Thirunallar Shaneeswara Temple - Karaikal - Puducherry

Tirunallar Shani Temple, also known as the Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, is a significant shrine located in Tirunallar village, Karaikal district, Puducherry.

- By Dr. Suresh Nair, Educationist | Former Principal & Advisor, Vivek Education Society

It is also known as the Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple. This spiritual sanctuary is a Navagraha temple dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn), believed to relieve devotees from Shani Dosha and bring prosperity. The temple is about 6 km from Karaikal railway station and 145 km from Tiruchirappalli International Airport. By road, one can reach here from Chennai, Puducherry or Trichy. It is also known as Dharbaranyeswarar Temple after the original forest of dharba grass where it was established. Dharba is a sacred grass that is used for garlands in temples as well as poojas. Aranyam means a forest. This temple was visited by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar in the 7th century CE who sang padigams (decadal verses) in praise of the Lord Siva. Likewise, his contemporary Saint Thirunavukkarasu and later, Saint Sundarar (9th century CE.) had visited the shrine and sung padigams extolling the Lord. It is believed that Saint Arunagirinathar (15th century) had also visited it and sang hymns included in his monumental work Thiruppugazh.