Thirunallar

Dharbaneeswarar Temple

Dharbaneeswarar Temple (or Dharbaranyeswarar Temple), also known as Saniswaram Temple is located in the town of Thirunallar and is of great reverence among the followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Sani (Saturn). There are shrines of Lord Shiva (worshipped as Dharbaranyeswarar), Goddess Boghamaarthapoonmulaiyaal and Lord Sani within the temple complex. Saturday being the day of worshipping Sani attracts huge flocks of devotees to the temple. It is believed that the temple gets its name from the forest of Dharba (a type of grass) surrounding it. According to the popular mythological legend, King Nala got relieved from the influence of Sani by taking a bath at the holy tank at this place. Visitors to the temple take an oil bath at the tank and then pray to seek the blessings of Lord Sani. Prefer to visit on a Saturday if you are visiting the temple as a pilgrim. The temple stays open from 06:00 a.m.-08:00 p.m. on this day.