Thirunallar Saneeswaran Templeतिरुनल्लार शनीश्वरन मंदिर

About Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

The Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, known far more widely as the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, is in Thirunallar village about 5 km from Karaikal, in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The presiding deity is Shiva as Dharbaranyeswarar with his consort Praneswari Amman, but most pilgrims come for Lord Shani (Saturn), whose shrine stands just inside the entrance tower. It is the Saturn temple among the nine Navagraha temples of the Tamil country and a Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised in the hymns of Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar. It is also one of the seven Saptha Vidangam sites linked with Tiruvarur. The temple is administered by the Puducherry government's Department of Hindu Religious Institutions.

According to legend, King Nala, the hero of the story of Nala and Damayanti, suffered terribly under Shani's influence. He came to this place, then a forest of darba grass, which gives Darbaranyam its name, and was freed from the affliction after worshipping here; he prayed that others troubled by Shani would find relief too. Another story tells of a shepherd who supplied milk for Shiva's worship and was saved by the god's trident from an unjust death sentence, which is why the altar stands slightly off the temple's main axis. History records that the present stone temple was built in the 9th century under the Cholas and later enlarged under the Vijayanagara rulers.

The temple covers about two acres within high granite walls and is entered through a five-tiered gopuram. The main shrine, raised on a platform in line with the entrance, holds a Shiva linga, with images of Dakshinamurthy, Durga and Lingodbhava in the surrounding niches and a Somaskanda shrine to the south. Shani's shrine is on the northern side of the entrance, where he is regarded as a doorkeeper; devotees traditionally worship him before going in to Shiva. The temple tank, Nala Theertham, is central to the Shani rituals: pilgrims bathe there with oil and often wear black clothes.

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple timings & aarti

Usually open from early morning to around midday and again from late afternoon to night, with longer hours on Saturdays. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Festivals at Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

• Sani Peyarchi (Saturn's transit)Varies
• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• PradoshamMonthly

Visitor tips

Dress code

Traditional, modest clothing is recommended. Many devotees wear black for Shani worship.

Entry

General darshan is free. Paid special-darshan tickets are usually available; on Sani Peyarchi days special arrangements, sometimes including advance registration, may apply.

• Saturdays are very crowded; a weekday visit is calmer.
• If you plan a dip in Nala Theertham, bring a change of clothes; changing rooms and oil sellers are near the tank.
• Worship at the Shani shrine first, then go in for darshan of Shiva, as is the custom.
• Before Sani Peyarchi, check the Karaikal district or temple notices for crowd and entry arrangements.

Places to visit near Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

• Karaikal beach and townCoastal town with the Karaikal Ammaiyar temple, about 5 km away
• Vaitheeswaran KoilNavagraha temple of Mars (Angaraka), about 50 km away
• Tiruvarur Thyagarajar TempleGreat Shiva temple at the head of the Saptha Vidangam sites, about 45 km away
• Nagore DargahFamous Sufi shrine, about 15 km away

Frequently asked questions