Navagraha
7. History of Sri Saneeswara Bhagawan Temple and Sri Darbharanyeswara Temple
History
In Thanjavur District the ancient temple of Sri Darbharanyeswara is situated. This temple was visited by the Saint Tirugnana Sambandar Thirunavukkarasu and Sundarar and sung songs on Lord Shiva. This temple houses a separate shrine for Lord Saturn also known as Shani Bhagavan. The presiding deity is Dharbaranyeswarar and is believed to have been made of dharba grass. The tradition is to worship Shani before entering the inner sanctum of Lord Siva.
Significance
Lot of devotees are visiting the temple for relief from the effects Saturn in their life. They take an oil bath in the Nalatheertham, offer prayers to Kalitheertha Vinayaka, break coconuts and worship Baghwan Sani the planet Saturn.
Those afflicted by the adverse effects of Saturn get a relief after praying to the Saturn in the Darbaranyeswarar temple. They also come here for repentance from sins, curing of diseases, getting oratory skills. They pray to Darbaranyeswarar for peaceful marriage alliances. Above all they get total mental peace.
Thirunallar is also known as an important pilgrimage spot of Lord Saturn. The Saturn Shrine is always crowded. As he is the Lord of Makara (Capricorn) and Kumba houses in the Zodiac, their idols also find a place in the shrine. There is also a Golden Crow, the vehicle of Saturn in the shrine.