Everything a first-time visitor needs: temple hours, the Nala Theertham ritual, Saturday crowds and Sani Peyarchi.
The Dharbaranyeswarar temple in Thirunallar, near Karaikal, is known across South India for its shrine to Saneeswaran (Saturn). It is one of the nine Navagraha temples of the Cauvery delta.
Temple timings
The temple is usually open from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. On Saturdays it opens at 5:00 am and stays open until 9:00 pm. Timings change on festival days.
The Nala Theertham ritual
Tradition holds that King Nala was freed from Saturn's troubles after bathing in the temple tank. Devotees apply sesame oil, bathe in Nala Theertham, often wear black, and light sesame oil lamps before darshan.
Saturdays and Sani Peyarchi
Saturdays are the busiest day, with queues that can last hours, so arrive before 7 am. Sani Peyarchi, Saturn's transit roughly every two and a half years, brings the largest crowds. The most recent was on 6 March 2026.
Where to stay
RK Resorts is about 5 minutes from the temple, so you can go early, come back for breakfast, and rest by the pool before an evening visit. Rooms fill quickly around Saturdays and festival dates; book direct for our best rate.