The Dharbaranyeswarar Temple at Thirunallar is one of the nine sacred Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Sani (Saturn). Located in the Karaikal district of Puducherry, about 5 km from Karaikal town and 100 km from Thanjavur, this ancient shrine is the most important of all Navagraha temples for mitigating the effects of Sani Dosha [citation:5][citation:9]. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva worshipped as Dharbaranyeswarar, with his consort Parvati depicted as Bogamartha Poonmulai Ammai (Pranamambika) [citation:5][citation:13].
The town was historically known as Dharbaranyam, derived from Dharba (sacred Kusa grass) and Aranyam (forest), as the area was originally a forest of this grass. The Shiva Lingam is believed to have been found in this forest, and impressions of the Dharba grass are still visible on the Lingam [citation:8][citation:13]. The temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam, having been venerated in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmar saints Sambandar and Appar. The present masonry structure is attributed to the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, with later expansions by the Vijayanagar rulers [citation:8].
The Legend of King Nala: The temple's fame is inextricably linked to the story of King Nala from the Mahabharata. Nala, a virtuous king, was afflicted by the malefic influence of Sani (Saturn). Under this curse, he lost his kingdom, his wealth, and was separated from his family. After years of suffering, he was advised by Sage Narada to worship at this sacred site. Nala bathed in the temple tank, prayed to Lord Shiva and Sani, and was finally relieved of the curse. He regained his kingdom and prosperity [citation:1][citation:5][citation:8]. To this day, the tank is known as Nala Theertham, and a dip in its waters is believed to wash away past karmas and misfortunes [citation:5][citation:13].
Unique Features: Unlike the wrathful depictions of Sani found elsewhere, the idol here is depicted in Abhaya Hastha — a blessing posture — signifying his role as a benevolent granter of boons to those who repent [citation:5][citation:9]. This is also the only temple where Lord Shaneeshwara is seen with his family — his wives Mandhadevi and Jyeshtadevi, and sons Maandhi and Kuligan [citation:13]. The temple is also one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams, with the processional deity known as Naka Vidangar, performing the unique dance Unmatha Nadanam [citation:13]. The sacred tank, Nala Theertham, contains figurines of King Nala with his wife and children in a small structure at its center [citation:13].
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