Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Temple (Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan Sthalam), Thirunallar
Thirunallar, Karaikal district (Puducherry UT) · Lord Shiva as Dharbaranyeswarar with Goddess Pranambika (Bhogamartha Poonmulaiyal); Lord Saneeswara (Saturn) in his own shrine
India's foremost Saturn shrine: bathe in Nala Theertham, light a sesame lamp, and ask Sani Bhagavan for mercy where King Nala was freed from him.
Thirunallar, 5 km from Karaikal, is a Chola-era Shiva temple whose shrine to Saneeswara (Lord Saturn) makes it the most important Saturn temple in South India and the Saturn stop on the Navagraha (nine-planet) pilgrimage. Legend says King Nala was released here from Saturn's affliction, and devotees suffering 'Sani dosha' come to bathe in Nala Theertham, light sesame-oil lamps and pray. Every two and a half years, when Saturn moves to a new zodiac sign (Sani Peyarchi), the town fills with lakhs of pilgrims.
Timings
- Temple open (approx.): approx. 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (not published officially; extended on Saturdays and Sani Peyarchi – check locally)
- Pooja sessions (official): Six kalams from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (see schedule)
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free
- Paid special darshan – Varies (check official site)
Sevas and costs
- Special Abhishekam on Sani Peyarchi day – ₹500 (Sani Peyarchi day (last: 6 March 2026))
- Special Sahasranama Archana on Sani Peyarchi day – ₹300 (Sani Peyarchi day)
- Special Tila Soorna Naivedya Archana on Sani Peyarchi day – ₹300 (Sani Peyarchi day)
- Oru Mandalam (48-day) Ashtothra Archana – ₹2,400 (48 days from Sani Peyarchi)
- Postal Archana – Check official site (Any day)
- Navagraha Shanti Homam (e-Homam) – Check official site (On booking)
- Sesame (ellu) lamp – Small fee for the lamp (Daily, especially Saturdays)
How to book darshan
Darshan, postal archana, homam, sahasranama, annadhanam, accommodation and e-hundi are booked on the temple's e-Seva portal (login required). You can also remit by money order or demand draft to the Executive Officer (Temples), Thirunallar – 609 607, or pay at the office.
Dress code
Traditional dress preferred (dhoti or trousers with shirt for men; saree, salwar or long skirt for women). Many devotees wear black or dark blue, Saturn's colours.
Best time to visit
Weekdays outside Purattasi Saturdays. October–February is cooler. Sani Peyarchi days and Saturdays draw the biggest crowds.
How to reach
- air: Tiruchirappalli airport is the nearest commercial airport, approx. 150 km; Chennai is approx. 300 km.
- rail: Karaikal railway station is about 5 km away; Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai are other railheads.
- road: Thirunallar is about 5 km from Karaikal town and about 95 km from Thanjavur; Karaikal is linked to Puducherry (approx. 135 km) and Chennai by the East Coast Road. Town buses and autos run from Karaikal.
Festivals
- Sani Peyarchi (Saturn transit) – Every ~2.5 years (last on 6 March 2026, Aquarius to Pisces)
- Brahmotsavam – Vaikasi (May–June), 18 days from Uthiratadhi star
- Purattasi Saturdays – September–October
- Maha Shivaratri – February/March
- Tamil New Year – 14 April
- Navaratri, Karthigai Deepam, Panguni Uttiram – Through the year