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Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 2, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 36 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Navagraha Temples, Shiva Temples

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple of Sri Darbaraneswarar in Tamil Nadu is one of the Navagrahas. The main deities of the shrine are Lord Shiva, his consort Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shani Bhagawan. In the Thirunallar Temple, Lord Shiva is Darbaraneswara while Goddess Parvati is popular as Pranamambika or Bogamartha Poon Mulayal (Poonmulalammal).

Planning to visit the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple? Have a look at our Navagraha Temple Tour Package.

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple – Facts

DeityLord Shani (Saneeswaran)
LocationThirunallar, Tamil Nadu
SignificanceNavagraha
ToursNavagraha Temple Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan: Free; VIP Darshan: Rs. 150 per person.
PoojasTil Pooja
Dress CodeTraditional wear
Best Time to VisitSeptember to February
FestivalsSanipeyarchi

What are the timings of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

Here are the darshan timings of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple:

RitualFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM12:30 PM
Evening Darshan4:00 PM8:30 PM

What are the sevas and poojas at Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Pooja
There are several poojas that take place at the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple.

The devotees believe that they can get rid of their curses and spells of bad luck if they pray in this temple. Hence, pilgrims take a dip in the Nala Theertha and offer worship at the temple. The worship here also includes lighting holy lamps with til (gingelly) seeds and oil. After prayers, balls of cooked rice are offered to the Crow, the mount of Saniswara.

Apply Gingelly oil on the head before the bath an leave the clothes there. After dressing up, visit the nearby Kali Theertha Vinayakar shrine and offer prayers and break coconuts.

Devotees can also donate for the poojas to the temple. Also, there are two ways to do poojas. One is the devotees themselves should collect all the materials for the pooja and handover to the concerned temple authorities. One can also send the money directly to temple authorities

What is the significance of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

Lord Saneeswaran
It is believed that Lord Shani is extremely powerful and his blessings can reduce the ill effects of the Grahas.

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. Also, for over thousand years Hindus have visited this temple and have found their misfortunes and bad luck to decrease as this is the only temple in the world where Lord Shani lost his power to Lord Shiva.

Saturn is popular as the Celestial Taskmaster and the Grand Teacher. Worshipping of Lord Shani helps people to develop a positive mindset even during the harshest of Shani periods. It will help us benefit from great difficulties, challenges and limitations. While it is true that offering worship here decreases the difficult effects and increases the positive effects of Saturn it does not completely eliminate the hardships we will face due to Shani Bhagawan.

Since the principal Deity Lord Dharbaranyeswara and his consort “Bhogamartha Poon Mulayal” have the power to offer benediction to the devotees, hundreds of people visit this temple daily. The other deities of the shrine are Swarna Vinayaka, Lord Subramaneswara Swamy and Thyagaraja. The image of Lord Saneeswara is there in a graceful standing pose in Niche on the left side of the Lord Dharbaranyeswara.

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 official website of the Thirunallar Sanesswaran Temple is:
http://thirunallartemple.com/

What is the history of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

According to the history of the Thirunallar temple, the famous King Nala and the Queen Damayanthi liked each other and got married. However, Devas wanted to marry the queen Damayanthi. So after this marriage, Devas got angry and jealous of Nala. Devas reached out Saneeswaran and asked him to help them out.

But after seeing the couple, he decided to make devas understand the Nala’s true love for his queen. Saneeswaran gave a lot of troubles to King Nala and finally, the King reached Thirunallaru. The King worshipped the Lord Dharpaneswara at this temple and hence the lord made him free from curses and doshas.

Nala stayed in place for some time and built the temple. After Nala got back his kingdom. The world Thirunallar is derived from two words – “Nala” means King Nala and “Aru” means “to heel” which means Nala’s place.

Another popular legend states that once, one of the wives of Surya Deva, Usha, couldn’t tolerate the heat of the sun. Hence, she converted her shadow as another woman in the name of “Saya Devi” and lived in that name. Saneeswaran was born to Saya Devi and Surya Deva.

Later when Surya Deva came to know this, he got angry with Usha and he didn’t accept Saneeswaran as part of his family. Saneeswaran then went to Kashi (Varanasi), worshipped Lord Viswanath (Shiva) and become part of one of the Navagrahas.

What are the festivals celebrated at Thirunallar Saneeswaram Temple?

