Sri Shanimahathma Temple, Chikka Madhure

On the banks of the Madhure Kere Lake in Chikka Madhure in Kanaswadi is one of the famous pilgrimage centers of Shree Shani Mahathma Temple. The temple is located around 15 km from Doddaballapur, Bengaluru Rural District. The temple is 45km from Bengaluru. The temple is dedicated to Saturn or Shani dev, one of the Nava grahas (nine planets) worshiped in the Hindu Temples.

History

The Shani Mahatma Temple located at Chikka Madhure was constructed by Ganga Hanumaiah, a local farmer. The temple attracts devotees in huge numbers especially on the Saturdays of Shravana Masa (beginning in late July and ending in the third week of August).

The Shanimahathma Temple in Madhure is a typical south Indian style architecture. The temple has a Gopura like in most of the South Indian Temples. The stunning Dravidian architecture is mind-blowing with many sculptures carved out on the gopuram. The excellent workmanship on the gopuram contains many intricate carvings that are truly alluring.The temple was built by a farmer called Ganga Hanumaiah to dedicate to Shani deva to pacify the vengeance and the difficulties in one’s life. The temple is one among the oldest established temple worshipping Shani Mahatma. The idol is completely black in color, clad in black cloth and ornamented with jewelry. The temple receives more devotees especially on Saturdays which are of great significance for Shani Mahatma as per the Hindu Religion.

Religious Significance of the Temple

Devotees pay homage to Shani Mahatma, to lessen the negativity in their lives. It is believed that by worshiping Shani Mahatma, the burdens and hurdles in the life of a person will be considerably reduced. The main offering includes the ElluBatti (black sesame seeds knotted in cloth immersed in gingelly oil) which many devotees light in front of the idol into the fireplace.

Festivals at Sri Shanimahathma Temple

The major festival of ShaniMahadeva is the annually conducted Chariot procession witnessed by thousands of devotees. During the festival, the Shani Deva is taken out of the temple for a pradakshina in the neighboring area blessing everyone.