Overview
Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple (also called Dharbaranyeswarar Temple), in Thirunallar, Karaikal district of the Puducherry Union Territory, is the Shani (Saturn) Navagraha Sthalam, and is distinctively regarded as the only temple where Shani is said to have lost his power of affliction by the grace of Shiva, giving it a uniquely significant place among the nine Navagraha Sthalams for devotees seeking relief from Shani Dosha.
History
The site was originally named Dharbaranyam, a forest with a flourishing growth of Dharba grass; the Shiva lingam enshrined here is said to still bear the impression of Dharba grass, offered as evidence of this origin. Temple legend recounts that the legendary King Nala was freed from the malefic effects of Shani Dosha after worshipping here and bathing in the temple's tank, subsequently named Nalan Theertham in his honour.
Spiritual Significance
Thirunallar is understood as the pre-eminent site for relief from Shani Dosha, the astrological affliction attributed to Saturn's malefic influence, on the basis that Shani himself is held to have relinquished his own power to cause harm at this specific location out of reverence for Shiva. Bathing in the Nalan Theertham tank before worship is considered central to the devotional practice here, believed to wash away afflictions and misfortunes tied to past karma.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
The King Nala legend and Thirunallar's Shani-related significance are documented in regional Tamil devotional literature. Specific verse-level citation requires expert verification before publication.
Prayers at Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple (Navagraha: Shani Sthalam)
जय जय श्री शनिदेव भक्तन हितकारी
श्री शनिश्चर देवजी,सुनहु श्रवण मम् टेर। कोटि विघ्ननाशक प्रभो,करो न मम् हित बेर॥
अस्य श्रीशनैश्चरस्तोत्रस्य दशरथ ऋषिः शनैश्चरो देवता त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजंगतुंगमालिकाम्।
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: November to February offers the most comfortable weather; Saturdays are considered particularly significant for Shani worship here.
Getting there: Thirunallar is within Karaikal district, reached by road from Karaikal town or nearby Tamil Nadu towns such as Mayiladuthurai.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy access.
Accommodation
Karaikal offers a range of pilgrim accommodation.
Local Services
Reasonable local services are available in Thirunallar, with fuller services available via Karaikal.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Bathe in the Nalan Theertham tank before worship, following established local pilgrimage practice.
- Consider visiting on a Saturday, the day traditionally associated with Shani worship here.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't overlook the temple's primary Shiva (Dharbaranyeswarar) identity when focusing on its Shani Navagraha significance.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Kanjanur Sukran Temple
The Sukra (Venus) Navagraha Sthalam, part of the same circuit.
- Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple
The Rahu Navagraha Sthalam, part of the same circuit.
- Navagraha Sthalams of Tamil Nadu (overview)
This platform's overview of the full nine-temple Navagraha circuit.
Preservation
Specific current conservation programme details were not found in the sources consulted for this page.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own official trust/HR&CE-administered donation channels.
Sources
About this page
Researched and written by YatraBeyond from published sources, and not yet confirmed by the temple. Facts here are cross-checked against at least two independent sources, never written from memory, and every source is listed above.
Last reviewed by us: 2026-07-11. Timings, entry rules and access can change without notice; treat anything time-sensitive as a starting point and confirm before you travel.
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