Thirunallar Temple, also known as Sri Darbaranyeswarar Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn) located in Karaikal district, Puducherry (Union Territory). This temple is very special because it is the only temple in India where Lord Shani is worshipped separately as the main deity along with Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that visiting this temple and worshipping Lord Shani here helps to remove the ill effects of Shani Dosha (Saturn’s bad position in horoscope) and bring peace, health, and prosperity.
The temple attracts thousands of devotees every day, especially during Shani Peyarchi festival, when Saturn changes its zodiac sign. People come here from all parts of India to take a holy dip in the Nala Theertham (sacred tank) before entering the temple, as it is believed to cleanse sins and negative karma. The architecture of the temple is also very beautiful, with tall gopurams, large prakarams, and ancient inscriptions. In 2025, the temple will be open for daily darshan, and both offline and online booking options will be available for sevas and poojas.
Thirunallar Temple Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sri Darbaranyeswarar Temple (Thirunallar Temple) |
| Main Deity | Lord Shani (Shaniswara Bhagavan) with Lord Shiva |
| Location | Thirunallar, Karaikal District, Puducherry |
| Special Ritual | Nala Theertham holy dip before darshan |
| Famous Festival | Shani Peyarchi (when Saturn changes zodiac) |
| Opening Days | All days of the week |
| Darshan Types | General Darshan, Special Darshan, Sevas |
| Online Booking | Available for some sevas and donations |
Thirunallar Temple Darshan Timings
Below is the list of daily temple darshan timings for 2025:
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Opening | 6:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
Note: On festival days like Shani Peyarchi, the temple will remain open for extended hours due to heavy crowd.
Sevas and Darshan Options at Thirunallar Temple
Different types of sevas and darshans are performed here to reduce the bad effects of Saturn and to please Lord Shani.
| Seva / Darshan | Timing | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM / 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Free |
| Special Darshan | During regular darshan hours | ₹100 – ₹200 |
| Shani Dosha Parihara Pooja | Morning (on chosen days) | ₹500 – ₹1000 |
| Abhishekam to Lord Shani | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | ₹300 – ₹700 |
| Lamp Lighting (Deepa Seva) | Evening | ₹50 onwards |
| Archana | Any darshan time | ₹20 – ₹50 |
How to Reach Thirunallar Temple
Thirunallar is well connected by road and rail.
- By Road: Buses are available from Chennai, Puducherry, Karaikal, and Nagapattinam.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Karaikal Railway Station (4 km away), connected to Chennai, Trichy, and other major cities.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (150 km). From there, taxis and buses are available.
How to Book Darshan Tickets
Devotees can book tickets both offline at the temple counter and online through the official Puducherry Hindu Religious Institutions website.
Steps for online booking:
- Visit the official temple/HRCE website.
- Select “Darshan / Seva Booking.”
- Choose date, darshan type, and number of persons.
- Enter devotee details and ID proof.
- Make payment online.
- Download the e-ticket or take a printout.
Nearby Attractions
When visiting Thirunallar, devotees can also explore nearby attractions:
- Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple – Famous temple for Karaikal Ammaiyar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
- Velankanni Church – A popular Christian pilgrimage site just 35 km away.
- Nagore Dargah – A famous Muslim pilgrimage site.
- Karaikal Beach – Peaceful beach to relax after darshan.
- Saneeswaran Temple surroundings – Several small shrines dedicated to Navagrahas.
Important Instructions for Visitors
- Devotees should first take a holy bath in Nala Theertham before entering.
- Footwear, leather items, and mobile phones are not allowed inside.
- Photography inside the sanctum is strictly prohibited.
- Dress code: Men should wear dhoti/veshti, and women should wear saree/salwar. Avoid modern or revealing clothes.
- Special days like Saturdays and Shani Peyarchi will be very crowded, so plan early.
- Senior citizens and differently-abled people get special entry facilities.
Accommodation Options near Thirunallar Temple
| Accommodation Type | Price Range | Distance from Temple |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Choultries & Guest Houses | ₹200 – ₹500 | Walking distance |
| Budget Hotels (Karaikal) | ₹500 – ₹1500 | 2–3 km |
| Mid-range Hotels | ₹1500 – ₹3000 | 3–5 km |
| Lodges & Dharamshalas | ₹300 – ₹800 | Nearby town |
Do’s and Don’ts at Thirunallar Temple
Do’s:
- Take a dip in Nala Theertham before darshan.
- Maintain silence and discipline in queue.
- Follow proper dress code.
- Participate in sevas with devotion.
Don’ts:
- Do not consume alcohol or non-veg food before visiting.
- Avoid carrying valuables inside.
- Do not litter around the temple.
- Avoid shortcuts or breaking queues.
FAQs on Thirunallar Temple
Q1. What is Thirunallar Temple famous for?
It is famous as the most important temple for Lord Shani in India.
Q2. What is the best time to visit?
Saturdays and Shani Peyarchi days are most powerful but also most crowded.
Q3. Is online booking available?
Yes, online seva and darshan booking is available.
Q4. How much is the ticket price for darshan?
General darshan is free, while special darshan starts from ₹100.
Q5. What is Nala Theertham?
It is a sacred pond where devotees take a bath before entering the temple.
Q6. What is the nearest railway station?
Karaikal Railway Station (4 km).
Q7. Can foreigners visit the temple?
Yes, foreigners are allowed with proper dress code.
Q8. What is Shani Dosha Parihara Pooja?
A special ritual performed to reduce negative effects of Saturn.
Q9. Is accommodation available inside the temple?
Yes, guest houses and dharmashalas are available nearby.
Q10. What items are not allowed inside?
Footwear, mobile phones, and cameras are not allowed in the sanctum.