Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam

The Naganatha Swamy Temple  is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Nagannathar and his consort is Soundaryanayaki. The temple is one of the Navagraha Sthalas, specifically for Kethu and hence known as Kethu Sthalam. It is located at Keezhaperumpallam near Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu. Despite Nagannathar being the presiding deity, the temple is famous for worshipping Kethu, a shadow planet with serpent head and a human body.

The unfavourable position of Kethu as per one’s birth star causes Naga Dosha, Kethu Dosha, delay and obstacles in Marriage, childlessness, gastric troubles, neurological defects, lack of courage, etc. Devotees wanting to get rid of these ill effects and those aspiring progress in trade and undertakings, seeking unity and prosperity in family, longevity and welfare of succeeding generations, throng this kethu sthalam. Worshipping Rahu brings excellence in education and prosperity in family. Devotees offer horsegram rice(Kollu sadham) as nivedhya, red flowers and light seven lamps at the temple while worshipping Kethu. Special poojas are performed to Kethu at Rahu kalam and Yemakandam every day. Devotees offer Lilly flowers, horse gram (Kollu), and multi colored cloths for Kethu.

As per legend, Lord Vishnu in disguise as Mohini was distributing amirtham to the devas to make them immortal. But Rahu, who was an asura, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar.  When Lord Vishnu realized this, he hit Rahu on the head with the spoon in his hand. Rahu’s head detached and fell on the ground. The head and the body still continued to live due to the consumption of amirtham. The body got attached to a serpent head to become Ketu.

Daily Routine:

Pooja tickets can be booked one day in advance at the temple counter. Pooja will be performed for a family. Kethu peyarchi is celebrated once in 18 months, during the star transition.

Temple Timings:

06:00 A.M to 12:30 P.M
03:00 P.M to 08:30 P.M

Temple Address:

Arulmigu Nagannathaswamy Temple, Vanagiri, Keezhaperumpallam-609105.

Temple Contact Details:

Phone: 04364 260 424

How to reach:

By Air:

The nearest airports to the temple are Trichy airport and Madurai airport about 150 km each.

By Rail:

The nearest railway station to Naganathar temple is Mayiladuthurai at a distance of 28 km.

By Road:

Adequate buses are available from Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi to reach the temple.

Want to visit the Navagraha temples? Click here.