About
The Saneeswaran Temple is one of the Navagraha Temples, where the presiding deity is Lord Shiva but the temple is known for Lord Saneeswaran [Saturn] who is the doorkeeper here for Shiva. Lord Shiva is in the form of Dharbaranyeswarar here.
History
Long ago the place where the temple is situated was a dense forest of Dharbha Grass, and thus Shiva is worshipped as Dharbaranyeswarar, and the temple got its other name, Dharbaranyeswarar Temple. The idol of Lord Shiva here depicts him performing one of the seven dance forms of Shiva himself and therefore the temple is one of the “Saptha Vidanga Sthalams”. The lingam worshipped here is a Swayambhu Lingam, which means it is not man-made, rather it is a self-manifested Lingam.
Saneeswaran is the son of Chaya Devi and Lord Surya, and even a mere sight of him is said to be destructive. As per Hinduism, Saneeswaran is believed to have a profound influence on one’s life. There is an interesting legend behind this temple that proves the effects of Saneeswaran, and it goes like this- King Nala was gifted with all the happiness in life. At some point in his life, he falls under the influence of Ezharai Sani and lost his kingdom, is separated from his children and wife, and walked and wandered on the streets like a beggar. That is when Bharadwaja Muni, a sage asked him to visit Thirunallar and worship Dharbaranyeswarar. It was only after a dip in the holy tank here that he got free of the effects of Saneeswaran. Lord Shiva after this asked him to stay there and bless all his devotees. In this temple, we can see Saneeswaran pose his hands as Abhayahastha, which means he offers blessings to his devotees.
The Dharbaranyeswarar temple is also known as a place where Lord Shiva passed the knowledge of Vedas and Shastras to Lord Brahma.
Major Festivals
Sani Peyarchi festival : every two and half years when Sani [Saturn] changes its Rashi or position.
Shivaratri Festival : February – March every year
The 18 day Brammotsavam beginning on the Uthiratadhi star day in the Tamil month Vaikasi (May-June) is an important festival. On the last day, there will be a programme known as the Lord gracing a darshan to a shephered.
The Poornima festival in the Purattasi (September-October), each friday, Pradosha days (13th day either from new moon or full moon day) are very devotionally observed.
The Tamil and English New Year days, Karthika Deepa, Deepavali and Pongal are the days when special poojas are performed in the temple.
Temple Timings
6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Daily Poojas At Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
| Pooja Kaalam | Session | Timings |
| Usha Kalam | Early Morning Pooja | 6 AM to 7 AM |
| Kalasanthi | Morning Pooja | 8.30 AM to 9.30 AM |
| Utchi Kalam | Noon Pooja | 11 AM to 12.30 PM |
| Sayratchai | Evening Pooja | 5 PM To 6.30 PM |
| Rendamkalam | Night Pooja | 7 PM to 8 PM |
| Artha Jamam | Night Pooja | 8.30 PM to 9 PM |
Poojas At Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
| Pooja Name | Day | Pooja Timings | Ticket Cost |
| Ashtothra Archana | On Every month on the day of Birth star for one year | – | Rs. 350.00 |
| Ashtothra Archana | On Every Saturday for one year | – | Rs. 1000.00 |
| Sahasranama Archana | For Each Time | – | Rs. 200.00 |
| Sahasranama Archana | On every month on the day of birth star for one year | – | Rs. 2600.00 |
| Abhishegam with Sahasranama Archana(Only Shani Bhagwan) | For Each Time (Not on Saturday) | 06:00, 08:30, 11:30, 17:30 | Rs. 300.00 |
| Navagraha Shanthi Homam | On all days Except Saturday | 07:30, 10:30, 16:30 | Rs. 3000.00 |
| Navagraha Shanthi Homam | Only on Saturday | 07:30, 10:30, 16:30 | Rs. 13000.00 |
| Postal Charges for Sending Archana Prasadam | Anytime | – | Rs. 30.00 |
Special Poojas
| Pooja Name | Ticket Cost |
| Lord Saneeswara Baghawan Procession on the Golden Crow Vahanam | Rs. 10000.00 |
| Laksharchana to Lord Saneeswara Baghawan | Rs. 9000.00 |
| Mahanasa Ekathasa Rudrabishegam | Rs. 10000.00 |
| Holy Lamp Trust for life Membership by deposit | Rs. 2000.00 |
| Annadhanam Trust for life Membership by deposit | Rs. 40000.00 |
| For Goshala Maintainence | Rs. 2000.00 |
| Daily Annadhanam | Rs. 2000.00 |
How to Reach
The Saneeswaran temple is situated at Thirunallar, a small town in Karaikal. Karaikal is a Union Territory of Pondicherry. You can easily connect the temple by air, rail, or road.
By Air: Trichy Nearest International Airport – 168 km
By Rail: Nagore Nearest Railway Station – 10 km away.
By Bus: Thanjavur – 100 km towards West. Pondicherry – 135kms towards North and Trichy – 168 km towards West. Buses availability: Tamil Nadu Government buses to Nagore and connect Thirunallar.
Address
Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, Nalankulam, Thirunallar, Karaikal Puducherry UT 609607.
Temple’s Official Website: www.thirunallarutemple.org
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