How-to-reach-Thirunallar-Saneeswaran

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thirunallar Temple are:

  • Soorasamharam festival: The popular belief is that Lord Muruga killed Soorapadman with his ‘Vel’ and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam. Then, the next day is Thirukalyanam – the divine marriage of Muruga and Devasena.
  • Sanipeyarchi festival: On this day Sri Saneeswara Bhagawan transits from Thulam (Libra) to Vrischika (Scorpio). Also, poojas and rituals take place on the day for Shani Dosha Parihara. The day on which Lord Shani transits is Sanipeyarchi Festival in Thirunallar Temple.
  • Thiruvathirai festival: It is considered to worship Lord Shiva, and the devotees go early morning to temples. Unmarried women observe a partial fast on this day to get good husbands and married women take a fast from the preceding day (Makayiram Nakshatra) and on the day of Thiruvathira for the well being of their husband and family.
  • Adi Pooram festival: Aadi Pooram, also called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’, is a prime festival of Tamilians. This festival is for Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The day begins with the making of huge kolams (rangoli) in front of the home. Dakshinayana Punyakalam, the night of the Devas, begins on the first day of the month Aadi. 

How to reach Thirunallar?

Here’s how to reach Thirunallar:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli which is 168 Km.
  • Road: This temple is 5 KM from the Karaikkal bus stand and 22 KM away from Nagapattinam bus stand.
  • Rail: The nearest station is Karaikkal. The easiest route is from Chennai to Thirunallar is via Tindivanam, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tranquebar, Karaikal.

Where to stay at Thirunallar?

Some of the places where one can stay at Thirunallar are:

  • Holiday Farms & Resorts: Main Road, Akkaraivattam, Karaikal
  • Kumaran Guest House: 160, Thirunallar Road, Karaikal
  • Hotel Arya Bhavan: Thirunallar Road, Karaikal, Pondicherry
  • Government Tourist Home: Near Bus Stand, Koilpathu, Karaikal, Tamil Nadu
  • Thirunallar Devasthanam Tourist Home: Thirunallar, Karaikal
  • Hotel Nandha: 207, Kamaraj Salai, Karaikal
  • Hotel City Plaza: Bharathiar Road, Karaikal
  • PWD Guest House: Beach Road, Karaikal

Where to eat at Thirunallar?

Some of the places where one can eat at Thirunallar are:

  • The Richmond: 12, Labourdonnais Street, Pondicherry
  • Sarovar Hotel: 23, Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry
  • Subasree Cottage: Near Nalathirtham, Thirunallar Rd
  • Food Land: 15/3, Market Street, Karaikal – 609602
  • New Husainiya Restaurant: 65/1, Church Street, Karaikal – 609602,

What are some temples near Thirunallar Temple?

Where is Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
There are many beautiful temples near the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple.

Some of the temples near the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple are:

  • 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Is the Thirunallar Sanesswaran open throughout the year?

Yes, the Thirunallar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Thirunallar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers in Thirunallar starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Thirunallar?

In Thirunallar, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is slightly warm but pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

About Sasidhar Darla

Sasidhar Darla is Myoksha Travel's Founder. He is passionate about traveling to temples and preparing travel guides to help other pilgrims.

Reader Interactions

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  1. Sunil says

    January 16, 2023 at 5:08 am

    Reached Thirunallar temple yesterday prayed did archana
    Should I visit again today
    My train to my hometown is in the evening
    Please advise

    Reply
  2. K.Eswaran says

    January 7, 2023 at 9:19 pm

    Is there online ticket available for spatikalinga abishegam on 17th January 2023 , Tuesday. If not, will it be available there on arrival.

    Reply
  3. Payal indoria says

    December 26, 2022 at 11:01 pm

    How to worship there to calm down Sani

    Reply
  4. R.Ramakanth says

    December 24, 2022 at 5:32 am

    Want to about 450,rs pooja

    Reply
  5. Sreekanth says

    December 21, 2022 at 9:56 am

    Very informative writing of this holy place ,plz also cite the importance of Shri Shanimahatma over ages to the present testimonials.namasthe

    Reply
  6. K Chandra Sekhar reddy says

    December 13, 2022 at 7:17 pm

    Pooja ela cheyinchukovali kovali akkada ki vellaka pooja cheyinchukovali ante evarini kaluvali

    Reply
  7. madhu says

    September 12, 2022 at 8:13 pm

    We did archana booking. Unfortunately couldn’t reach out to temple as mentioned date on booking. Is there a possibility to do archana without people attendance?

    Reply
  8. Shruti says

    October 21, 2021 at 11:08 am

    Will the temple be opened this weekend? Esp all the Navagraha temples.

