Thirunallar Dharbaranyeswara Temple

Thirunallar, also pronounced as Tirunallaru, is a locality situated near Karaikal town in the Puducherry Union Territory of India. This place is home to a prominent temple known as the Dharbaranyeswarar Temple. It holds the distinction of being the 52nd among the Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are a collection of 276 highly significant Lord Shiva temples located south of the Cauvery River in the Chola region. In this article, we will delve into the details of this temple.

The primary deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, although it is popularly known as the Shaneeswaran Temple. Shani (Saturn), one of the nine planets (Navagrahas), holds special significance in this temple. Astrology plays a pivotal role in the lives of many, with the movement of the nine planets believed to influence one's destiny. Among these planets, Shani is considered to have a particularly profound impact. As a result, countless devotees visit this temple to worship and appease Shaneeswara, making it a special pilgrimage site dedicated to him. Hence, it is commonly referred to as the Shaneeswara Temple rather than a Shiva temple.

Highlights:

• Sambandhar, Sundarar and Appar have revered the temple in their verses in Devaram.
• God - Dharbaranyeswara or Tirunallatreesar
• Goddess - Bogamartha Poon Mulaiyal, Praneswari or Pranambigai
• Teerth (Holy water) - Nala Teerth, Shiva Ganga
• Sthala Vruksha (Holy tree) - Dharba (Blady grass)
• 52nd Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam located in the south of Cauvery river in the Chola region
• Shaneeswara Sthalam - a very special temple for Shani worship
• One of the Navagraha Sthalams in South India
• Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, Agastya, Pulastya, Arjun, Nala, Boja, Musukunda, Dikpalas and Vasus are believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
• It is one of the seven Saptavidanga Sthalams that were built by Musukunda.
• Chola period inscriptions are found in this temple.
• Arunagirinathar has sung hymns on Subramanya of this temple in his Tiruppugazh.

Legend:

Nala

The town derives its name, Nallaru, from the belief that Emperor Nala sought the blessings of Lord Dharbaranyeswara at this site to alleviate the effects of his Shani dosha. According to popular legend, the misfortunes of Nala, a noble ruler, were instigated by Shani (Saturn). Shani, having failed to win the hand of the beautiful princess Damayanti, had been waiting for an opportunity to exact revenge. After twelve years, he seized his chance when Nala accidentally missed his morning ablutions. This marked the beginning of Nala's hardships; he lost his kingdom to gambling, abandoned his wife, and his once-charming appearance faded. He embarked on a wandering journey, penniless and separated from his family. Heeding the counsel of the sage Bharadwaja, Nala arrived at this sacred site, bathed in the Brahma Teerth, and worshiped Lord Dharbaranyeswara. As a result, he was liberated from his Shani dosha and regained his fortune and strength. Nala, in gratitude, established a tank named Nala Teerth and undertook the renovation of the temple.

Musukunda

The temple is believed to have been originally constructed by Musukunda, who built seven temples, each dedicated to a different dancing form of Lord Shiva. These seven temples together are collectively known as Saptavidanga Sthalams.

Sambandhar

During a theological dispute with Jains in Madurai, the revered saint Gnana Sambandhar placed a palm leaf containing hymns praising the Goddess Bogamartha Poon Mulaiyal of this temple into the fire. Remarkably, the palm leaf did not burn, establishing Sambandhar's victory over the Jains. As the Goddess breathed life into Shaivism, she is also known as Praneswari, where "Prana" signifies life.

Other Legends

There are several lesser-known legends associated with this temple. Some of these narratives include the tale of a cursed king and his family who were transformed into elephants until they were cleansed by the temple's sacred waters. Another legend speaks of two Brahmins who received cows from a king and faced a conflict, which resulted in the accidental killing of one of the cows. The guilty Brahmin lost his social status and sight but was ultimately absolved of his sins by taking a bath in Hamsa Teerth at this temple.

History:

The origins of this temple date back to the 7th century CE. The current structure largely reflects Chola-era architecture.

Temple Layout:

This grand east-facing temple features a five-tiered Raja Gopuram (tower) at the entrance and an interior Gopuram. The space between these two towers constitutes a spacious mandapa adorned with numerous pillars bearing stucco images depicting various dance postures of Lord Shiva.

The main shrine, housing a substantial Shiv Linga known as Dharbaranyeswara, comprises several sections, including the Garbha Griha (sanctum), Ardha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, and two additional external mandapas. At the entrance to the Ardha Mandapa, visitors are greeted by splendid sculptures of Dwara palas (doorkeepers), while large stucco images of Dwara palas adorn the entrances to the other two exterior mandapas.

The temple also features a shrine dedicated to Tyagaraja, Unmatha Natana Tyagesar, as well as his consort, Devi Nilotalambal. A tall flagstaff, bali peetha (offering platform), and Nandi mandapa are positioned facing the sanctum.

The temple boasts two spacious prakaras (enclosures) encircling the sanctum. The outer walls surrounding the sanctum are adorned with niche images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga. A niche image of Bhikshatana, a form of Lord Shiva, is also present. The temple's other deities, such as Chandikeshwara, are positioned in their customary locations.

Within the inner prakara, one can find sub-shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, Bhairava, and Gaja Lakshmi. Additionally, various icons, including Sapatavida Shiv Lingas, Shiva and Uma, Ganesha, three Bhairavas, Kali, Nala Narayna Perumal, Sesha, 63 Nayanmars, Sundarar, Surya, and Chandra, grace the temple's precincts.

A small south-facing shrine houses the Goddess Pranambigai, while a neighboring shrine is dedicated to Shaneeswara. It is noteworthy that a large number of devotees flock to the temple primarily to offer their worship to Shaneeswara, and only a select few venture inside to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. Consequently, the shrine of Shaneeswara is consistently bustling with activity.

In conclusion, this temple, both steeped in history and legends, offers a profound spiritual experience. It is a place where the faithful come to seek solace and divine intervention from the influence of Shani, the planet Saturn. Whether you visit to appease Shaneeswara or to explore the captivating heritage of this temple, you are sure to embark on a spiritually enriching journey. 

Happy travelling.