Saneeswara Temple
Location: Mandapalli near Rajamundry, East Godavari.
Deities: Saneeswara
Also known as Sri Mandeswara Swami Temple and Someswara Temple, it is said that Saturn himself consecrated the linga representing Lord Shiva here. Other deities here are Bhrameswara and Nageswara enshrined in black stone Shivlingas. There is a shrine to Saturn – Saneeswara. This is a small temple attracting a large number of pilgrims.
Legend:
A great sage Dhadichi gave a great sacrifice by donating his spinal cord for Lord Indra`s `Vajra` to relieve the people from the tyranny of the demon Kartabha. However, the sons of the demon Aswartha and Pippala vowed revenge and created havoc in Mandapalli. Sage Agastya approached Lord Shaneeswar or Saturn with the request for help but Shani stated that till the prayers and penance was completed, he would not have strength to fight and get rid of the demons. He relented when sages agreed to give their `Tapasshakti` (power of penance) to him. He fought and killed the demons and relieved the people of their tyranny. Saturn installed a `Shiva Linga` known as `Someswara` or `Mandeshwara` to mark his victory, around which the Saneeshwara temple is built.
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