Lord Shiva is in the form of Dharbaranyeswarar here. Long ago the place where the temple is situated was 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, depict him performing one of the seven dance forms of Shiva himself and therefor 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 profound influence in one’s life. There is an interesting legend behind this temple which proves the effects of Saneeswaran, and it goes like this- King Nala who was a great ruler and was gifted with all the happiness in life. At some point of his life he fall under the influence of Ezharai Sani and lost his kingdom, separated from his children and wife, and walked and wandered on 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. Shiva after this asked him to stay there and bless all his devotees. In this temple you 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 is the most celebrated festival of the Saneeswaran Temple. It is a 2 day long festival conducted every two and half years when Sani [Saturn] changes its rashi or position.
Shivaratri Festival is celebrated during the months of February- March every year and the traditional Brahmotsavam festival during the Vaikasi month.
Temple Timings
The temple is open morning 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Ordinary Poojas
- Ashtottra Archana on Every month on the day of Birth star for one year
- Ashtottra Archana on Every Saturday for one year
- Sahasranama Archana for each
- Sahasranama Archana on every month on the day of birth star for one year
- Abhishekam with Sahasranama Archana for each
- Navagraha Shanthi Homam (Homams are not accepted on Saturdays)
Extra postal charges for sending Archana prasadam to abroad for each
Special Poojas
- Procession of Lord Saneeswara bhagavan on the Golden Crow vahanam
- Laksharchana to Lord Saneeswara bhagavan
- Mahanyasa Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam
- ‘Holy Lamp’ Trust for life Membership by deposit
- “Annadhanam” trust for life Membership by deposit
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:
The nearest airport is Trichy International Airport which is 168 kms away from Thirunallar. Get down at Trichy Airport and grab a taxi or go for a Tamil Nadu Government Transport bus to Thirunallar.
By Rail:
Nagore Railway Station is the nearest to the temple, just 10 kms away. There are a lot of trains passing through Nagore, therefore you can easily catch a train from mostly any part of the country.
By Bus:
The nearest city is Thanjavur which is 100 kms towards West. Pondicherry is 135kms towards North and Trichy, 168 kms towards West. You can board in a Tamil Nadu Government bus to Nagore and connect Thirunallar.