Lakhs of ardent devotees from all over the country thronged the Dharparanyeswarar temple at Thirunallaru, near Karaikal at the Union Territory of Puducherry, and offered worship to Lord Shani on the occasion of Sanipeyarchi (transition of Shani) on Sunday.

The devotees, including a large number of women and children, took a holy dip in the temple’s sacred tank nala theertham and performed special poojas to appease Lord Shani in order to ward off the evil effects of the Sanipeyarchi.

Special abhishekams and aradhanas were performed throughout the day. Temple authorities made elaborate security arrangements in view of the huge rush of devotees.

For the first time, the entire ritual was webcast live to enable people across the world to witness the event.

According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Shani moved from Kadaga Rasi (cancer) to Simha Rasi (Leo) at 12. 19 pm. The transition takes place once in 30 months.

Special poojas were also performed at Shiva temples across Tamil Nadu, where people lit lamps with gingely oil, much preferred by Lord Shani, before navagrahas (nine planets) and offered worship.

Hindu mythology has it that legendary king Nala was rid of all curses that he had due to the effect of Lord Shani and was reunited with his wife Damayanthi, once he took a holy dip in the temple tank at Thirunallaru.

Puducherry Lt Governor Mukut Mithi, Chief Minister N Rangasamy and top government officials and police officers were among those who visited the temple to offer their prayers and ward off evil on this auspicious occasion.