Thirunallar is notable for Lord Saneeshwara's (Saturn) temple. The Thirunallar temple is a Shiva Temple (Lord Shiva is called as Dharbaranyeshwarar here) but the major glory of the temple is Lord Shaniswara. The only temple where Lord Saneeshwara relinquished all his power to Lord Shiva (Dharbaranyeshwarar) which saved his follower Nalan from Saturn's curses. It is thought that by bathing in nala theertham here, one washes off all kinds of sorrows and sufferings produced by one's past karmas. According to astrology, Saneeswaran passes from one sign (house) to the next in the Zodiac once in 2-1/2 years and the day of his transit is marked as a festival in Thirunallar. Saneeswaran is said to be both, a giver and destroyer.
Lord Shani is considered as a problematic deity and is capable of breaking fortune by his influence and placement in the planetary system. Lord Shani is often portrayed with four hands riding upon a chariot or a buffalo or a vulture. Shani is pictured with a sword, arrows and two daggers. Surya has a son named Shani. His Tattva or component is air, and his heading is west. He is Tamas in nature, representing hard work, success, and longevity. It is stated that when he opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly reflects the impact of Shani on astrological charts (horoscope). Saturn is commonly called to as ‘dark planet’ and signifies longevity, suffering and anguish. The day of Saturn is Saturday and gemstone is Blue Sapphire. Kumbha rashi and Makara rashi in zodiac signs are controlled by Lord Shani or planet Saturn.
Temple: Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra and Thirunallar Darbaranyeswarar Temple in Tamilnadu are two well-known Lord Shani temples in India.
Mool Mantra: “Om pram preem proum sah shanaischaraya namah”
From Karaikal (5 KM), Nagore (19 KM) , Nagapattinam (23 KM), Mayiladudhurai(38 KM), Thiruvarur(40)km
