Thirunallar Temple of Sri Darbaranyeswara Swamy

Thirunallar Temple, also known as Sri Darbaranyeswara Swamy Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn). It is located in the town of Thirunallar in the Karaikal district of the Indian Union territory of Puducherry. The temple is one of the Navagraha temples, which are dedicated to the nine celestial bodies in Hindu astrology.

History:

• Traces of human habitation around the temple date back to the 2nd century BCE.
• The earliest mentions of the temple appear in Tamil Sangam literature from the 6th century CE.
• Temple inscriptions indicate construction or renovations during the reign of Pallavan, Chola, and Vijayanagar kings.

Legend of Thirunallar Temple:

Here are two prominent legends associated with the temple:

1. The Redemption of King Nala:

King Nala, once a prosperous and just ruler, faced the wrath of the planet Saturn (Shani) due to a curse. Stricken with misfortune, he lost his kingdom, wealth, and family. Wandering in despair, he reached Thirunallar and sought refuge in the temple. With unwavering devotion, he prayed to Lord Shiva for liberation from Shani’s influence. Pleased by his unwavering faith, Lord Shiva intervened and subdued Shani’s power. Nala was blessed with the title “Dharbaranyeswarar,” meaning “one who conquered righteousness,” and his fortunes were restored. The temple tank, known as “Nala Theertham,” is believed to possess the power to wash away one’s sins and misfortunes, just as Nala found solace in its waters.

2. The Steadfast Shepherd and the King’s Conversion:

Another legend speaks of a humble shepherd who faithfully offered milk to the temple deity every day. The local chief, envious of the shepherd’s piety, intercepted the offering for himself, threatening the shepherd to remain silent. However, the shepherd’s devotion remained unwavering. One day, the king noticed the shortage of milk and, upon investigation, unraveled the truth. Realized his folly and deeply impressed by the shepherd’s dedication, the king embraced Saivism, the faith of Lord Shiva. This legend highlights the power of faith and devotion, regardless of one’s social standing.

Architecture of Thirunallar Temple:

Layout:

• The temple follows a rectangular plan, enclosed by high granite walls.
• The most striking feature is the five-tiered rajagopuram, the towering gateway tower at the entrance. Its intricate carvings and vibrant colors are a sight to behold.

Sanctums and Mandapas:

• Inside the walls, you’ll find shrines dedicated to various deities, including the main sanctum with Lord Shiva enshrined as Dharbaranyeswarar.
• These sanctums are connected by pillared passageways and mandapas (halls). The thousand-pillared mandapa is particularly noteworthy for its sheer scale and exquisite sculptures.

Sculptures and Carvings:

• The temple is adorned with intricate granite sculptures depicting mythological scenes, deities, and celestial beings. These carvings showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of Dravidian artists.
• Look for the dancing dwarapalakas (guardian figures) flanking the entrances and the mythical creatures adorning the vimana (tower) above the sanctum.

Other Architectural Elements:

• The temple complex also houses several smaller shrines, tanks, and water channels.
• The Nandi mandapam, dedicated to the bull Nandi, features a colossal granite Nandi sculpture.
• Don’t miss the Ardhanareeswarar shrine, where Shiva is depicted as half-man, half-woman, symbolizing the unity of both genders.

Myths and beliefs of Thirunallar Temple:

The Myth of Rahu Ketu:

• According to Hindu mythology, Rahu and Ketu are two shadow demons who cause eclipses.
• It is believed that Rahu swallowed the sun, causing a solar eclipse, and Ketu swallowed the moon, causing a lunar eclipse.
• To appease them and gain their blessings, devotees visit the Thirunallar Temple, which is considered to be a powerful antidote to the malefic effects of Rahu and Ketu.

The Legend of Saneeswara:

• Saneeswara, also known as Saturn, is another important deity associated with the Thirunallar Temple.
• He is often depicted as a stern and just god who punishes those who commit wrongdoings.
• However, it is also believed that he can bestow boons and blessings on those who worship him sincerely.
• Devotees visit the Thirunallar Temple to seek Saneeswara’s forgiveness and to appease him in order to avoid his wrath.

The Story of Nal & Damayanti:

• Nal and Damayanti are a legendary couple from Hindu mythology whose love story is celebrated in the epic Mahabharata.
• It is believed that Nal prayed to Shiva at the Thirunallar Temple to regain his lost kingdom and reunite with his wife Damayanti.
• Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for a happy and successful marriage life.

The Importance of the Shiv Linga:

• The Shiv Linga, a representation of Lord Shiva, is the central deity of the Thirunallar Temple.
• It is believed that worshipping the Shiv Linga at Thirunallar can bring good luck, prosperity, and enlightenment.
• Devotees perform abhishekam (pouring of holy water) on the Shiv Linga as a form of worship.

Other Beliefs:

• The Thirunallar Temple is also associated with several other myths and beliefs, such as the story of how the temple came to be built and the legend of the seven wells.
• The temple is considered to be a powerful spiritual center and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple: Timings and Rituals

Darshan Timings:

• General Darshan:
  • Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
  • Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
• VIP Darshan: Available throughout the day, with a fee of Rs. 150 per person.

