Nala Theertham

Nala Theertham is a sacred temple tank located in Thirunallar, Karaikal District, Puducherry, adjacent to the Dharbaranyeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shani (Saturn). Revered as the place where King Nala bathed to be relieved of Shani dosha, the tank is central to pilgrimage rituals. Pilgrims take a holy dip before worshipping at the temple, especially on Saturdays and during Sani Peyarchi festival.

Visitors can expect a rectangular sacred tank with stepped ghats and greenish water, located within the Thirunallar temple complex. The area includes bathing steps, changing areas and small shops selling oil, clothes and offerings. Pilgrims perform ritual oil bath and dip before proceeding to Dharbaranyeswarar Temple. The surroundings are temple-centric with paved pathways, shrines and crowds especially on Saturdays and festival days.

The tank is linked to the legend of King Nala from the Mahabharata, who is said to have bathed in this theertham to be relieved from the adverse effects of Shani. The associated Dharbaranyeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple with Chola period origins, historically important as a major Shani sthala in South India.

Nala Theertham holds deep religious significance for devotees of Shani (Saturn). Taking a dip, especially with an oil bath, is believed to alleviate Shani dosha and bring relief from misfortune. It is a key ritual before worship at the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple and draws large numbers of pilgrims on Saturdays, Amavasya and during the Sani Peyarchi festival.