Sri Shanimahatma Temple at Chikka Madurai is one of the famous pilgrimage centers on the banks of Madurai Lake in Kanasavadi. This temple is 45 km from Bangalore and 14 km from Nelamangala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shani or Shani, one of the Navagrahas (nine planets) worshiped in Hindu temples.
The Shani Mahatma Temple at Chikka Madurai was built by a farmer named Gangahanumayya. This temple was built so that Lord Shani would alleviate the problems in people’s lives. This temple is open from 06 AM to 08 PM and Maha Pooja is done daily at 08 PM.
The Shanideva Temple in Madurai is a typical South Indian style of architecture. The temple has a tower like most temples in South India. The stunning Dravidian architecture with many sculptures carved on the tower is breathtaking.
The idol of this temple is completely black in color, dressed in black cloth and adorned with jewels. The temple attracts a large number of devotees especially on Saturdays, which give great importance to Shani Mahatma according to Hinduism.