Important Rituals:

• Abhishekam: Special ceremony offering ablution to Lord Saneeswaran with sacred substances like milk, honey, and ghee. Performed daily at specific times, typically in the mornings.
• Archana: A personalized chant dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran, seeking his blessings. Can be performed anytime during darshan timings.
• Tailabhishekam: Anointing the idol with sesame oil, believed to be especially effective for appeasing Sani. Usually done on Saturdays for heightened benefits.
• Parihara Poojas: Specific rituals intended to mitigate the ill effects of Sani Dosha and improve fortunes. Different poojas address various concerns like health, career, and relationships.

Places to visit near Thirunallar Temple:

1. Karaikal: This town is located about 20 kilometers from Thirunallar and is known for its cultural and historical significance. Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple and Karaikal Beach are popular attractions.
2. Nagapattinam: Located around 40 kilometers from Thirunallar, Nagapattinam is a coastal town with historical and religious significance. Nagapattinam Beach, Nagore Dargah, and Velankanni Shrine are notable places to visit.
3. Velankanni: Velankanni, around 60 kilometers away, is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health (Velankanni Church), a renowned pilgrimage site for Christians.
4. Nagore: Nagore, approximately 45 kilometers from Thirunallar, is known for the Nagore Dargah, a significant Muslim pilgrimage site.
5. Poompuhar: About 70 kilometers away, Poompuhar is an ancient port town with historical ruins. The Poompuhar Beach and the Poompuhar Maritime Museum are worth visiting.
6. Chidambaram: Chidambaram, around 75 kilometers from Thirunallar, is famous for the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form. The temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the element of space (akash).
7. Tranquebar (Tharangambadi): Located around 100 kilometers away, Tranquebar is a former Danish colony with historical architecture and a seaside ambiance. The Dansborg Fort and Zion Church are key attractions.

FAQ:

Q: Where is Thirunallar Temple located?

A: Thirunallar Temple is located in the Karaikal district of the Union Territory of Puducherry, India. It is about 3 km from Karaikal town and 150 km from Thanjavur.

Q: What is the temple dedicated to?

A: Thirunallar Temple is dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran, also known as Saturn. Hindus believe that worshipping Lord Saneeswaran can mitigate the negative effects of Sade Sati, a seven-and-a-half-year period when Saturn transits through the twelve houses of the horoscope.

Q: What are the temple timings?

A: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day. However, the special darshan timings may vary.

Q: What are the different rituals performed at the temple?

A: The main rituals performed at the temple include abhishekam (pouring of holy water on the deity), archana (offering of prayers), and naivedyam (offering of food). Devotees can also perform special pujas for mitigating the negative effects of Sade Sati.

Q: What is the dress code for visiting the temple?

A: Men are required to wear dhotis or trousers and shirts. Women are required to wear sarees or salwar kameez. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

Q: How can I reach Thirunallar Temple?

A: You can reach Thirunallar Temple by bus, train, or car. Buses are available from major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The nearest railway station is Karaikal.

Q: Where can I stay near the temple?

A: There are several hotels and guesthouses located near the temple. You can also find accommodation in Karaikal town.

Q: What are some other things to see and do in Thirunallar?

A: Besides the Thirunallar Temple, you can also visit the Saneeswaran Baghawan Temple, the Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, and the Karaikal Beach.

Q: What is special about Thirunallar Temple?

A: Thirunallar Temple is special for three main reasons:

• Unique Saturn temple: It’s the only temple dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran (Saturn), making it a pilgrimage site for people seeking to appease Saturn’s influence.
• Legend of King Nala: Legend says King Nala was freed from Saturn’s curse here, adding to its appeal for those facing difficulties.
• Architectural beauty: The temple boasts intricate carvings, a holy tank, and two grand chariots, offering a visually stunning experience.

How to reach Thirunallar Temple:

By Air: The nearest major airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ), which is approximately 160 kilometers away from Thirunallar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other means of transportation to reach the temple.

By Train: The nearest railway station is the Karaikal Railway Station (KIK), which is well-connected to major cities in South India. Once you reach Karaikal, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Thirunallar, which is around 5 kilometers away.

By Road:

1. From Chennai:
   • Thirunallar is approximately 300 kilometers away from Chennai. You can take National Highway 32 (NH32) towards South, and then follow the directions to Thirunallar.
2. From Puducherry:
   • Thirunallar is about 140 kilometers away from Puducherry. You can take NH32 or other connecting roads to reach Thirunallar.
3. From Thanjavur:
   • Thirunallar is around 110 kilometers away from Thanjavur. You can take State Highway 22 (SH22) and other connecting roads to reach the temple.

Local Transportation: Once you reach Thirunallar, you can use local buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis to reach the temple. The temple is a prominent landmark in the town, and locals can guide you to its location.

For more enquiries visit the official temple website https://thirunallarutemple.org/

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