavari, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, in South India. According to the local legends and religious experts, this is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shani within the nation that is having a 7 ½ feet idol of the Lord. This particular primary idol has been installed in a successful manner along with Goddess Jwestha Devi on a huge vehicle in a very attraction manner. On the eve of Shani Thrayodasi, special poojas and homams are held in this temple. People from the southern states of India visit this particular shrine in order to remove the hurdles faced by them in their personal and professional life with a lot of perfection.

Sri Mandeswara Swamy Temple Religious Significance

At Saneeswara Swamy Temple, adherent devotees and pilgrim perform special Shani pooja. This particular poojas is performed standing in the westward direction with gemstone named Blue Sapphire or Neelam. The metal used in this religious activity is lead. The ruling day of this pooja is Saturday. The flowers used in the pooja are Vanni and Kuvalai. The things used in this pooja are mostly in black in color. The associated number used in this ritual is seven. Black Urad Daal is the primary ingredient in this ritual. It is nixed with raw rice for offering to Lord. The Dhyan Mantra used in it is "Nilanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam Chaya Mrttanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Shanai Shwaram". On the other hand, the Shani Gayatri Mantra used in it is "Aum Sanaischaraya Vidmahe, Sooryaputraya Dheemahi, Tanno Manda Prachodayat". This particular pooja is done in order to appease planet Saturn. The wholehearted worship of Saturn is really sought to get rid of various diseases and for mental peace.

Sri Mandeswara Swamy Temple Architectural Significance

Saneeswara Swamy Temple is classified as an ancient Hindu temple in this region. It was well-patronage by local people and local rulers of this particular region. It gained nation attention because of its religious and architectural significance. It is a moderate sized shrine when compared to other ancient and medieval Hindu temples of this particular region and South India. It is built based on South Indian ancient Hindu architectural style and pattern. The idols of Lord Saneeswara Swamy along with Goddess Jwestha Devi are perfectly installed on a huge vehicle in a very religious manner. The main attraction is that the idol of the primary deity is nearly 7 ½ feet which is a rear idol in Hindu temple culture and tradition to a great extent. It is a walled or fortified shrine with an entrance and exist gateways. The flooring and ceiling of this temple is really marvelous in many aspects. The fleet of steps leading to the temple is carved beautifully in black stone with some religious sayings and thoughts. The Rajagopuram or main tower of this shrine is moderate in height. There are just few sub-temples in the temple premises.

Festivals at Sri Mandeswara Swamy Temple

It is to be remembered that Shani or Saturn is an indicator of wisdom born of experience, longevity, integrity, misery, humility, sorrow, leadership and authority, old age and death, discipline, ambition, restriction, delays and responsibility. Most of the devotees visit this temple on every Saturdays in order to seek the blessing of this Lord. They perform special Shani pooja, homams, yagnas and other religious activities and functions at this shrine with a lot of perfection.