Keezhaperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple

Ketu

Keezhaperumpallam, near Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu

Folktale & Sacred Story

During the churning of the ocean of milk for amrita, the deadly poison Halahala rose up and threatened to engulf creation; Shiva swallowed it to save the universe. Vasuki, the serpent king who had been used as the churning rope, felt responsible for unleashing the poison and came to this spot to pray to Shiva in penance for the calamity. Pleased with Vasuki's devotion, Shiva appeared here as Naganathar ('Lord of the Serpent'), giving the temple its name. A related legend recounts how, in the same churning episode, the asura Rahu's severed head fused with a serpent's body; the body from that same being is worshipped separately here as Ketu, making Keezhaperumpallam the final stop of the Navagraha circuit.

Most Revered Practice

The temple's principal draw is the Ketu abhishekam and remedial pujas performed for those affected by Ketu dosha or Kala Sarpa dosha, particularly during the Rahu-Ketu Peyarchi (planetary transition), observed here roughly every two-and-a-half years with large crowds. The temple is also well known regionally for hosting Annaprasanam, the traditional first rice-feeding ceremony for infants.

Prasadam & Offerings

Vibhuti (sacred ash) and prasad are distributed to worshippers here; a distinctive temple custom requires that this prasadam be consumed within the temple premises rather than carried out.

Temple Speciality

Keezhaperumpallam is the final, southernmost stop on the Tamil Nadu Navagraha pilgrimage circuit, representing Ketu, the 'headless' shadow planet paired with Rahu. Located near the coastal town of Poompuhar in the Kaveri delta, the temple's origins trace to the Chola period, with the present masonry structure rebuilt under the Thanjavur Nayaks in the 16th century.

Why Pilgrims Visit

As the concluding shrine of the Navagraha yatra, pilgrims visit to complete the circuit and to seek relief from Ketu dosha, associated in Hindu astrology with sudden disruptions, detachment, and spiritual unease. Its proximity to Poompuhar, an ancient Chola-era port town, also makes it a natural stop combined with coastal sightseeing.

History & Legend

The final stop on the Navagraha circuit, representing Ketu, the other shadow planet paired with Rahu in Hindu astrology; an ancient shrine within a Shiva temple complex near the coast.

Divine Significance

Pilgrims traditionally complete the nine-temple Navagraha yatra here, seeking relief from Ketu dosha.

Darshan Timings

General darshan hours are around 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the temple closed to visitors in the early-to-mid afternoon (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli or Puducherry. Nearest railway station: Sirkazhi, then short drive.

Where To Stay

Hotels in nearby Sirkazhi or Mayiladuthurai town.

Local Food Nearby

Keezhaperumpallam is a small coastal village, so most pilgrims travel into Sirkazhi or Mayiladuthurai for meals, where typical Tamil vegetarian fare -- idli, dosa, pongal, and thali meals -- is widely available.

Contact & Official Info

Contact Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (11.1351, 79.8353)