The Naganatha Swamy Temple or Kethu Sthalam is a Hindu temple in the village of Keezhaperumpallam.The presiding deity is Ketu, a shadow planet. However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Naganatha Swamy” or Shiva.
Shrine’s History
During the churning of the milk ocean, Vasuki the serpent used as the rope for the purpose got exhausted and split its venom. Devas ran to Lord Shiva for protection from the impact of the spreading poison. Lord swallowed the poison and protected the world. Vasuki felt that it had caused Lord Shiva to swallow its poison and performed penance seeking Lords pardon. Lord gave darshan to Vasuki and admired its sense of sacrifice. Vasuki begged Lord Shiva to stay in the place. Lord obliged Vasuki and stayed here named after the serpent-Naga ? Naganathar.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Bus facility is available from Sirkali and Mayiladuthurai.
By Rail
Kumbakonam railway station is the nearest railhead.
By Air
Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport is the nearest domestic airport. The nearest international airport is the Chennai International Airport.
Shrine Timings
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 a.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Shivrathri in February-March; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Panguni Vasuki Utsav in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Extra Information About this Shrine
The presiding deity of Nagannathaswamy Temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of Lord Naganatha Swamy along with Goddess Sowndara Nayagi . The center icon of the temple Kethu is considered to be a shadow planet. And number 7 is considered to be the number denoting Kethu god. Kethu god is found here with a divine posture headed with the five-headed serpent and with folded hands worshiping Lord Shiva . It was believed that the devotees will get rid of from Naga dhosham, Kethu dhosham, and form marriage related issues by worshiping this temple. Kethu god is specially offered with offerings like Lilly flowers, horse gram , and multi-colored cloths. It was said that Vasuki, the serpent king, have worshipped Nagannathaswamy Temple. The temple also has the idols of Sun god and Saturn for which the rituals are performed during its respective turns.
