Thirunallar Shani Temple
Saturn Navagraha Temple in Tamil Nadu
Why Saneeswaran Temple?
- The only Navagraha temple where Lord Shani Bhagavan is worshipped as the main deity for karmic relief and transformation.
- The seventh shrine in the Tamil Nadu Navagraha circuit.
- The presiding Lord Shiva – Dharbaranyeswarar – is believed to free devotees from all planetary afflictions.
- The Nala Theertham (temple tank) is renowned for washing away sins and misfortune when devotees take a dip before darshan.
- Famous worldwide for the Shani Peyarchi Festival, celebrated once every 2 ½ years during Saturn’s transit between zodiac signs.
- Performing Dosha Pariharam here is believed to nullify obstacles, chronic issues, and financial strain.
- Visiting this temple is said to mark the end of karmic suffering and the beginning of renewed fortune.
Location
Karaikal District, Puducherry
Significance
One of India’s most powerful Saturn temples, known for karmic cleansing & discipline
Presiding Deity
Lord Saneeswaran with Lord Dharbaranyeswarar and Goddess Praneswari Devi
Architecture
Chola-era Dravidian style with a majestic five-tier gopuram and sacred tank Nala Theertham
Temple Type
Seventh temple in the Tamil Nadu Navagraha circuit
Benefits of Worship
Removes hardships and misfortunes; brings stability, focus, and success through perseverance
Best Day to Visit
Saturday and during Shani Peyarchi (periodic Saturn transit)
Distance
5 km from Karaikal Town, 20 km from Nagapattinam, 140 km from Trichy Airport
Navagraha Temple History & Shani Bhagavan’s Grace
The Saneeswaran Temple stands as a beacon of hope for millions who believe in divine justice and redemption. The temple’s presiding deity, Lord Dharbaranyeswarar (Shiva), resides with Shani Bhagavan, the planet Saturn, who here embodies mercy as much as discipline.
According to legend, King Nala of the Nishadha kingdom suffered immense hardship due to Saturn’s influence. On the advice of sages, he came to this temple, bathed in the Nala Theertham Pleased by his repentance, lifted his curse, restoring the king’s lost kingdom and happiness. This event consecrated this as a place of karmic liberation, where sincere repentance and prayer erase life’s burdens.
Rituals, Remedies & Shani Peyarchi Poojas
Worship at this centers on karmic cleansing, discipline, and renewal. Devotees begin by taking a ritual bath in Nala Theertham, symbolizing purification from past mistakes, before proceeding to sanctum.
Daily Pooja Schedule
| Timing | Pooja Name | Purpose |
| 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Ushakalam Pooja | Morning worship for peace and detachment |
| 12:00 PM | Uchikalam Pooja | Midday prayers for discipline and clarity |
| 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Sayaraksha Pooja | Evening worship for forgiveness and relief |
Spiritual Benefits
- Removes chronic obstacles and delays.
- Brings discipline, focus, and professional growth.
- Protects from accidents and financial loss.
- Promotes humility and detachment from ego.
How to Reach, Temple Timings & Accommodation
Exact Location: Thirunallar Town, Karaikal District (Union Territory of Puducherry), PIN 609 607
Temple Timings
- Morning : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening : 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Best Day: Saturday (Sani Vaaram) and during Shani Peyarchi festivals
Distances from Key Cities
- Karaikal – 5 km
- Nagapattinam – 20 km
- Mayiladuthurai – 35 km
- Trichy Airport – 140 km
How to Reach
- By Train: Karaikal Railway Station is the closest, with connections to Chennai and Trichy.
- By Road: Frequent buses operate from Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, and Kumbakonam.
- By Air: Nearest major airport – Trichy (140 km).
Accommodation
The temple administration runs simple guest houses for pilgrims. Hotels and lodges are available in Karaikal and Nagapattinam for comfortable stays during festival periods.
Devotees’ Experiences & Festival Highlights
Pilgrims who visit Thirunallar describe a unique sense of relief and lightness after offering prayers. Many say their chronic struggles ease within months of performing Abhishekam.
During Shani Peyarchi, millions throng the temple for three days of non-stop rituals. The main sanctum remains open late into the night as devotees chant Vedic hymns and offer oil lamps symbolizing the light of wisdom over darkness.
Conclusion
The Saneeswaran Temple is more than a place of worship — it is a school of karma and character. Here, devotees learn that adversity is not punishment but preparation for a better destiny.
Shani Bhagavan teaches humans to accept life with grace, work diligently, and emerge stronger. Every visit to Thirunallar is a journey from burden to balance, from fear to faith.