Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple

Puducherry , Karaikal, Puducherry

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.

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.

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

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.

Travel Support

Travel Support

+91 4368236530

Our team will be more than happy to assist and take care of your complete itinerary end-to-end in a personalized and professional manner.

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.