Saneeswaran Temple – Thirunallar

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 Pooja’s At Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Poojas At Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Special Poojas

Pooja Name	Ticket Cost
Lord Saneeswara Baghawan Procession on the Golden Crow Vahanam	Rs. 10000
Laksharchana to Lord Saneeswara Baghawan	Rs. 9000
Mahanasa Ekathasa Rudrabishegam	Rs. 10000
Holy Lamp Trust for life Membership by deposit	Rs. 2000
Annadhanam Trust for life Membership by deposit	Rs. 40000
For Goshala Maintainence	Rs. 2000
Daily Annadhanam	Rs. 2000

Address

Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, Nalankulam, Thirunallar, Puducherry, 609607. Temple’s Official Website: www.thirunallarutemple.org