Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple that can change your destiny? A temple that can free you from the negative effects of the most feared planet in astrology? A temple that can bless you with peace, prosperity, and happiness?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely visit the Thirunallar Temple, also known as the Dharbaranyeswarar Temple or the Saneeswaran Temple, one of the nine navagraha temples dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn) in Tamil Nadu.
The Thirunallar Temple is not just a place of worship, but a place of transformation. It is believed that anyone who visits this temple and performs the rituals can overcome the hardships and obstacles caused by the planet Saturn, and attain success and fulfillment in life.
But that’s not all. The Thirunallar Temple is also a place of history, culture, and beauty. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India, dating back to the Chola period. It is also one of the most magnificent and splendid temples in Tamil Nadu, with a stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Thirunallar Temple, from its history and significance to its architecture and festivals, and help you plan your visit with our comprehensive guide. Whether you are a devotee, a traveler, or a curious soul, you will find something interesting and useful in this article.
So, without further ado, let’s begin our journey to the Thirunallar Temple, the navagraha temple of Lord Shani.
History of the Temple
The Thirunallar Temple has a rich and fascinating history that spans over several centuries and legends. The most famous legend associated with the temple is that of King Nala, who was a righteous and virtuous ruler, but was afflicted by the malefic effects of Saturn for 12 years. He lost his kingdom, his wealth, his wife, and his children, and wandered around the world in misery and despair.
One day, he reached the Thirunallar Temple, where he took a dip in the sacred tank called the Nala Theertham. As soon as he came out of the water, he was relieved of his afflictions and regained his original form. He then prayed to Lord Shiva, who is the main deity of the temple, and Lord Shani, who is the presiding deity of the temple. Lord Shani appeared before him and apologized for his sufferings, and blessed him with prosperity and happiness. He also granted him a boon that anyone who visits the Thirunallar Temple and takes a bath in the Nala Theertham will be freed from the negative effects of Saturn.
Another legend associated with the temple is that of Tirugnana Sambandar, a Saivite saint who lived in the 7th century CE. He visited the Thirunallar Temple and composed hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, who is also known as Dharbaranyeswarar, meaning the Lord of the Dharba forest. The name refers to the fact that the temple was originally located in a forest of Dharba grass, which is considered sacred and auspicious in Hinduism. The Dharba grass is also used to cover the Shiva Lingam in the temple, which is believed to have miraculous powers.
The Thirunallar Temple is also a place of historical and cultural significance, as it was patronized by the Chola dynasty, one of the most powerful and influential empires in South India. The temple has many inscriptions and sculptures that attest to the glory and generosity of the Chola kings, who donated land, gold, jewels, and other gifts to the temple. The temple also has a rich contribution to the Tamil literature and art, as it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, meaning the temples that are revered in the Thevaram, a collection of devotional poems by the Saivite saints.
The Thirunallar Temple is also a place of social and religious importance, as it attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims every year, especially during the Sani Peyarchi, which is the transit of Saturn from one zodiac sign to another. This event occurs once in two and a half years, and is considered to be very auspicious and significant for the devotees of Lord Shani. People from all walks of life and from all parts of the world flock to the Thirunallar Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shani and Lord Shiva, and to experience the divine grace and power of the temple.
Architecture of the Temple
The Thirunallar Temple is a marvel of architecture and beauty, with a blend of ancient and modern styles. The temple covers an area of about 15 acres, and has three concentric walls and three gopurams (towers). The main entrance of the temple is through the eastern gopuram, which is a five-tiered structure with intricate carvings and sculptures of various deities and mythical creatures.
As you enter the temple, you will see a vast mandapam (hall) with 16 pillars, each adorned with a statue of a Nayanmar, a Saivite saint. The mandapam leads to the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Dharbaranyeswarar. The Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is covered with Dharba grass, and is said to be self-manifested. The sanctum also has a golden image of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the Siddhi Vinayaka, meaning the giver of success.
