History

Vaishnodevi Saneeswara Devasthanam is an ancient temple in Kerala, located at Mithra Giri on the Patharam-Malumelkkadavu route in Sooranadu South Panchayat, Kollam district. The temple is dedicated to Ma Vaishnodevi and Lord Shaneeswaran.

According to Devaprashnam (traditional astrological ritual), it was consecrated by the divine Siddha Yogis, also known as Siddhars. The idol of Shani dev is known to be the oldest and only full bodied idol in South India, worshipped in the rare Pitru Sthaniya. As the deity is showering blessings in the fatherly form, devotees do not follow the custom of leaving their clothes behind after worship, unlike in many other Shani temples.

It is believed that this temple has existed since the Treta Yuga. Excavated remnants from the temple grounds provide evidence that as many as eighteen Siddha Yogis once performed yagnas here. According to the Akhila Bharathiya Acharya Sabha, the idol worshipped here was the very same one to which the Pandavas and their mother offered prayers during the Kurukshetra war for victory. Devaprashnam rituals have also revealed that this sacred land was once a Tantric Yaga Bhoomi (land of sacrificial rituals), and many historical researchers have supported this with substantial evidence.

Scholars agree that in ancient times, much of Kerala’s land was submerged under the sea. It is said that the Arabian Sea once extended to the foothills of the Sahyadri mountains. The presence of seashells, conches, and other marine remains across the eastern regions of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Kollam districts stands as proof that these lands were once under the ocean.

The Dwapara Yuga is believed to have ended with the great deluge (Mahapralaya), marked by violent earthquakes, cyclones, tidal waves, and shifts in the very shape of the earth. The greatest upheaval struck the western seas and their surrounding lands, submerging many ancient regions, including Dwarka, Ramanakam, and Shantimati, beneath the ocean. Excavations in Kerala have uncovered 5,000-year-old marine fossils and remnants of ancient civilization, testifying to the catastrophic flood at the transition from Dwapara Yuga to Kali Yuga.

The mode of worship at this temple is distinct from many others. Sandal paste or kumkum are not formally distributed as prasadam; devotees may take and apply them themselves. All devotees may actively participate in pujas and havans alongside the priests. Offerings are given according to one’s birth star or as remedy for specific doshas. The rituals here focus on tithis (lunar days), fasting, repentance, and prayers for the removal of sins. The main offerings include Neeranjana Vilakku, Samarpana Prarthana, and Karya Siddhi Pradakshina for the fulfillment of wishes.

Major observances include the Ashta Dravya Nombu in Makaram–Kumbham months, where eight sacred items (sesame, black gram, fenugreek, ghee, mustard, coconut, jaggery, turmeric) are offered in blue Irumudi Kettu to Lord Shani for success, healing, and prosperity. The Pitru Moksha Yagna is performed on Amavasya days in Karkidakam, Thulam, and Kumbham months, alongside special rituals such as Pitru Dosha Nivarana Sukruta Puja, Shani Kavacha Puja for planetary afflictions, Shasha Mangala Puja for family harmony and prosperity, and regular Saturday Tailabhishekam and material offerings.

At the Vaishnodevi sanctum, Maha Shakteya Puja is conducted every Tuesday and Friday, along with Pournami Puja and Annapoorneshwari Puja. The Panchamukha Ganesha sanctum is known for the Appam Moodal offering.

The temple also houses the sanctum of 18 Siddha Yogis or Siddhars. From across India, devotees come here for pilgrimage and blessings.