In the port city of Karaikal, stands the temple of
Dharbaranyeswarar where the divinity of Lord Shiva showers his grace on his
devotees. Along with Lord Shiva, the temple also has the shrine for Lord
Saniswaran, the God of justice who punishes and rewards the people according to
their deeds. The Lingam is said to have manifested itself to bless Lord Brahma
who was worshipping here. The temple is believed to have been constructed
somewhere around the 7th century. Sambandar, the 7th century Tamil Saivite poet
has revered the deity in his four hymns. Arunagirinathar, a 15th-century poet
and a Lord Muruga devotee has also composed hymns on the deity.
Location Puducherry , Karaikal, Puducherry
Legend
Legend describes that the Lingam manifested to grace Lord
Brahma who was worshipping here. Mythology regarding Saniswaran describes that
King Nala, under the adverse influence of Sani, lost his kingdom, was separated
from his family and had health issues. A wise sage advised him to pray to
Dharbaranyeswarar at Thirunallar and take a dip in the holy tank here. With the
grace of Lord Shiva, the King was relieved of the effects of Sani. After this,
Shiva asked Saniswaran to reside at Thirunallur and bless all his devotees.
This Temple is part of the famous Navagraha Yatra.
Architecture
The road with small shops on either side leads to the temple
of Dharbaranyeswarar. The Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple in Dravidian style of architecture has a 7
tiered rajagopuram with another 5-tiered and 3 tiered gopurams. These gopurams
are adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures. The temple is guarded by
Dwarakapalakas. There are long corridors and mandapams around where there are
numerous shrines for Gods and Goddesses. The main deity is 'swayambhu' lingam
of the Lord. Saniswaran sanctum faces south and the deity with his two hands,
blesses his devotees.
Culture
Karaikal is a port city situated in Puducherry. The place
was under French possession and still retains the French flavour. Karaikal is a
harmonious town with people of all religions residing peacefully.
Darsan Info
Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 4PM
to 8 PM.
Saturday is considered auspicious to visit the temple
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing.
Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu
Famous Festival
January - Pongal
May - Brahmotsavam
November - Karthikai, Deepavali
Temple Rituals
The priests perform regular pujas to the deities at
Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple . There are special pujas and abhishekams on
Saturdays.
Special Rituals
The tradition is to worship Saniswarar before entering the
inner sanctum of Lord Siva. Devotees take a dip in the holy lake, Nala theertha
before praying to Saniswar.
Additional Info
Eateries near Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple
Delice restaurant
Food land
Vandana Grand
Supermarket : Available
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