Located in the sacred town of Thirunallar in Tamil Nadu’s Karaikal district, the Shri Darbaranyeswarar Temple is one of India’s most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shani (Saneeswaran). This ancient temple, with origins dating back to the Chola period (9th century CE), attracts millions of devotees seeking relief from the malefic effects of Shani’s transit (Sade Sati and Shani Dasha).
✔ Exact temple timings (daily & special days)
✔ Historical significance & temple architecture
✔ Daily rituals & special Shani remedies
✔ Major festivals in 2025 calendar
✔ Complete travel guide & accommodation
✔ Detailed FAQ section (30+ questions)
Thirunallar Temple Timings 2025
Regular Daily Schedule
| Time | Ritual |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Temple Opening |
| 5:45 AM – 6:15 AM | Ushakkala Pooja |
| 6:15 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning Darshan |
| 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM | Saneeswara Abhishekam |
| 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Temple Closure |
| 4:00 PM | Temple Reopening |
| 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM | Evening Abhishekam |
| 5:15 PM – 8:30 PM | Evening Darshan |
| 8:30 PM | Temple Closing |
Special Days Schedule
- Saturdays: Extended hours till 9:30 PM
- Amavasya (New Moon Days): Special abhishekams at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM
- Shani Peyarchi (Transit Days): 24-hour darshan
Historical Significance & Temple Features
Sacred Legends
- Associated with King Nala’s relief from Shani’s curse
- Saneeswara Bhagavan believed to have lost his power here
- Mentioned in Thevaram hymns by Saint Gnanasambandar
Architectural Marvels
- Chola-style rajagopuram (11th century)
- Separate sanctum for Saneeswara with 6-foot black granite idol
- Sacred Nala Theertham tank with 22 holy springs
- Navagraha shrine with unique planetary alignments
Unique Features
- Only temple where Shani loses his malefic effects
- Oil abhishekam as primary remedy ritual
- Pradakshina (circumambulation) path with specific counting stones
Daily Rituals & Pooja Schedule
| Time | Ritual | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 5:45 AM | Ushakkala Pooja | First worship of the day |
| 7:00 AM | Saneeswara Abhishekam | Main oil anointment |
| 9:00 AM | Navagraha Homam | Planetary peace ritual |
| 12:00 PM | Uchikkala Pooja | Noon offerings |
| 4:30 PM | Sayaraksha Pooja | Evening abhishekam |
| 7:00 PM | Deeparadhana | Evening lamp ceremony |
Special Remedies:
- Shani Taila Abhishekam: ₹501 (includes oil, black cloth, sesame seeds)
- Nala Theertham Snanam: Holy dip in temple tank
- Shani Shanti Homam: For Sade Sati relief (₹2500)
Major Festivals 2025
| Festival | Date | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shani Peyarchi | Jan 29 | 3 days | Special 24-hour rituals |
| Maha Shivaratri | Feb 26 | 3 days | Night-long worship |
| Sani Amavasya | May 19 | 1 day | 108 oil abhishekams |
| Aadi Perukku | Aug 3 | 1 day | Theerthavari in tank |
| Karthigai Deepam | Dec 5 | 3 days | Lighting of Maha Deepam |
Travel Guide
How to Reach
- By Air: Tiruchirapalli Airport (140 km) or Puducherry Airport (90 km)
- By Train: Karaikal Railway Station (8 km) or Nagore Station (15 km)
- By Road: Well-connected from Chennai (300 km), Puducherry (110 km)
Accommodation Options
- Temple Choultries: ₹300-800/day (basic amenities)
- Mid-range Hotels: ₹1500-3500 (Karaikal)
- Luxury Stays: ₹5000+ (Puducherry)
Nearby Attractions
- Nagore Dargah (15 km)
- Karaikal Beach (10 km)
- Tranquebar Danish Fort (50 km)
Detailed FAQ Section (30+ Questions)
Q1: What are today’s temple timings?
A: 5:30 AM-12:30 PM & 4:00 PM-8:30 PM (regular days)
Q2: When is the best time for Shani darshan?
A: Saturday mornings 7:00-9:00 AM or evening 5:00-7:00 PM
Q3: Is online booking available for poojas?
A: Yes, through temple website (www.thirunallartemple.tnhrce.in)
Q4: What is the dress code?
A: Men: Dhoti with upper cloth; Women: Saree/Salwar (black preferred)
Q5: How much time needed for complete darshan?
A: 2-3 hours (including abhishekam and tank dip)
Q6: Are cameras allowed inside?
A: Only in outer areas (not in sanctum sanctorum)
Q7: What is special about Saturday worship?
A: Special Shani Tailabhishekam and extended darshan hours
Q8: Is there wheelchair access?
A: Partial access (up to main mandapam)
Q9: What items to offer for Shani?
A: Black sesame seeds, black cloth, mustard oil, black urad dal
Q10: Can we perform personal abhishekam?
A: Yes, with prior booking (₹501 minimum)
Q11: Is there medical facility?
A: First aid center near temple office
Q12: What makes this idol special?
A: Only Shani idol facing west that loses malefic power
Q13: Are guides available?
A: Official temple guides (₹200-500)
Q14: What is the parking fee?
A: ₹20 for bikes, ₹50 for cars
Q15: Can non-Hindus visit?
A: Yes, all are welcome
Q16: Is there ATM facility?
A: Yes, 2 ATMs within 500m
Q17: What is Nala Theertham?
A: Sacred tank where King Nala bathed for relief
Q18: Best time to avoid crowds?
A: Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday)
Q19: Are mobile phones allowed?
A: Yes, but silent mode in sanctum
Q20: What is the oil abhishekam procedure?
A: Pour oil over idol while chanting Shani mantras
Q21: Nearby eating options?
A: Temple annadana hall (free meals) and local veg restaurants
Q22: Special rituals for Sade Sati?
A: 9 consecutive Saturday abhishekams with black items donation
Q23: Is night stay allowed?
A: Only in authorized choultries with prior permission
Q24: What is the significance of 22 springs?
A: Represents 27 nakshatras minus 5 unlucky ones
Q25: Any VIP darshan facility?
A: No, but elderly/handicapped have priority queue
Q26: Best festival to visit?
A: Shani Peyarchi (Jan 29, 2025)
Q27: Photography charges?
A: ₹50 for mobile, ₹200 for cameras (outer areas only)
Q28: Nearest railway station?
A: Karaikal (8 km) with auto/taxi available
Q29: What is the circumambulation count?
A: 9 times around Saneeswara shrine
Q30: Why is Shani powerless here?
A: Legend says he surrendered his power after affecting King Nala unjustly
Conclusion
The Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple stands as a unique spiritual sanctuary where devotees find relief from planetary afflictions and life’s challenges. With its powerful Shani deity, ancient Chola architecture, and sacred water tank, the temple offers a complete transformative experience. The detailed 2025 timings, festival calendar, and remedy information provided in this guide will help pilgrims plan their visit for maximum spiritual benefit. Whether you seek astrological remedies, wish to admire the temple’s architectural grandeur, or want to experience Tamil Nadu’s living traditions, Thirunallar promises divine intervention and peace. May Lord Saneeswara bless all visitors with protection and prosperity!