THIRUNALLAR ( 5 Km from Karaikal):
This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani or Saturn. When the
planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The legendary King Nala is said to have
been relieved of his afflictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worship in this temple.
Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the most important one.
By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions. The temple here is dedicated
to Sri Dharbaranyeswara. King Nala attained emancipation here from the hardships and miseries to which he
was subjected by Sani. Enshrined within the temple is Saniswara. The devout believed that they could
get rid of their curses and the spells of ill fate if they pray in this temple.
Pilgrims usually take a dip in the Nala Theertham and offer worship at the
temple. The worship here includes lighting holy lamps with til (gingelly)seeds and oil. After prayers,
balls of cooked rice are offered to the Crow at the mount of Saniswara.
The festival, Sani Peyarchi, which takes place once in two and a half years,
attracts thousands of pilgrims. On this day, Saturn
moves from one Rasi to another.
