The Saints got off to a flying start, going a goal up inside 40 seconds, as former Turf Moor favoruite Richard Chaplow found Swedish full-back Alexander Ostlund, whose cross was deflected first off striker Grzegorz Rasiak and then Burnley's unfortunate right-back Phil Bardsley for an own goal.
Burnley's equaliser stemmed from a fine pass from James O'Connor which central defender Darren Kenton failed to cut out, which allowed Andy Gray to round keeper Kevin Miller for his second goal in two games.
Chaplow, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, seemed certain to restore the lead, but was denied by a goalsaving tackle from Chris McCann.
A neat dummy by Graham Branch on the halfway line led to the opening chance in the second half as Jon Harley galloped forward from defence and unleashed a left-footed drive from 25 yards which flew just over the crossbar.
The visitors should have gone in front again on 54 minutes as Mike Duff was robbed by Peter Madsen whose cross to the far post found Canadian Jim Brennan, but he could only turn the ball into the sidenetting.
Then it was the Clarets turn to almost edge in front as James O'Connor was again the provider for on-loan Alan Mahon to rattle the Saints' crossbar from 25 yards, with keeper Miller a helpless spectator.
Teenager McCann was then denied by the legs of Miller after Harley's cross was headed back across goal by Michael Ricketts.
Southampton substitute Kenwyne Jones could have won the game for the Saints, but after brushing aside a challenge from Harley he fired his shot across the face of goal.
Boss George Burley had his keeper to thank eight minutes from time as Miller somehow turned behind a volley by Harley from the edge of the six-yard box.
The point however allowed Southampton to edge nearer the 50-point safety mark set by Burley.