Tharbaraneswarar Temple
Tharbaraneswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shani (Saturn), located in Thirunallar, Tamil Nadu. On the Navagraha circuit it is the shrine of Shani (Saturn), one of the classic nine-planet pilgrimage circuit in the Kaveri delta around Kumbakonam.
Thirunallar, across the border in Puducherry's Karaikal district, houses the most feared and revered of the planetary shrines — Shani (Saturn). Devotees bathe in the Nala Theertham tank to shed misfortune before entering.
About Tharbaraneswarar Temple
Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, more popularly known as Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in the Thirunallar village of the Karaikal district, in the Union territory of Puducherry, Southeastern India.
Legend
As per Hindu legend, the ruler of the region asked a shepherd to provide milk to the temple daily. The shepherd was a staunch devotee of Shiva and happily provided milk for ablution of the presiding deity. The government's headman, who lived close to the temple, coerced the shepherd to give the milk to him, instead of the temple, without the knowledge of the king. Once, the temple priest informed the king that the temple was not receiving the milk from the shepherd. The king asked the shepherd the reason for disobeying his order. Out of fear of the headman, the shepherd remained silent, which angered the king.
As per another legend, Nala was ruling this region, full of tropical grass locally called Darba after which the place came to be known as Darbaranyam ("forest of Darba"). Every person is afflicted by the movement of planet Saturn, which is believed to create negative effects on the lives of people. Nala was also afflicted by the planetary movement of Saturn on a day when he skipped standard practices of cleanliness. He is believed to have resided in the temple to get himself off the curses of Shani, the planet Saturn.
Architecture and layout
The temple is located in Thirunallar, a village located 5 km (3.1 mi) away from Karaikkal in the Union territory of Puducherry and 95 km (59 mi) from Thanjavur. The temple has a rectangular plan with a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower and all the shrines are enclosed in granite walls. The presiding deity is Dharbaranyeswarar (Shiva) and is believed to have been made of darba grass. The central shrine is located in an elevated platform axial to the main entrance. The sanctum houses the image of Dharbaranyeswarar in the form of lingam (aniconic form of Shiva).
Festivals and worship
The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivaite community. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushatkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalashanti at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Arddha Jamam at 9:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhishekam (sacred bath), alankaram (decoration), naivedyam (food offering) and deepa aradhanai (waving of lamps) for both Dharbaranyeswarar and Praneswari Amman.
Why it matters
Sambandar, the 7th century nayanar and Tamil saivite poet has revered the deity with four hymns, in one of which he refers to a contest with Jains, and his victory. Appar and Sundarar, the other Nayanars have glorified the temple with their hymns. Arunagirinathar, a 15th-century poet and staunch devotee of Lord Muruga has composed hymns on the deity and this temple is attributed to Murugan worship as well. Tirugnana Sambandar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Naganathar in ten verses in Tevaram, compiled as the First Tirumurai. Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Dharbaranyeswarar in 10 verses in Tevaram, compiled as the Fifth Tirumurai.
The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Shani (Saturn).
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Tirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.
Plan your visit
How to reach
Tharbaraneswarar Temple is roughly 245 km from Chennai, about 6.5 h by road. The nearest airport is Puducherry (PNY), about 116 km away. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.
Today at a glance
Chennai time (IST), from our own panchangam. Nalla Neram is the good window; avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam for starting a journey or a ritual.
Festival days to plan around
- The graha's own weekday — weekly
- Amavasya and Pournami — monthly
Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.
Booking.com links are affiliate links; prices are the same for you and they help keep this guide free. Day tours: temple & heritage tours from Thirunallar.
Quick facts
| Deity | Shani (Saturn) |
| Town | Thirunallar |
| District | — |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Sacred lists | Navagraha Temples |
Visiting
Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.
Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.
Temples near Thirunallar
More Navagraha temples
Frequently asked
How far is Tharbaraneswarar Temple from Chennai?
About 245 km, or about 6.5 h by road. The nearest airport is Puducherry (PNY), roughly 116 km from the temple.
What are the timings at Tharbaraneswarar Temple?
Most Tamil Nadu temples open around 6 am, close from about noon to 4 pm, and reopen until 8–9 pm. Festival days follow a different schedule, so confirm locally before you travel.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is left outside at the stands provided. Some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone.
When is the best time to visit Tharbaraneswarar Temple?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: The graha's own weekday, Amavasya and Pournami. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.