Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple – Complete Guide (Karaikal)

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple – Complete Guide (Karaikal) Temple Info

Temple Name: Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple (Dharbaranyeswarar Temple)

Location: Thirunallar, Karaikal District, Puducherry (Union Territory)

Main Deity: Lord Saneeswaran (Saturn)

Presiding Deity: Lord Dharbaranyeswarar (Shiva) with Goddess Pranambigai (Parvathi)

Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Temple Entry Fee: Free (Special Darshan ₹10 / ₹100)

Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended

About Thirunallar Temple

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, also known as Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, is one of the most sacred Navagraha temples dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn). Located in Karaikal, this ancient temple is famed for removing the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani Dasha or Sade Sati) and bringing relief and prosperity to devotees.

The main deity is Lord Shiva (Dharbaranyeswarar), while Lord Saneeswaran has a separate sanctum within the temple premises. Devotees from all over India visit Thirunallar, especially on Saturdays and Sani Peyarchi days, to seek blessings.

📜 History & Significance

According to legend, King Nala of the Nishadha kingdom was once afflicted by the severe effects of Shani Dasha. On the advice of sages, he came to Thirunallar, bathed in the sacred Nala Theertham, and prayed to Lord Shiva. His hardships ended, and from that day, Thirunallar became a spiritual center for Saturn-related remedies.

The temple’s name, Dharbaranyeswarar, comes from “Dharba Aranyam,” meaning “forest of sacred grass.” The Dravidian-style temple architecture, ancient carvings, and majestic Rajagopuram make it a divine masterpiece from the Chola period.

Speciality of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran (Saturn) – One of the few temples in India where Shani Bhagwan is the main deity.

Nala Theertham – The temple pond where King Nala took a holy dip to overcome his troubles. Pilgrims bathe here before darshan to cleanse sins and past karma.

Planetary Remedies – Devotees offer sesame oil, black clothes, and light lamps to seek Saturn’s blessings.

Major Festivals:

• Sani Peyarchi (Saturn Transit Festival) – Every 2.5 years
• Sani Jayanthi (Saturn’s Birthday)
• Maha Shivaratri
• Aadi Amavasai & Thai Amavasai

Temple Images

1. Nala Theertham – Sacred Bathing Pond

Devotees taking a holy dip in the sacred Nala Theertham before visiting Lord Saneeswaran temple.

2. Holy Bath Area – Nala Theertham View

The spacious pond area with barriers and signboards guiding devotees during ritual bathing.

 

3. Temple Queue and Interior Architecture

Devotees waiting in line for darshan inside the temple hall featuring beautifully sculpted pillars.

4. Sri Pranambigai Ambal Shrine Entrance

Entrance to the shrine of Goddess Sri Pranambigai Ambal, the consort of Lord Dharbaranyeswarar. Devotees gather here after offering prayers to Lord Saneeswaran.

 

5. Sani Peyarchi Festival 2026 Announcement

A notice displayed inside the temple premises announcing the upcoming Sani Peyarchi Festival 2026, a major event marking Lord Saturn’s zodiac transit.

 

6. Historical Gallery of Temple Architecture

Display board inside the temple showing old photographs of South Indian Shiva temples, including gopurams and sacred routes — a glimpse into the region’s heritage.

7. Nandi Mandapam (Lord Nandi in Front of Sanctum)

Devotees offering flowers and prayers at Lord Nandi Mandapam before entering the Dharbaranyeswarar sanctum. The intricate carvings and lighting highlight the ancient stone work.

 

8. Main Entrance – Raja Gopuram of Thirunallar Temple

The magnificent Dravidian-style Raja Gopuram of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, adorned with colorful sculptures of deities and mythological figures. The entrance leads to the main corridor towards Lord Saneeswara’s sanctum.

9. Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan Sannadhi

Devotees throng near the entrance of the Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan Sannadhi (Lord Saturn’s sanctum), a sacred spot believed to grant relief from Saturn’s planetary effects.

10. Abhishekam Timings Board

A notice board displaying daily Abhishekam Timings, including Ushath Kaalam, Kaala Shanthi, Uchi Kaalam, and Saayaratchai pooja schedules.

11. Temple Ticket & Donation Counters

Administrative section displaying ticket rates for Archana, Abhishekam, and Special Entrance, along with counters for donations and postal poojas (E-Kanuka service).

Visitor Information Snapshot

• Darshan Entry: Free & Paid (₹10, ₹50, ₹100)

• Special Poojas: Til Abhishekam, Archana, and Oil Lamp Offerings

• Major Festival: Sani Peyarchi Vizha 2026 (March 6, 2026)

• Temple Management: Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Devasthanam, Puducherry

Temple Timings

Session Timings

Morning 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Evening 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Note: On special occasions, darshan timings may extend.

Temple Abhishekam & Darshan Schedule

Note: Timings may vary during special festivals and Sani Peyarchi.

How to Reach Thirunallar Temple

By Road:

Thirunallar is 6 km from Karaikal, 20 km from Nagapattinam, and about 100 km from Thanjavur.

Frequent buses and taxis are available from Chennai, Trichy, Pondicherry, and Thanjavur.

By Train:

Nearest Station: Karaikal Railway Station (6 km).

Regular trains operate from Chennai, Trichy, and Mayiladuthurai.

By Air:

Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (approx. 145 km).

From there, taxis and buses connect to Karaikal.

Accommodation

Temple Guest Houses: Basic rooms available near temple complex.

Private Lodges: Options in Karaikal and Nagapattinam with better amenities.

Online Booking: Available through Puducherry Tourism or hotel websites.

🙏 Pilgrim Guidelines

• Take a holy dip in Nala Theertham before entering the temple.
• Offer til (sesame seeds), black cloth, or oil lamps to Lord Shani.
• Avoid wearing footwear inside temple premises.
• Visit on Saturdays for Shani-related special poojas.
• During Sani Peyarchi, pre-book accommodation as the crowd is very high.

FAQs – Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Q1. What is the main significance of Thirunallar Temple?

A. It’s the only temple dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran where devotees get relief from Saturn’s negative effects.

Q2. Can we bathe in Nala Theertham?

A. Yes, devotees are encouraged to take a dip in Nala Theertham before darshan to purify body and mind.

Q3. What are the special poojas for Lord Shani?

A. Til Abhishekam, Oil Lighting, and Archana with Black Flowers are major rituals.

Q4. What is the best time to visit?

A. Saturdays, Sani Peyarchi festival, and Shivaratri are most auspicious.

Q5. Is photography allowed inside the temple?

A. Photography is not allowed inside sanctum, but can be taken near temple ponds and outer areas.

Nearby Attractions

• 🕉️ Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple – Dedicated to one of the 63 Nayanmars.

• 🕌 Nagore Dargah – Famous Sufi shrine near Nagapattinam.

• ⛪ Velankanni Church – Popular Christian pilgrimage site, 30 km away.

• 🌊 Poombuhar Beach – Scenic coastal spot with ancient history.

General Information

Temple Authority: Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Temple Devasthanam

Contact: +91 4368 236530

Official Website: https://thirunallarutemple.org/ 

Best Visit Duration: 2–3 hours