    Reply
  9. Venkatesh Naidu T C Thokala says

    October 17, 2021 at 5:01 pm

    Is sri saneswaran temple open on friday, Saturday and Sunday…

    Reply
  10. P. Janhavi devi says

    October 9, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Charges of different poojas and special poojas latest. P

    Reply
    • Rajmohan says

      December 31, 2022 at 3:47 pm

      Please let me know the procedure for booking a room with the Devasthsnam near Saneeswaran temple for the pd. 22.01 to 23.01.2023.

      Which Pooja should I book after the end of Sani Dosham ie after 17th January 2023 since my star is Moolam, to appease Saneeshwaran.

      Reply
  11. Dinesh Kumar says

    October 7, 2021 at 9:32 pm

    Is temple open in Friday , Saturday, Sunday??

    Reply
  12. VinithaPrabakaran says

    October 4, 2021 at 12:16 am

    Is temple is open for this week? Sanisvararar temple kolam pond is open? Will allow to bath? Kindly please reply

    Reply
  13. Vijay Adithya says

    October 3, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    When Is shani deva Abhishekam performed

    Reply
  14. Anandakuttan unnithan says

    September 27, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    very good informations .Thank you

    Reply
  15. Esakki says

    September 12, 2021 at 4:34 pm

    Sir, i planned to visit the temple this month 21st sep , is the temple open on that day because I heard temple is temporarily closed
    Please tell me any restriction due to covid.
    Are devotees allowed on all days?

    Reply
  16. ముసుకుల భవాని says

    September 5, 2021 at 10:17 pm

    Naku shani pooja information kavali….. ela chestaru

    Reply
  17. SAKTHI MOHAN says

    August 28, 2021 at 8:33 pm

    Please tell me any restriction due to covid.
    Are devotees allowed on all days?

    Reply
  18. Ramesh S says

    August 13, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    Sir, i planned to visit the temple this month 26th august , is the temple open on that day because i stay in Bangalloree because of covid i heard that temple is temporarly
    closed.

    Reply
    • Nalina kumar says

      September 11, 2021 at 11:34 am

      We plan to go for next week whether temple open and they allow to take bath in nalla theeram

      Reply
  19. ಮಹೇಂದ್ರ says

    August 5, 2021 at 8:52 pm

    ಸರ್ ಈಗ ದರ್ಶನ ಸಿಗುತ್ತ

    Reply
  20. karthick says

    July 5, 2021 at 8:17 am

    Is temple is open for this week? Sanisvararar temple kolam (pond) is open? Will allow to bath? Kindly please reply

    Reply
  21. Suresh says

    February 25, 2021 at 1:27 pm

    My 7 1/2 is completed, Virchigam Rasi, Anusham Nakstram, now planning to come to Trinallur, what is the procedure I need to give pooja,Wht pooja I shud do

    Reply
  22. V.Krishna rao says

    September 26, 2020 at 10:08 am

    Sir
    Good morning
    How to pay for one day Annathanam cost Rs.2000

    Reply
  23. Bala says

    March 12, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    how to do tilabishekam to god in the temple

    Kindly send the details

    Reply
  24. K Balaji says

    December 7, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    Please let me know which Pooja is good for Shani Bhagwan.

    Reply
  25. Naresh kumar says

    October 30, 2019 at 8:42 am

    When is maragathalingam Pooja in saneeswara temple in timings share pls

    Reply
    • surya says

      December 20, 2019 at 7:31 pm

      what is the timing for maragathalingam ooja

      Reply
  26. Bhaskaran says

    August 15, 2019 at 11:08 am

    Mahayasa Homan timing

    Reply
  27. K.Govindarajan says

    July 23, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Can we visit thirunallar during August First week and do pooja and darshan for family problems etc.,

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      July 23, 2019 at 12:52 pm

      Yes you can visit

      Reply
  28. Geetha says

    June 21, 2019 at 5:57 pm

    I want to know the list of hotels you have given is near the itself

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      June 22, 2019 at 10:15 am

      yes. for exact distances please refer to google maps

      Reply
  29. Ganesh says

    May 27, 2019 at 7:44 am

    Tkank you very much for the information. It is clearly explained.
    Would like to check can we visit the temple other than Saturday?

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      May 27, 2019 at 8:24 am

      You can certainly visit this temple on any day.

      Reply
  30. G n malleswara rao says

    July 24, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    Can we have a privilege to sleep in the night in temple premises?

    Reply

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