To the right of the sanctum, you will find the shrine of Lord Shani, who is worshipped as Saneeswaran. The idol of Lord Shani is made of black stone, and is about 5 feet tall. He is depicted as a dark and fierce figure, holding a sword, an arrow, and two daggers in his hands, and riding a buffalo. He is also surrounded by his two consorts, Neela Devi and Manda Devi, and his two sons, Maandhi and Kuligan. The shrine of Lord Shani is the most visited and crowded part of the temple, as devotees offer oil, black cloth, black sesame seeds, and black gram to him, and pray for his mercy and benevolence.
To the left of the sanctum, you will find the shrine of Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Pranambikai, meaning the giver of life. She is depicted as a beautiful and graceful figure, holding a lotus and a parrot in her hands, and sitting on a lotus throne. She is also the consort of Lord Shiva, and the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan.
The temple complex also has many other shrines and deities, such as Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Chandikeswarar, Lord Bhairava, Lord Nataraja, Lord Subramanya, Lord Ayyappa, and Lord Rama. Each of these shrines has its own significance and charm, and is worth a visit.
Poojas and Rituals
The Thirunallar Temple is a place of poojas and rituals, where devotees perform various offerings and ceremonies to please and propitiate the deities, especially Lord Shani and Lord Shiva. The temple follows the Saivite tradition of worship, and has six daily poojas, namely the Ushathkalam, the Kalasanthi, the Uchikalam, the Sayarakshai, the Irandamkalam, and the Ardha Jamam.
Apart from these daily poojas, the temple also has many special poojas and rituals that are performed on specific days and occasions, such as the Sani Peyarchi, the Sani Archana, the Sani Homam, the Sani Abhishekam, etc. These poojas and rituals are believed to have various benefits and blessings for the devotees, such as the removal of obstacles, the protection from evil, the fulfillment of desires, the cure of diseases, the attainment of wealth, the improvement of career, the enhancement of marriage, the birth of children, etc.
The most important and popular pooja that is performed at the temple is the Sani Peyarchi, which is the transit of Saturn from one zodiac sign to another. This event occurs once in two and a half years, and is considered to be very auspicious and significant for the devotees of Lord Shani. People from all walks of life and from all parts of the world flock to the Thirunallar Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shani and Lord Shiva, and to experience the divine grace and power of the temple.
The Sani Peyarchi pooja is performed on the day of the transit, which is usually in the month of December or January. The pooja involves the following steps:
- The devotees take a bath in the Nala Theertham, and wear black clothes, which are the favorite color of Lord Shani.
- The devotees offer oil, black cloth, black sesame seeds, and black gram to Lord Shani, and light a lamp in front of his shrine.
- The devotees chant the mantra “Om Sanischaraya Namah” 108 times, and recite the Shani Gayatri and the Shani Ashtottara Shatanamavali, which are the hymns and the names of Lord Shani.
- The devotees perform the Sani Archana, which is the offering of flowers and fruits to Lord Shani, and receive his prasadam.
- The devotees perform the Sani Homam, which is the fire sacrifice to Lord Shani, and receive his blessings.
- The devotees perform the Sani Abhishekam, which is the bathing of the idol of Lord Shani with milk, curd, honey, and other liquids, and receive his grace.
The Sani Peyarchi pooja is believed to have various benefits and blessings for the devotees, such as the removal of the negative effects of Saturn, the enhancement of the positive effects of Saturn, the protection from the Sade Sati (the seven and a half year period of Saturn’s influence), the prevention of the Ashtama Sani (the eighth house transit of Saturn), the alleviation of the Kantaka Sani (the fourth house transit of Saturn), the improvement of the Dasa Bhukti (the planetary periods and sub-periods), the resolution of the karmic issues, the attainment of peace, prosperity, and happiness, etc.
The Sani Peyarchi pooja is one of the most sought-after and crowded poojas at the Thirunallar Temple, and requires prior booking and registration. The devotees can book the pooja online through the official website of the temple, or through the authorized agents and service providers. The devotees can also participate in the pooja remotely, by sending their name, birth details, and payment to the temple, and receiving the prasadam by post.
The Sani Peyarchi pooja is a unique and powerful pooja that can transform your life and destiny. If you want to experience the miracle of the Thirunallar Temple, you should definitely visit the temple during the Sani Peyarchi, and perform the pooja with faith and devotion. You will surely feel the difference and witness the change in your life.
