Dharbaranyeswarar Temple

Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple, also known as the Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirukoodalaiyathoor, a village in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, as well as in Thirunallar, part of Karaikal district in Puducherry, India. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Dharbaranyeswarar, represented by the lingam, while his consort Goddess Parvati is revered as Praneswari Amman. This temple holds great religious importance and is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, composed by the Nayanars, the Tamil saint-poets. It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the sacred temples praised in the hymns of the Nayanars. Tirunallar is especially famous for its association with Shani (Saturn) and is part of the Navagraha Sthalas, a group of nine temples dedicated to the planetary deities. Devotees from across the country visit the temple to seek relief from the malefic effects of Shani.

Timings

Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM & Evening: 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

King Nalan of the Nidatanatu dynasty married Princess Damayanti of the Natu clan. However, the gods were envious of their union, as they too desired to marry Damayanti. Filled with jealousy, they approached Saneeswaran (the deity representing Saturn), asking him to intervene. Saneeswaran afflicted King Nalan for seven and a half years, subjecting him to immense suffering to prove his purity.

Despite losing his wife, kingdom, and even his clothes, King Nalan remained unfazed by his hardships. In desperation, he sought refuge by worshipping Lord Dharbaranyeswarar at Thirunallar. Pleased by his devotion, Shani relinquished his hold over Nalan, freeing him from his torment. As a result, Shani, facing eastward, bestowed a blessing on King Nalan, granting him protection from further harm. This is why Shani at Thirunallar is called East-facing Saniswaran, blessed by Lord Shiva. Worshipping Shani at this temple is believed to help devotees overcome Saturn's ill effects. Additionally, those who study the legend of Nala (Nalasaritham) gain self-confidence and can overcome Saturn-related challenges in their lives.

In the temple, the Nandi (sacred bull) and the altar are positioned slightly aside, following an ancient tradition connected to King Nala's commands.

Administration History :

The temple underwent significant renovations, culminating in the Maha Kumbhabhishekam on 24th March 2006. It is currently under the administrative control of the Dharmapuram Adheenam, a prominent religious institution responsible for its management. This organisation ensures the temple's upkeep, rituals, and community engagement. The Adheenam plays a vital role in preserving the temple's heritage and facilitating worship for devotees. Overall, the administration focuses on maintaining the temple's religious and cultural significance in the region

Do's and Don'ts

Pray to your Ishta Devata before the pilgrimage.
Contact the Temple Devasthanam for inquiries and pooja details.
Reserve travel and accommodation well in advance.
Bathed and wore clean clothes before entering the temple.
Concentrate on the deity inside the temple.
Maintain silence and recite your mantras quietly.
Observe ancient customs and traditions.
Respect religious sentiments.
Deposit offerings only in the hundi.

Do not visit for purposes other than worship.
Do not smoke or consume alcohol on the premises.
Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the temple.
Do not seek quick darshan through mediators.
Do not carry weapons inside the temple.
Do not wear headgear like helmets or caps.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the sanctum.
Do not linger too long during Sparsa Darshanam.
Do not buy prasad from street vendors.
Do not encourage begging in the temple.
Do not spit or create disturbances on temple grounds.

Dress Code

For Men: Men must wear a shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas accompanied by an upper cloth.

For Women: Women should choose a saree or half-saree with a blouse, or a chudidhar with pyjamas and an upper cloth.

How to reach

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Best Season to Visit :

The ideal time to visit the temple is during the winter season, specifically from September to March.

By Air: The nearest airport is Puducherry, which provides connectivity to various destinations.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Karaikal, making it accessible by train.

By Road: Thirunallar is well-connected by bus services, with the nearest bus station located in Karaikal.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

Vadavaaru River: This river, a tributary of the Cauvery, also flows close to the temple, contributing to the area's rich agricultural landscape.
Arasalaru River : It flows near the temple, enhancing its serene ambiance and spiritual significance. Its clear waters and lush surroundings contribute to the temple's tranquil atmosphere, making it a peaceful place for devotees and visitors alike.

Cities :

Thirunallar: The temple is located in Thirunallar, a small town known for its rich religious heritage and as a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran.
Nagapattinam: Situated nearby, this city is historically significant and offers access to the coastal region, adding to the cultural diversity of the area.
Thiruvarur: Located a short distance away, Thiruvarur is famous for its Thyagarajar Temple and is a centre for various cultural and religious activities.
Kuthambakkam: A smaller town in proximity, Kuthambakkam is part of the rural landscape surrounding the temple, offering a glimpse into traditional Tamil life.