At a distance of about 100 Kms from Thanjavur (5 Kms from Karaikal, in Pondicheri administration), the Darbaranyeswarar Temple at Tirunallar is a well known temple featuring the shrines of Shiva and Saneeswarar (Saturn). This is the most famous temple of Saturn in South India.

The architectural features date back to the Chola period and inscriptions dating back to the twelth century AD are found in the temple.

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.

This place is visited by hundreds of thousands of people when the planet Saturn makes a transit between zodiac signs, an event that happens once in two and a half years.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 4 - 9 PM