Thirunallar is 5 K.M. west of Karaikal in the bus route of Karaikal-Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam.

This is an ancient Siva temple probably constructed in 7th Century A.D.

Dharbarenyeswarar is the main deity and Lord Saturn, Sri Pranambigai, Sri Thiagarajar and Sri Vinayagar are other deities.

The Saneeswarar temple of Sri Dharbarenyeswaraswamy Devasthanam attracts devotees not only from India but also from other Countries.

This temple is unique in its kind and is the only temple dedicated to Lord Saturn where he is a blessing God having "ABHAYAHASTHAM".

As per the history of the temple, the great King Nala of Puranic fame was relieved of the affliction of Lord Saturn or Lord Saneeswaran after worshipping the Lord consecreted in this temple.

Whoever visits this temple and prays before Lord Saneeswaran is believed to have been relieved of all the curses and sufferings and get the blessings of Lord for a happy and prosperous life.

The moolavar of Dharbarenyeswarar is Swayambu Lingam.

The place was originally a forest of Dharba grass and it is stated that the Lingam even now has impressions left by the Dharba weeds within which it was situated.

The Lord here is also known as "ADHIMOORTHY or NALLARAR".

The great Saivite saints Thirugnanasambhandar, Sundaramurthy Swamigal, Thirunavukkarasar and Arunagirinadhar have worshipped at this shrine and sung about the glory of the Lord.

"PACHAI PADHIGAM" sung by the great saint Thirugnanasambhandar is very famous one.

Poojas are performed 6 times(6 kalams) by the Brahmin priests.

Poojas like Ashtothra Archana, Abhishegam, Sahasranama Archana and Navagraha Shanthi Homam are performed daily but Homams are not accepted on Saturdays.

Facilities are also available to perform the following poojas on behalf of devotees and to send the prasadam (viboothy and kumkum) by post who wish to pay the prescribed amount.

The Important festivals celebrated in the temple are the following :-

Adi Pooram festival for one day for Ambal in July-August.

Vinayaga Chathurthi festival for Vinayagar for one day in August-September.

Navarathri Kolu, Ambu festival in September-October.

Soorasamharam festival for seven days for Subramanyar in October-November.

Thiruvathirai festival for ten days in December-January.

Sivarathri festival for Chandrasekarar and Ambal in February March.

The Brahmortsavam festival in Vaikasi.

Sanipeyarchi festival for two days once in two and half years when "Sani" changes his gruha or place.

Apart from these festivals, Special Abhishegam are also held in the Temple throughout the year on important occassions.

SANIPEYARCHI FESTIVAL Among the Navagrahas, Lord Saturn (Saneeswarar) occupies an important place.

A malefic Saturn in one's horoscope is believed to cause miseries and hardships which can be mitigated by worshipping him.

According to astrology, Saneeswaran moves from one sign (house) to the next in the Zodiac once in 2-1/2 years and the day of his transit is observed as a festival in Thirunallar.

On the day previous to the day of transit, religious discourses and entertainments are arranged.

On the festival day, Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai are chanted at 5.00 a.m. An Abhishegam on a grant scale is performed for the Lord Saneeswara Baghavan.

Oil, Milk, Curd, Rose-Water, Tender Coconut water, Fruit juice etc., are used for the Abhishegam.

Special poojas like Abhishegam and Sahasranama Archana are performed on the Sanipeyarchi festival day who wish to remit the prescribed amount by cash in the Office/by M.O./D.D. The Pooja rates are as follows :-

1. Abhishegam on the Sanipeyarchi day Rs. 100.00

2. Sahasranama Archana on the Sanipeyarchi day Rs. 60.00

The Brahmortsavam or Vasantha Uthsavam is celebrated to commemorate the day on which Nala received the Lord's blessings.

It is celebrated for 18 days.

Prior to this, festivals are celebrated for a week for Vinayagar, Subramanyar and the three Nayanmars namely Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar.

During the Brahmortsavam festival, Procession of Sri Thiagarajar (Unmattha Nadanam - Dance), Procession of Panchamurthy, Rathortsavam, Sagopura Veedhiyula, Thepportsavam are the main important festivals and attract the devotees.