| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple |
| Location | Thirunallar, Karaikal, Puducherry, India |
| Deity | Lord Saneeswara (Lord Saturn) |
| Famous For | Saturn worship, believed to alleviate the effects of Shani (Saturn) |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February (pleasant weather) |
| Temple Timings | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Special Poojas | Shani Pooja, Abhishekam, Lighting of Lamps, Navagraha Pooja |
| Major Festivals | Shani Peyarchi (transit of Saturn), Maha Shivaratri |
| Nearby Attractions | Karaikal Beach, Nagore Dargah, Velankanni Church |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire recommended; Men in dhotis, Women in sarees/salwars |
| Temple Entry Fee | Free entry, but special darshan/pooja tickets are available |
| How to Reach | Nearest Railway Station: Karaikal (6 km) |
| Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (140 km) | |
| Regular buses and taxis available from Karaikal and nearby towns | |
| Accommodation | Temple guesthouses and hotels available in Karaikal |
| Tips for Tourists | – Visit early to avoid long queues |
| – Participate in oil bath ritual for better experience | |
| – Be mindful of personal belongings |
The Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is tucked away in the peaceful village of Thirunallar. It’s a beautiful place that honors Lord Shani, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. It covers about two acres in the Karaikal district of Puducherry.
The design showcases traditional Dravidian architecture. Lord Shani has a particular spot near the entrance tower on the north side, which is essential. Every year, millions of people come to this temple. They’re looking for peace and a break from the tough times that life sometimes throws at them, and they believe this temple can help.
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Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
History
Exploring Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple reveals its profound importance in Hindu culture. It’s an essential place of worship located in Karaikal, part of Puducherry. The temple is mainly for Lord Dharbaranyeswarar, a form of Shiva, and Lord Shani, who represents the planet Saturn.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style and covers about two acres. It has a particular area for Shani on the north side. People believe this temple helps reduce the negative impacts of Saturn, drawing in millions, especially when Saturn changes its position in the zodiac. There’s also a story about King Nala here. He came to this temple and overcame his tough times caused by Saturn’s effects.
Saneeswaran Temple Timings
The timings for Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple are as follows:
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
Understanding when Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is open is critical for planning your visit. The temple welcomes visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but you can visit at any time during the day. The time is divided into sessions, so everyone has enough time for their prayers and rituals.
Knowing these hours can help you pick a time when it’s less crowded, making your visit more peaceful. At this special place, dedicated to Lord Shani, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati, you can have a calm and reflective experience.
Pooja Details
When you visit Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, you’ll find a variety of spiritual activities focused around Lord Shani and other deities. The temple offers several Poojas and Archana that cater to the needs of the devotees. For example, there’s an Ashtothra Archana that costs Rs. 350. This service happens every Saturday for a whole year. If you’re looking for something more in-depth, the Sahasranama Archana is an option at Rs. 1000 each time.
For those specifically seeking blessings from Shani Bhagwan, an Abhishegam combined with Sahasranama Archana costs Rs. 2600, but it’s not available on Saturdays. On special days, there’s also the Navagraha Shanthi Homam. This ritual, which costs Rs. 3000, is perfect for smoothing out the effects of the planets in your life, and it’s only done on Saturdays.
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How To Reach Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
By Flight, Railways, Bus service and personal vehicle
You can get to Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple in several ways: by plane, train, bus, or car. The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 140 kilometers away. Once there, you can grab a taxi or hop on a bus to the temple.
If you’re coming by train, the Karaikal railway station is just 7 kilometers from the temple and connects to major cities. This makes traveling by train a good option. Regular buses from cities like Chennai and Puducherry also go directly to Karaikal.
If you prefer driving, the roads leading to the temple are well-marked and easy to follow. Whichever way you choose, getting there is pretty straightforward.
Conclusion
Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is a testament to India’s rich temple architecture and Hindu culture. Located in Thirunallar village, it offers peace and spiritual renewal to many. The temple showcases classic Dravidian architecture and hosts daily rituals such as the Shani Peyarchi, drawing those looking to ease the hardships linked with the planet Saturn.
The tale of King Nala and the sacred Nala Theertam add to the temple’s spiritual depth. It’s easy to get there, which is great for visitors from all over. Whether you’re there for spiritual reasons or to soak in some history, Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is a critical spot in India’s spiritual scene.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.