Keezhaperumpallam Kethu Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Trichy airport is 148 km away and is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Mayiladudhrai railway station is 24 km away.

• By road

  The village is 93 km from Thanjavur on the Thanjavur-Poompuhar road, and regular bus services run to Chennai and Coimbatore.

Rules to know

• Online booking is not available for pooja tickets.

Why devotees come here

Keezhaperumpallam Kethu Temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu. It stands in Keezhaperumpallam village, 2 km from Poompuhar, and houses the image of Ketu, a shadow planet. The main idol is Shiva as Naganatha Swamy.

The legend says Ketu, a shadow planet, is the severed head of an Asura, and the head part is worshipped as Ketu. Devotees also tell how Shiva, pleased with Vasuki's devotion, appeared here as Naganathar, and that form is still worshipped as the main idol.

The original complex is believed to have been built by the Cholas. The present masonry structure was built under the Nayaks in the 16th century. The official site puts its age at 1000 to 2000 years.

The image of Ketu stands in the first precinct and is made of black granite. The Ketu shrine faces west and shows him worshipping the presiding deity. The temple is counted among the famous Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu.

Festivals

• FebruaryMaha Shivarathiri

  One of the major festivals celebrated at the temple.

• March or AprilVasuki Utsav

  Vasuki Utsavam is one of the major festivals at the temple.

• every 2.5 yearsRahu and Ketu transition

  Celebrated at the temple during the planetary transition of Rahu and Ketu.

Tips for your visit

• The Ketu shrine is in the first precinct and faces west.
• Go early in the day to catch the Ketu abhishekam.
• The temple says Pradosham days are very special here.

Questions people ask