Festivals and Events
The Thirunallar Temple is a place of festivals and events, where devotees celebrate various occasions and seasons with joy and devotion. The temple observes many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Adi Pooram, the Vinayaka Chaturthi, the Navaratri, the Sani Peyarchi, the Thai Poosam, the Maha Shivaratri, etc. Each of these festivals and events has its own significance and charm, and is worth witnessing and participating in.
The Adi Pooram is a festival that is celebrated in the month of July or August, and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Pranambikai at the temple. The festival commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva, and is celebrated with great pomp and fervor. The highlight of the festival is the procession of the utsava murtis (the festival idols) of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along with the Nayanmars, around the temple. The devotees also offer special poojas and abhishekams to the deities, and receive their blessings.
The Vinayaka Chaturthi is a festival that is celebrated in the month of August or September, and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as Siddhi Vinayaka at the temple. The festival celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, and is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. The highlight of the festival is the installation and worship of the clay idols of Lord Ganesha, which are later immersed in the Nala Theertham. The devotees also offer modakas (sweet dumplings) and other delicacies to Lord Ganesha, and receive his prasadam.
The Navaratri is a festival that is celebrated in the month of September or October, and is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Pranambikai at the temple. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, and is celebrated with great splendor and grandeur. The highlight of the festival is the decoration and worship of the nine kolu (steps) with dolls and figurines of various deities, saints, and kings. The devotees also offer various poojas and abhishekams to the Goddess, and receive her grace.
The Sani Peyarchi is the most important and popular event that is celebrated at the temple, and is dedicated to Lord Shani, who is worshipped as Saneeswaran at the temple. The event occurs once in two and a half years, and is the transit of Saturn from one zodiac sign to another. The event is considered to be very auspicious and significant for the devotees of Lord Shani, and is celebrated with great fervor and faith. The highlight of the event is the Sani Peyarchi pooja, which is performed by thousands of devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Shani and Lord Shiva. The devotees also offer oil, black cloth, black sesame seeds, and black gram to Lord Shani, and receive his prasadam.
The Thai Poosam is a festival that is celebrated in the month of January or February, and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is worshipped as Subramanya at the temple. The festival celebrates the day when Lord Murugan received the Vel (spear) from his mother Goddess Parvati, and is celebrated with great zeal and zest. The highlight of the festival is the kavadi (a wooden or metal frame decorated with flowers and peacock feathers) procession, where the devotees carry the kavadi on their shoulders and pierce their body with hooks and needles as a form of penance and devotion. The devotees also offer milk, honey, and fruits to Lord Murugan, and receive his prasadam.
The Maha Shivaratri is a festival that is celebrated in the month of February or March, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Dharbaranyeswarar at the temple. The festival celebrates the day when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, and is celebrated with great reverence and respect. The highlight of the festival is the four praharas (night watches), where the devotees stay awake and perform the four abhishekams (bathing) to Lord Shiva with milk, curd, honey, and ghee. The devotees also chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” and recite the Shiva Purana, and receive his prasadam.
These are some of the major festivals and events that are celebrated at the Thirunallar Temple, but there are many more that are celebrated throughout the year, such as the Pradosham, the Amavasya, the Pournami, the Karthigai, the Arudra Darisanam, the Panguni Uthiram, etc. Each of these festivals and events has its own beauty and charm, and is worth experiencing and enjoying.
