Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple – Karaikal – Puducherry

Dr. Suresh Nair,
Educationist | Former Principal & Advisor, Vivek Education Society

Tirunallar Shani Temple, also known as the Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, is a significant shrine located in Tirunallar village, Karaikal district, Puducherry. It is also known as the Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple. This spiritual sanctuary is a Navagraha temple dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn), believed to relieve devotees from Shani Dosha and bring prosperity. The temple is about 6 km from Karaikal railway station and 145 km from Tiruchirappalli International Airport. By road, one can reach here from Chennai, Puducherry or Trichy. It is also known as Dharbaranyeswarar Temple after the original forest of dharba grass where it  was established. Dharba is a sacred grass that is used for garlands in temples as well as poojas. Aranyam means a forest.

This temple was visited by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar in the 7th century  CE who sang padigams (decadal verses) in praise of the Lord Siva. Likewise, his contemporary Saint Thirunavukkarasu and later, Saint Sundarar (9th century CE.) had visited the shrine and sung padigams extolling the Lord. It is believed that Saint Arunagirinathar (15th century) had also visited it and sang hymns included in his monumental work Thiruppugazh.

The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty, featuring Dravidian features, with three concentric walls and three gopurams, including a five-tiered main entrance tower and a central sanctum housing the image of Lord Shiva. The temple offers solace for those seeking relief from Saturn’s influence and is a popular destination for devotees from all over India. The temple’s history is deeply rooted in legends, with stories of King Nala and Queen Damayanthi seeking relief from the malefic effects of Saturn.

The temple is considered as a transformative spiritual centre, where devotees seek relief from hardships, misfortunes, and planetary afflictions, making it one of the most revered Navagraha temples in India.

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Dharbaranyeswarar, enshrined in a lingam covered with dharba grass. Lord Shani (Saneeswaran) is worshipped in a separate sanctum as the doorkeeper of the shrine, depicted with a sword, arrow, and daggers, riding a buffalo. Another deity in this temple is Goddess Parvati, known as Praneswari Amman, the consort of Lord Shiva. Nala Theertham, is the holy pond, where devotees take a dip to cleanse their sins and mitigate the malefic effects of Saturn.

The temple is renowned for the legend of King Nala, who was afflicted by Sani Dosham. After bathing in Nala Theertham and praying to Lord Shiva, he was relieved of his afflictions, establishing the temple as a centre for Saturn related remedies. Devotees believe that worshipping here, offering oil, black cloth, black sesame seeds, and taking a dip in the sacred can reduce the negative effects of Saturn (Sani) and bring prosperity.

The temple follows six daily poojas: Ushathkalam, Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, Irandamkalam, and Ardha Jamam. Special rituals of Lord Shani include: Sani Archana, Sani Homam, Til abhishekam and oil lamp Offerings.

Tirunallar Temple is renowned for its vibrant religious festivals, with Sani Peyarchi and Brahmotsavam being the most significant celebrations, drawing thousands of devotees annually. Sani Peyarchi (Saturn Transit Festival) occurs every two and half years, marking the planet’s transit from one zodiac sign to another. This festival involves special abhishekams (ritual ablution), homams (fire sacrifices), and poojas dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran. Other festivals include Maha Shivratri, Aadi Amavasi, and Thai Amavasi. Brahmotsavam Festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June) over 18 days, featuring grand processions and rituals. This festival highlights temple idol processions, cultural performances and community gatherings, with significant participation from devotees and chieftain representatives.

Natyanjali Dance Festival is a four-day classical dance festival held around Maha Shivratri, dedicated to Lord Siva and performed in the temple premises. Artistes from across India perform Bharatanatyam and other classical dances as an offering to the deity. The festival combines devotional and cultural experiences, with performances sometimes held in temple auditoriums.

The temple opens at 6.00 am and closes at 12.30 pm and opens at 4.00 pm and closes at 9.00 pm. Traditional attire is recommended for devotees and shorts and sleeveless tops are to be avoided.

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