Shri Darparanyeswarar Temple Thirunallar - Darbaranyeswarar Temple

Shri Darparanyeswarar Temple or Dharbaranyeswarar temple at Thirunallar is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thirunallar is also known as an important pilgrimage spot of Lord Saturn.This is one of the most famous temples for the worship of Lord Saturn. The Saturn shrine is in the north side of east Gopura side and is always crowded. The unique aspect here is that the idol of Lord Saturn can be seen in a standing posture with abhayahastha i.e hand bestowing blessing. Thirunallar in Karaikal lies in the Union Territory of Pondichery, is one of the most famous and important Navagraha temples. It is at a distance of 6 Kms from Karaikal town.

The lingam here is a self manifested Lingam or Swayambhu. The Sthala vruksham is Dharba or grass. This place was a forest of Dharba. Sapthavidanga Sthalam here means the holy place where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance. The idols of Lord Shiva in this temple depicts one of his seven dance forms. It is believed that Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of the Vedas & Shastras to Brahma at this place. People also pray to Swarna Ganapathy here to overcome financial problems.

History of Shri Darparanyeswarar Temple

As per the legends, King Nala was the ruler of Nidadha having Mavindha as his capital. One day while doing his daily puja, King Nala had not washed his feet properly. Saturn on the other side was looking for a chance from 12 years to get a hold of him. Due to its effect, the king lost his kingdom in a game, got separated from his wife and children, had health problems and wandered around in the jungle like a beggar without any food.  His sufferings grew large as the time passed by.  Later on, he worked as a cook in the palace of the King of Ayodhya. In the course of his suffering, he learned through Sage Naradha the cause of his sufferings. He began going to various pilgrimage places and later on was directed by sage Srimadvaja to visit Darbaranyeswarar temple in Thirunallar and worship the Sani Baghwan. After a dip in the holy tank in Thirunallar, he was able to get relief from the ill- effects of Lord Saturn. He stayed there for some time and served the temple and god.

Significance of Shri Darparanyeswarar Temple

Lord Saturn is one of the most feared planets and has a major influence on the course of one’s life. Everyone experiences sade sati once in their life time. It is the phase when Saturn can affect one’s life adversely. It occurs 2 to 3 three times in a life span of an individual as it recurs in every 30 years. Even Lord Shiva himself was not exempted from the effect of Saturn’s sade sati.

A majority of devotees visit the temple to get relief from the ill-effects of Saturn in their life. They take oil bath in the Nalateertham, offer prayers to Kalitheertha Vinayaka, break coconuts and worship Lord Saturn. It is believed and even experienced that those who are afflicted by the adverse effects of Saturn get relief after visiting this temple and praying to Lord Saturn. Some people also come for repentance from sins, curing of diseases etc.

Those who face evil effects of Saturn, light lamps with gingerly oil with black sesame seeds (til). They offer rice as nivedhana and perform Navagraha Shanti Homas i.e a puja to satisfy and calm down the evil effects of planets. Some people also shave their heads and offer their hair to the lord. The temple is crowded throughout the year.

Devotees offer abishek to Lord Darbaranyeswara in milk, rosewater, tender coconuts, curd, sesame oil, sandal paste, vibuthi and new clothes (preferably blue).