How to Reach the Temple
The Thirunallar Temple is located in the town of Thirunallar, which is a part of the Karaikal district of the union territory of Puducherry. The temple is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, as it is well-connected to the major cities and towns of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Here are the details of how to reach the temple by different modes of transport:
By Road: The Thirunallar Temple is about 5 km from the Karaikal town, and can be reached by bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw. There are frequent buses from Karaikal to Thirunallar, which take about 15 minutes to reach the temple. The bus fare is about Rs. 10 per person. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from Karaikal, which will cost you about Rs. 100 to Rs. 200, depending on the distance and the bargaining skills.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to the Thirunallar Temple is the Karaikal Railway Station, which is about 6 km from the temple. The Karaikal Railway Station is well-connected to the major railway stations of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, such as Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, etc. There are regular trains from these stations to Karaikal, which take about 4 to 6 hours to reach the station. The train fare varies from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500, depending on the class and the availability of seats. From the Karaikal Railway Station, you can take a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw to the temple, as mentioned above.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Thirunallar Temple is the Puducherry Airport, which is about 135 km from the temple. The Puducherry Airport is connected to the major airports of India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc. There are daily flights from these airports to Puducherry, which take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the airport. The flight fare ranges from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 10000, depending on the airline and the booking time. From the Puducherry Airport, you can take a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw to the temple, as mentioned above.
The Thirunallar Temple is a place that is worth visiting, not only for its religious and spiritual significance, but also for its historical and cultural value. The temple is a place that can enrich your mind, body, and soul, and can give you a memorable and meaningful experience. If you want to visit the Thirunallar Temple, you can choose any of the above modes of transport, and plan your trip accordingly. You will surely have a wonderful and rewarding time at the temple.
Where to Stay and Eat
The Thirunallar Temple is a place that can be visited in a day, but if you want to spend more time and explore the temple and its surroundings, you can also stay overnight and enjoy the hospitality and cuisine of the region. There are many options for accommodation and food near the temple, ranging from budget to luxury, and from traditional to modern. Here are some of the best places to stay and eat near the Thirunallar Temple:
Hotel Mantra Veppathur: This is a luxury resort that is located about 20 km from the temple, and offers a serene and scenic environment for the guests. The resort has spacious and elegant cottages, with all the modern amenities and facilities. The resort also has a swimming pool, a spa, a yoga center, a library, and a restaurant. The restaurant serves delicious and authentic Chettinad cuisine, along with continental and Chinese dishes. The resort also arranges for sightseeing and temple visits for the guests. The price range of the resort is from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10000 per night, depending on the season and the availability of rooms.
Hotel R.R. Residency: This is a budget hotel that is located about 2 km from the temple, and offers a comfortable and convenient stay for the guests. The hotel has clean and cozy rooms, with basic amenities and facilities. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, a travel desk, a parking space, and a restaurant. The restaurant serves tasty and hygienic vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, along with coffee and snacks. The hotel also provides free shuttle service to the temple for the guests. The price range of the hotel is from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per night, depending on the season and the availability of rooms.
Hotel Mookambigai Residency: This is a mid-range hotel that is located about 3 km from the temple, and offers a pleasant and peaceful stay for the guests. The hotel has well-furnished and air-conditioned rooms, with all the necessary amenities and facilities. The hotel also has a conference hall, a banquet hall, a garden, and a restaurant. The restaurant serves mouth-watering and varied cuisine, such as South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The hotel also organizes cultural programs and events for the guests. The price range of the hotel is from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 per night, depending on the season and the availability of rooms.
These are some of the best places to stay near the Thirunallar Temple, but there are many more options available, such as lodges, guest houses, homestays, etc. You can choose any of these options according to your preference and budget, and enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay at the temple.
As for the food, the Thirunallar Temple is a place that offers a variety of cuisines and delicacies for the visitors, ranging from traditional to modern, and from vegetarian to non-vegetarian. Here are some of the best places to eat near the Thirunallar Temple:
Karaikal Ammaiyar Mess: This is a popular and famous eatery that is located near the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, which is about 5 km from the Thirunallar Temple. The eatery serves lip-smacking and authentic Karaikal cuisine, such as the Karaikal halwa, the Karaikal biryani, the Karaikal fish curry, the Karaikal parotta, etc. The eatery is also known for its friendly and courteous service, and its reasonable and affordable prices. The eatery is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the average cost for two people is about Rs. 300.
Hotel Saravana Bhavan: This is a well-known and reputed chain of restaurants that is located near the Thirunallar Bus Stand, which is about 1 km from the temple. The restaurant serves delicious and hygienic vegetarian food, such as idli, dosa, vada, pongal, sambar, chutney, etc. The restaurant is also famous for its filter coffee, which is a must-try for the visitors. The restaurant is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and the average cost for two people is about Rs. 200.
