Dharbaranyeswarar temple, TiruNallaaru
Location: TiruNallaaru
Deity known as: Dharbaranyeswarar
Female Deity: Praanaambikai
Pathikam: Tirunavukkarasar - 2, Sundarar - 1, Sambandar - 4
Gallery - Dharbaranyeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This temple is located at Tirunallaru, about 5 km west of Karaikal in Puducherry. It is also situated approximately 40 km from Mayiladuthurai on the route towards Nagapattinam. Karaikal is well connected by both road and rail. From Karaikal town, local buses and auto-rickshaws are easily available to reach Tirunallaru.
Temple Address
Tirunallaaru
Karaikal District
Puducherry Union Territory
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Vetta-Kudi - 12 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Theli-Cheri - 5.2 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Dharmapuram - 4 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Kottaru - 9.6 kms | |
| 5 | Ambar Perum tiru kovil - 15.2 kms | |
| 6 | Ambar Makalam - 16.9 kms |
Temple Overview
The Dharbaranyeswarar Temple at Tirunallaaru is one of the most renowned Shiva temples in South India. The temple stands majestically at the center of four surrounding streets and is adorned with a seven-tier Rajagopuram. The spacious courtyard in front has been developed into a mandapam, with the temple office on the northern side and a sannidhi for Idaiyanar on the southern side.
The temple complex features wide prakarams surrounded by high boundary walls, and a Vasantha Mandapam used during festivals. The walls are beautifully decorated with colorful paintings depicting the life story of King Nala. The temple is administered by the Dharmapuram Adheenam, and six daily poojas are performed regularly in accordance with traditional Agamic rituals.
Navagraha & Saptha Vidanga Significance
Saneeswaran — The Exclusive Sannidhi
Tirunallaaru is widely revered as one of the Navagraha temples, dedicated to Saneeswaran (Shani). Unlike other temples, the Navagrahas are not installed collectively here, as Saneeswaran has an exclusive and prominent sannidhi of his own. His sanctum is uniquely positioned between the sannidhis of Dharbaranyeswarar and Goddess Pranambikai.
In front of the sannidhi of Saneeswaran are the zodiac symbols of Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius), as these signs are ruled by Saturn. The crow, which is his vahana (vehicle), is beautifully crafted in gold. During special festivals, Saneeswaran is taken in a ceremonial procession seated on this golden crow vahana.
Saptha Vidanga Temple
The temple is also one among the Saptha Vidanga temples, associated with Thyagaraja. Thyagaraja is worshipped here as Thyagavidangar, and the divine dance performed here is called the Unmattha Thandavam (the ecstatic dance).
Why "Eswarar" for Saneeswaran?
Among the Navagrahas, Saneeswaran alone bears the honorific suffix "Eswarar". Tradition holds that this distinction was granted by Shiva himself, highlighting the profound influence attributed to Saturn — signifying that even the greatest of beings are not beyond the influence of Shani. A popular legend states that Shiva once entered a remote cave to meditate, hoping to avoid the effects of Saturn during the dreaded seven-and-a-half-year period known as Ezharai Shani. When Shiva finally emerged, believing he had escaped Saturn's influence, Shani informed him that the period had already passed — and that it was precisely due to Saturn's influence that he had chosen to remain in seclusion. Realizing this, Shiva was greatly impressed by Shani's unwavering duty and devotion. Pleased with him, Shiva bestowed upon him the distinguished title Shaneeshwara, recognizing his powerful and just role among the planetary deities.
Legend of King Nala & Nala Theertham
The temple's foremost legend is connected with Nala, who suffered immense hardships under the adverse influence of Saturn. He lost his kingdom, was separated from his family, and endured severe trials. Eventually, he reached Tirunallaaru, bathed in the sacred tank known as Nala Theertham, and worshipped Saneeswaran and the presiding deity Dharbaranyeswarar. With the completion of Saturn's difficult period, he regained his lost glory and was reunited with his family.
Even today, devotees consider it auspicious to apply sesame oil and bathe in Nala Theertham before having darshan of Saneeswaran. Apart from Nala Theertham, the temple also houses other sacred tanks — Brahma Theertham and Saraswati Theertham.
Shani Peyarchi
During Shani Peyarchi, the planetary transit occurring approximately once every two and a half years, lakhs of devotees gather here. Lighting oil lamps and offering prayers during this period is believed to reduce difficulties and bring blessings according to one's horoscope.
The Pachai Pathigam — The Green Hymn
The temple holds special importance in Saivite history due to the hymn "Bhogamartha Poonmulaiyaal," composed by Tirugnanasambandar. This hymn is famously known as the Pachai Pathigam (Green Hymn).
According to tradition, Sambandar was challenged to a religious debate in Madurai before the Pandya king. Manuscripts representing each faith were placed in fire to prove their truth. While the opposing manuscript turned to ashes, Sambandar's hymn remained unburnt and fresh like a green leaf. This miraculous event led to the king embracing Saivism and strengthened the spread of the faith in the Pandya country.
Other Deities & Sannidhis
The inner prakaram houses the idols of Sundarar along with those of the 63 Nayanmars, the revered Saivite saints. At the end of this row stands the Shiva Lingam known as Naleswarar, believed to have been worshipped by Nala himself. The Goshta deities include Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Brahma, and Durga. The sannidhi of Swarna Ganapathi serves as the Sthala Vinayaka of the temple.
The temple also contains several additional sannidhis dedicated to the Saptha Vidanga Lingams, Subramanya, Adisesha, Nala Narayana Perumal, Mahalakshmi, and Bhairava. Another distinctive feature is the placement of the Bali Peedam, which is set slightly away from the usual alignment seen in most temples — making it a notable aspect of the temple's layout.
Worship & Festivals
The temple attracts large numbers of devotees, especially on Saturdays, as many come seeking relief from the effects of Saturn by worshipping Saneeswaran. Lighting sesame oil lamps, feeding crows with til rice in the prakaram, and participating in special poojas are among the common devotional practices followed by devotees.
Six daily poojas are performed regularly in accordance with traditional Agamic rituals. A grand annual festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi, attracting devotees from many places across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
Gallery - Dharbaranyeswarar Temple
