Thirunallar-The Shani Temple

Shani Bhagavan

Lord Shani Bhagavan, can be rightly described as the disciplinarian among the Navagrahas. He sculpts one and all to perfection, that the course of His moulding seems to be too arduous for one to go through. However He is also known to shower His blessings abundantly over His devotees. Despite being one of the noted temples of Lord Shiva, Thirunallaru is better known as the abode of Shani Bhagavan. People afflicted by Sadhe Sati, Ashtama Shani and who are going through the phase of Shani Dasa flock here to offer prayers to Shani. Hence it is hailed as a 'Navagraha Sthalam' Sanipeyarchi or Saturn transit is celebrated grandly with special poojas for Shani Bhagavan. It is also a belief that though Shani gets one to work out the results of one's karma, He is also known to treat the righteous without inflicted much suffering. He presents Himself in a pleasant form as a 'Anugraha Murthi" (one who bestows pleasant things).

Method Of Worship

Kuvalai flowers are used for the worship of Shani while gingelly oil lamps are lit to appease Him. Small packs of black sesame seeds wrapped in a small piece of cloth dipped in gingelly oil are burnt before Shani Bhagavan as a form of worship.

About the temple

Thirunallar is located 5 kilometers west of Karaikal in the bus route of Karaikal-Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India.

Thirunallaru is also one of the seven temples, 'Saptha Vidanga Sthalams', located near Thanjavur. Each Murti or the idol in these seven has the Lord representing a unique dance form. The processional deity or the Somaskandhar is 'Naka Vidangar' and the unique dance He performs here is 'Unmatha Nadanam'. Hence the place is also called as 'Nakavidangapuram'

The Sthala Viruksham or the holy plant is Kusa grass (Darbha). The temple's holy water source is the 'Nala Theertam' along with thirteen other Theerthams.

Any details and information with regards to the temple can be accessed from the Executive Officer, Sri Darbaranyeswara Swami Devasthanam, Thirunallar 609 607 (Tel: 04368-236530 or 236504).

Let us hence surrender to Lord Dharbarenyeswara of Thirunallaru to bestow His blessings over us to lead a righteous life to keep the wrath of Shani Bhagavan at bay. Let us beseech the Lord to grant us the supreme state where one transcends both pain and pleasure and thus abide in the state of everlasting bliss.