Hotel Annapoorna: This is a decent and cozy restaurant that is located near the Thirunallar Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the temple. The restaurant serves tasty and varied non-vegetarian food, such as chicken, mutton, fish, prawns, etc. The restaurant also serves South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, along with desserts and beverages. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and the average cost for two people is about Rs. 500.
These are some of the best places to eat near the Thirunallar Temple, but there are many more options available, such as street food, fast food, cafes, etc. You can choose any of these options according to your taste and appetite, and enjoy a satisfying and delightful meal at the temple.
Nearby Attractions
The Thirunallar Temple is a place that can be visited in a day, but if you want to explore more and discover the beauty and diversity of the region, you can also visit some of the nearby attractions that are located within a short distance from the temple. There are many attractions that are worth visiting near the Thirunallar Temple, such as the Karaikal Beach, the French War Memorial, the Karaikal Museum, the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, the Kailasanathar Temple, etc. Each of these attractions has its own charm and appeal, and can offer you a different and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the best nearby attractions that you can visit near the Thirunallar Temple:
Karaikal Beach: This is a beautiful and serene beach that is located about 6 km from the temple, and offers a relaxing and refreshing environment for the visitors. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and has a long and sandy shore, where you can walk, play, or sunbathe. The beach also has a children’s park, a boat house, and a restaurant, where you can have fun and enjoy the scenic views. The beach is also a great place to witness the sunrise and the sunset, and to capture some amazing photos. The beach is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entry is free of charge.
French War Memorial: This is a historic and solemn monument that is located about 5 km from the temple, and pays tribute to the soldiers who died in the First World War. The monument is a simple and elegant structure, with a plaque that bears the names of the martyrs, and a flag that flies high. The monument is also a reminder of the French colonial influence in the region, as Karaikal was a part of the French India until 1954. The monument is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entry is free of charge.
Karaikal Museum: This is a cultural and educational museum that is located about 4 km from the temple, and showcases the history and heritage of the region. The museum has various exhibits and displays that depict the ancient and modern aspects of Karaikal, such as the archaeology, the art, the literature, the religion, the politics, the society, the economy, etc. The museum also has a library, a gallery, and a souvenir shop, where you can learn more and buy some memorabilia. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entry is free of charge.
Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple: This is a sacred and spiritual temple that is located about 5 km from the Thirunallar Temple, and is dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, and one of the three female saints of Saivism. The temple is a small and simple structure, with a shrine of Karaikal Ammaiyar, who is depicted as a skeletal figure, sitting in a meditative posture, and holding a pair of cymbals. The temple is also a place of miracles, as it is believed that Karaikal Ammaiyar performed many wonders and attained liberation at this place. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the entry is free of charge.
Kailasanathar Temple: This is an ancient and magnificent temple that is located about 3 km from the Thirunallar Temple, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Kailasanathar, meaning the Lord of Mount Kailash. The temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Tamil Nadu, dating back to the Pallava period. The temple has a stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere, with a stone-carved gopuram, a granite sanctum, a Nandi mandapam, and a prakaram. The temple is also a place of art and culture, as it has many sculptures and paintings that depict the stories and legends of Lord Shiva. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the entry is free of charge.
These are some of the best nearby attractions that you can visit near the Thirunallar Temple, but there are many more that you can explore and enjoy, such as the Nagore Dargah, the Velankanni Church, the Thirukkadaiyur Temple, the Thiruvarur Temple, etc. You can choose any of these attractions according to your interest and time, and have a wonderful and memorable time at the temple.
Conclusion
The Thirunallar Temple is a place that can offer you a lot more than you can imagine. It is a place that can change your life and destiny, by freeing you from the negative effects of Saturn, and blessing you with peace, prosperity, and happiness. It is also a place that can enrich your mind, body, and soul, by giving you a glimpse of the history, culture, and beauty of the region.
It is also a place that can give you a memorable and meaningful experience, by letting you participate and enjoy the various poojas, festivals, and events that are celebrated at the temple.
