Located in the serene village of Keezhaperumpallam near Poompuhar, this ancient Naganathaswamy Temple is the dedicated planetary shrine for Ketu (the South Lunar Node). As the final major destination on the Kumbakonam Navagraha Temples Circuit, it holds a deeply spiritual energy.
Unlike Rahu, who represents material obsession and worldly desires, Ketu is the Moksha Karaka—the planet of deep spirituality, detachment, wisdom, and ultimate liberation. Pilgrims suffering from severe neurological issues, unknown fears, or spiritual stagnation travel here to seek Ketu’s divine intervention.
The Legends and Sthala Purana
The mythology of Keezhaperumpallam directly continues the cosmic drama of the churning of the ocean.
The Body of the Serpent: When Lord Vishnu (in the form of the enchanting Mohini) severed the head of the demon Swarbhanu for deceitfully drinking the nectar of immortality, the demon’s body was cast away. That headless body was later joined with the head of a snake, becoming the shadow planet Ketu.
The Devotion of Ketu: Realizing the gravity of his past karmic actions, Ketu descended to the bamboo forest at Keezhaperumpallam and performed rigorous, agonizing penance to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his genuine transformation and devotion, Lord Shiva absolved Ketu of his sins and granted him the status of a planetary deity. In this temple, Ketu is uniquely depicted with a five-headed serpent hood, folding his hands in deep, reverent prayer to Lord Shiva (Naganathaswamy).
Ketu Dosha, Kala Sarpa Dosha & Step-by-Step Pariharam
An afflicted Ketu in a horoscope causes intense spiritual confusion, anxiety, nervous system disorders, accidents, and sudden loss of inherited wealth. Furthermore, when combined with Rahu, it traps the other planets, creating the highly disruptive Kala Sarpa Dosha.
How to Perform the Remedy:
- The Worship Focus: Because Ketu is a spiritual planet, the pariharam here is focused on internal cleansing and surrendering to divine will.
- The Offerings: Devotees must offer a multi-colored cloth (vastram), red lily flowers, and Horse Gram (Kollu).
- The Illumination: Lighting ghee lamps or lamps filled with specialized oils provided at the temple is a core part of the remedy to dispel the “shadow” of Ketu.
- The Best Day: Tuesdays and Sundays are considered highly auspicious for worshipping Ketu.
Daily Pooja Timings & Temple Schedule
- Ushakkala Pooja: 6:00 AM
- Kala Santhi Pooja: 8:00 AM
- Uchikalam Pooja: 12:00 PM
- Sayarakshai Pooja: 5:00 PM
- Arthajamam Pooja: 8:00 PM
- General Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Travel Logistics: Basecamp & Routing
- Location: Keezhaperumpallam is situated around 22 km from Mayiladuthurai and about 60 km from Kumbakonam.
- The Basecamp Strategy: If you are tackling the northern cluster of temples (Mars, Mercury, and Ketu), Mayiladuthurai is the most efficient basecamp. If you are completing the entire 9-planet circuit over three days, Kumbakonam remains the best central hub.
- Secure your rest stop before completing the circuit: Check current hotel availability and book your room in Mayiladuthurai on MakeMyTrip here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, and it is highly recommended. Pilgrims specifically suffering from Kala Sarpa Dosha make it a strict point to visit the Rahu temple at Thirunageswaram and the Ketu temple at Keezhaperumpallam on the same day to complete the energetic circuit of the nodes.