Keezhperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple (Ketu Navagraha Temple)
Keezhperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple (celebrated as the Ketu Sthalam) is the Ketu (South Lunar Node) planetary shrine among the 9 Navagrahas of Tamil Nadu, situated in Keezhperumpallam near Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai district. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Naganathaswamy, the temple enshrines Lord Ketu with a five-headed serpent hood, human torso, folded hands in devotion to Shiva (Anjali Mudra), and a serpent tail body. Ketu is regarded in Hindu astrology as 'Moksha Karaka' (the planet of spiritual liberation and enlightenment).
About Keezhperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple (Ketu Navagraha Temple)
Keezhperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple (celebrated as the Ketu Sthalam) is the Ketu (South Lunar Node) planetary shrine among the 9 Navagrahas of Tamil Nadu, situated in Keezhperumpallam near Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai district. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Naganathaswamy, the temple enshrines Lord Ketu with a five-headed serpent hood, human torso, folded hands in devotion to Shiva (Anjali Mudra), and a serpent tail body. Ketu is regarded in Hindu astrology as 'Moksha Karaka' (the planet of spiritual liberation and enlightenment).
Historical Lineage & Epigraphy
According to the Sthala Purana, during the churning of the milk ocean (Samudra Manthan), when the serpent Vasuki was used as a rope, the poison spat by Vasuki caused deep grief to the serpent race. Ketu performed intense penance to Lord Shiva at Keezhperumpallam, who blessed him and established him as a divine celestial graha.
Religious & Theological Significance
Ketu governs wisdom, detachment, occult knowledge, and liberation from rebirth. Worshipping Ketu here with multi-coloured cloth (Kollu / horse gram offerings) relieves Naga Dosha, Kala Sarpa Dosha, and mysterious ailments. Devotees of the presiding deity visit Keezhperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple (Ketu Navagraha Temple) for regular darshan (viewing of the deity) as well as for major festival observances throughout the year. The temple follows a daily schedule of puja ceremonies: typically beginning before dawn with the Mangala Aarti (auspicious lamp ritual) and concluding with a late-evening closing ceremony. Specific festivals — tied to the Hindu lunar calendar and the deity's mythological biography — draw significantly larger congregations and may include elaborate processions, chariot festivals, and special abhisheka (ritual bathing) ceremonies.
Architectural Classification & Engineering
Compact Chola granite temple with a 2-tiered Rajagopuram, an inner stone corridor housing Ketu facing West, and the sacred Naga Theertham tank. The regional architectural style used in Keezhperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple (Ketu Navagraha Temple) reflects the temple-building traditions dominant in India during its construction period. Key structural elements typically include the shikhara (spire) over the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), the mandapa (assembly hall), and in larger temples, separate halls for music, dance, and offerings. Decorative sculpture on the exterior walls depicts deities, celestial beings (apsaras), mythological narratives, and auspicious symbols drawn from Puranic literature; the quality and survival of this sculpture depend significantly on the stone used and subsequent conservation efforts.
Visitor Guidelines & Operational Timings
Located close to the historic Chola seaport of Poompuhar and 25 km from Mayiladuthurai. Frequently visited in conjunction with Thiruvenkadu (Budhan) and Vaitheeswaran Koil (Chevvai). The temple is generally open for darshan from early morning (approximately 5:00–6:00 AM) to late evening (approximately 8:00–9:00 PM), with a midday closure during the afternoon puja period; hours vary and should be confirmed locally. Visitors are required to remove footwear at the temple entrance and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); specific dress-code requirements vary by temple. Photography rules differ across temples — many prohibit cameras inside the sanctum but allow photography in outer precincts; posted signage or temple staff can clarify.
How to Reach
Mayiladuthurai Junction is 25 km west. Local buses ply between Sirkazhi, Poompuhar, and Keezhperumpallam. The nearest major city to Keezhperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple (Ketu Navagraha Temple) is the nearest town, from which the temple can be reached by local bus, auto-rickshaw, or hired taxi. Pilgrimage sites along the India circuit are typically well-connected by state transport buses; schedules should be verified at the nearest KSRTC, TSRTC, TNSTC, or equivalent state bus terminal. The nearest railway station is the most practical arrival point for long-distance travellers; from there, local transport to the temple is generally available.
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (150 km)
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Sirkazhi Railway Station (20 km) / Mayiladuthurai (25 km)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the astrological significance of worshipping at Keezhperumpallam Ketu Temple?
Ketu is the planet of spiritual liberation (Moksha Karaka); prayers here alleviate Naga Dosha, karmic obstacles, and foster spiritual wisdom.
What form does Ketu Bhagavan have at Keezhperumpallam?
Ketu is depicted with a human head and torso, five serpent hoods above his head, folded hands worshipping Shiva, and a serpent tail lower body.
Verified Academic & Administrative Sources
- Mayiladuthurai District Gazetteer
- Navagraha Sthala Puranam Corpus
- Chola Epigraphical Survey
- Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department Records