Thirunallar Temple also known as Thirunallar 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 and is located at Thirunallar, Tamil Nadu. It is believed you can only see Lord Shiva after seeking bessing from Saneeswaran.
Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple History
Legends says that the legendary King Nala was relieved of his afflictions caused by the malefic influence of Planet Saturn or due to Shani Dosha, after worshipping at Thirunallar Saniswaran Temple and taking a holy dip in the temple tank.
The sacred temple tank is named Nalan Theertham and it is believed that by bathing here, one wash off all kinds of afflictions and misfortunes caused by one’s past karmas.
According to history, in the 7th century C.E. when Jainism was spreading in influence in South India, the Pandian King Ninra-seer-Nedumaran who was ruling Madurai was converted to Jainism.
Soon, everyone in the Pandian Kingdom embraced Jainism, forsaking the old religion except the Queen Mangaiyarkarasi and Minister Kulacchirai Nayanar who were staunch Saivites.
Distressed with this, the Queen and the Minister were yearning to reclaim both the King and the Kingdom back into the fold of their traditional religion, Saivism.
At that time, there came the news of the camping of a young Saivite saint Tirugnana Sambandar at Vedaranyam. The Queen and the Minister heard the miracles performed by the young saint in the Tanjavur district that they sent an urgent invitation to him to visit Madurai and free the King and his subjects from the clutches of Jainism.
The arrival of the Saivite saint provoked the Jains that they set fire to his holy dwelling. But by his yogic powers, Saint Sambandar had the heat transferred to the King Ninra-seer-Nedumaran, who as a result suffered in agony.
Also Read: ABOUT CHIDAMBARAM NATRAJA TEMPLE
Special Meaning
Thirunullar Temple is not only visited by people to just offer prayers but visitors are also interested in knowing the history and witnessing the spectacular architecture that most ancient temples offer in the country
The name “TIRUNALLARU” represents the association of Nala, King of the Nishadha country who got his deliverance from the evil effects of Saneeshwaran (Saturn) by invoking the Lord’s mercy here. (Nala+Aru-Nallaru).
The word “Aru” also conveys the meaning “to heel” and the two words taken together will mean Nala’s place of redemption or the place where Nala secured his redemption from the hold of Saturn through the Lord’s Grace.
Others are inclined to read the meaning ‘between rivers’ in the name Nallaru, as this place is situated in the midst of two rivers in the north i.e. Noolaru and Vanchiaru, and one in the south, Arasalaru.
Quick Facts:-
- Address: Kumbakonam – Karaikkal Main Rd, ONGC Colony, Thirunallar, Puducherry 609607
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity Worshiped: Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shani
- Entry Fees: Nil ,VIP Darshan: Rs. 150 per person
- Photography: Inside temple premises not allowed
- Time For Darshan: 1- 2 hours hardly
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Festivals: Sani Peyarchi festival, Maha Shivratri
- Best Time To Visit: September to February
Astonishing Facts Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
- The Dharbaranyeswarar temple is also known as a place where Lord Shiva passed the knowledge of Vedas and Shastras to Lord Brahma.
- 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.
- The significance of the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is that offering prayers at this temple are believed to reduce the ill effects of Lord Shani and increase the positive effects.
- There is also an additional attraction in the shape of holy tanks which exists here possess healing powers literally and metaphorically. Also, the place was originally a forest of Dharba grass and it is stated that the Shiva Lingam even now has impressions left by the Dharba weeds within which it was situated.
- The Saturn Shrine is always crowded. Idols of Makara (Capricorn) and Kumba also find a place in the shrine. There is also a Golden Crow, the vehicle of Saturn in the shrine.
Pooja Timings Thirunallar Temple
| S No | POOJA KAALAM | पजूा समय | SESSION | TIMINGS |
| 1 | USHA KALAM | सूयदय समय | EARLY MORNING POOJA | 6:00 AM TO 7:00 AM |
| 2 | KALASANTHI | सुबह समय | MORNING POOJA | 8:30 AM TO 9:30 AM |
| 3 | UTCHI KALAM | दपहर समय | NOON POOJA | 11:00 AM TO 12:30 PM |
| 4 | SAYRATCHAI | सूयास्त समय | EVENING POOJA | 5:00 PM TO 6:30 PM |
| 5 | RENDAMKALAM | शाम समय | NIGHT POOJA | 7:00 PM TO 8:00 PM |
| 6 | ARTHA JAMAM | रात समय | NIGHT POOJA | 8:30 PM TO 9:00 PM |
How To Reach Thirunallar Sri Saneeswara Bagwan Temple?
By Air
The nearest Domestic Airport is located in Trichy (Trichirapalli) which is about 150 km from the temple. One can take a taxi or a bus to the temple after reaching the airport.
By Rail
The nearest Railway Station is Karaikal which is around 6 km from the temple. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws can be taken to reach the temple.
By Road
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Pondicherry Road Transport Development Corporation and other private buses are available. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws and Local buses are also available for Local transportation.
Where To Stay?
A.D.P. Cottage
Dormitory type residing hall is also available at a charge of Rs. 30.00/- per person.
Also Read: Pancha Bhoota Sthalams – The Tale of 5 Shiva Temples
Nearby Temples
- Kailasanathar Temple: The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram is a famous temple of Lord Shiva. Also. the Shiva Lingam in this temple is 10 feet high. Moreover, King Rajasimha, of the Pallava dynasty, built this Shiva temple in the early 8th century. It is an early structural temple and consists of sandstone.
- Bhadrakali Temple: The place was initially Ambara-harattur meaning victory over Ambaran, which subsequently became Ambagarathur. Goddess Bhadrakali is also the most efficient goddess in endowing blessings to the followers. It is a religious temple for the Hindus.
- Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple: Karaikal Ammaiyar is a small shrine, which is dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar, the only woman out of the sixty-three Nayanmars. Further, Malaiperumal Pillai constructed it in 1929. It is also famous for the huge idol of this lady saint. Also popular as Goddess Punithavati, this woman and the episodes of her supernatural powers are famous among natives of the region.
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