Thousands of devotees throng Lord Saturn temple in Tirunallar

Thousands of devotees from across the country today offered prayers at the famous Lord Saneeswara temple in Tirunallar near here on the occasion of 'Sanipeyarchi' festival (transit of Saturn).
The bells of the temple rang at 10:01 a.m, amidst 'Maha Deeparadhanai' and special prayers marking the transit of Lord Saturn from the zodiac sign'Viruchikam' (Scorpio)to 'Dhanush' (Sagittarius).
Tight security arrangements were made by the Puducherry police for the festival, officials said.
All devotees entering the temple were screened with metal detectors while surveillance cameras were installed at strategic locations.
The district administration made elaborate arrangements to regulate the crowd at the 'Nala Theertham' and the temple.

Legend has it that persons who are under the malefic influence of 'Saturn' would be relieved of it, if they take an oil bath at the 'Nala theertham' and worship at the shrine, especially on the day of 'Sanipeyarchi', which occurs once in two-and-half years.