The leader of the nine planets is Sun. He has two wives-Sayadevi and Ushadevi respectively. Lord Saneeswaran, is also known as Sayaputhran, (son of Saya).It is said that “Saniyai pol kodupaarum illai; Saniyai pol kedupaarum illai” (there is nobody who will give at the same time obstruct like Saneeswaran).
The Saturn (Saneeswaran) moves his house every thirty months. He moved from Kadaka Rasi (Cancer)to Simma Rasi (Leo) on August 5th 2007 at 12.34 pm according to Vaakkiya Panchaangam (almanac).
Special poojas and Yagams (vedic fire) have been orgainsed on the eve of the “Sani Peyarchchi”. A festival of Sani Peyarchchi was celebrated on August 5 th 2007.
A special Yagam was organized at the Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapitty on August 4 th and 5th 2007. As the countdown started for the transit of Saturn from the ‘Kadaga Rasi’ to the ‘Simma Rasi’, New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapitty, in capital of Sri Lanka was brimming with devotees. Hundreds of devotees thronged the temple to worship and take part in Yagam. The devotees were allowed to go near the “Omakundam” (Place to set fire) to perform the religious rituals. They were given sesame seeds on betel leaves along with banana, flowers and a ring of “Thettpai” (a ring made out of straw). It’s worn while performing the religious rituals.
Men, women and children flocked the temple in large numbers. Festive atmosphere was created on both days. An “Abishekam” (a shower with milk, honey, fruits, curd, king coconut water, saffron, holy ash, sandalwood, Kumkumam and water) was performed to Saneeswaran. Bells began to toll, devotees lit sesame lamps, some sang devotional songs, priests chanted the Sanskrit Mandras and the Vedic fire was set. Coins, betel leaves, ghee, sesame seeds, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, were offered along with other holy items.
