Temple History Overview

This temple’s sacred plant is “Dharbai”. It is a grass that is used in rituals. According to legend, in ancient times, this region was densely covered with Dharbai plants. It is believed that the lord of this temple appeared in the midst of these plants. The lingam looks as if it is created out of a bunch of Dharbai leaves. Hence the lord is known as “Sri Dharbharanyeswarar” and the place gets the name “Dharbaranyam”.

This temple’s sacred plant is “Dharbai”. It is a grass that is used in rituals. According to legend, in ancient times, this region was densely covered with Dharbai plants. It is believed that the lord of this temple appeared in the midst of these plants. The lingam looks as if it is created out of a bunch of Dharbai leaves. Hence the lord is known as “Sri Dharbharanyeswarar” and the place gets the name “Dharbaranyam”.

King Nalan was a ruler of the Nidatha kingdom who married Damayanthi, the princess of Vidharba kingdom. Nalan was under the influence of Sani dosha and had to undergo several ordeals. He was advised by Sage Bharatwaj to visit this place, take a dip in this temple’s Theertham and worship Lord Shiva. It is believed that when Nalan entered the sanctum to worship the lord, Sani left him there itself as Sani was afraid to enter into the sanctum along with Nalan. In his hymn, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar mentioned about Nalan’s worship – he worshiped the lord with flowers, dheepam and sambirani.

Lord Shiva not only relieved Nalan from Sani’s grip but also gave Sani the title of lord and asked him to stay here itself. Hence Sani is known as “Sani Eswarar” and this place gets the name “Thiru Nalan Aru” (“Thiru” a prefix for respect, “Nalan” refers to the king and “Aru” means healing in Tamil). Over a period of time this name has changed to Thiru Nallaru. Saneeswararn is also known as “Sanaicharan”.

Temple Location