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Grivam / Temples / Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunallar

Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunallar

Also known as: தர்ப்பாரண்யேஸ்வரர் கோயில் (திருநள்ளாறு) · దర్భారణ్యేశ్వర ఆలయం, తిరునళ్ళారు · दर्भारण्येश्वर मंदिर, तिरुनल्लार (शनि)

Tamil Nadu Navagraha

Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed below. It has not yet been reviewed by the temple or local devotees.

The famous Saturn (Shani) temple of the nine Navagraha temples. It lies in Karaikal, which is part of Puducherry.

Deity
Dharbaranyeswarar (Shiva), Praneswari Amman (Parvati), Shani (Saturn)
Tradition
Navagraha
Place
Thirunallar, Karaikal (Puducherry)
State
Tamil Nadu
Sacred tank / theertham
Nala Theertham (the temple tank)
Era
The present stone structure dates to the Chola period (9th century), with later additions by the Vijayanagar kings.

Sthala Puranam

Nala was the king of a region of darba grass. He was troubled by Saturn after he neglected cleanliness. He stayed at this temple and prayed to Shiva to protect all who are troubled by Shani.

A shepherd devoted to Shiva brought milk for the temple. A local headman took the milk away. The king ordered the shepherd to be killed, but Shiva stopped the punishment with his trident. The bali pitham is placed a little off the main line because of this story.

Speciality

  • One of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, with the Shani image.
  • A Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised in the Tevaram.
  • Shani is worshipped before entering Shiva's sanctum and is seen as the doorkeeper.
  • Devotees take an oil bath in the Nala theertham before darshan.
  • Sani Peyarchi, the transit of Saturn, is celebrated once in about 2.5 years.

Festivals

  • Maha Shivaratri in Chittirai (the main festival for the main deity)
  • Sani Peyarchi (about every 2.5 years)

How to reach

By airTiruchirappalli Airport, about 150–170 km. Karaikal has no regular commercial flights.
By trainKaraikal station is the nearest, about 5 km. Nagore and Tiruvarur are other options.
By roadAbout 5 km from Karaikal. Buses run from Karaikal, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Thanjavur.
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Location is approximate.

Before you go

  • Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
  • Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
  • Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
  • Saturday is the day of Shani and is very crowded. Weekdays are quieter.
  • Dress simply. Follow the oil-bath custom as the temple guides you.
  • On Sani Peyarchi days the crowd is very large. Plan well in advance.

Prayers for this temple

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Sources

Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.