Keezhaperumpallam Sri Nagannathaswamy (Ketu Navagrahastalam)Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Sri Naganathaswami Temple (Ketu shrine), Kilperumpallam, Nagapattinam district. Phone: +91- 4364 260 582, 275 222, 260 088, 260 424,94435 64642, 95004 16171

Diety

Naganatha Swamy, Amman: Sanbhakaraneswarar, Naganathar

Introduction

The Naganatha Swamy Temple or Kethu Sthalam is a Shiva temple in the village of Keezhaperumpallam, 2 kilometres from Poompuhar. The presiding deity is Ketu, a shadow planet. However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Naganatha Swamy” or Shiva. The temple has a 2-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state – it houses the image of Ketu.

Puranic Significance

As per legend, to obtain Amrita – the nectar of immortal life, the Ocean of Milk was churned. At the suggestion of Vishnu, the devas and asuras churn the primeval ocean in order to obtain Amrita which will guarantee them immortality. To churn the ocean they used the Serpent, Vasuki, for their churning-string. For a churning pole they used Mount Mandara placed on the back of a Great Tortoise – the Kurma Avatar of Vishnu. As the gods and demons churned the sea, the terrible poison Halahala issued from its depths and began to envelop the universe with its choking fumes. The devas went to Shiva for rescue who drank the poison the neutralize it. Vasuki was very upset that her mistake resulted in the issue. She prayed to Shiva to propitiate her sins. Shiva was pleased with her devotion and appeared as Naganathar in this place.

Beliefs

The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state – it houses the image of Ketu.The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one’s birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual’s fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers. As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship practises of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple.

Special Features

The center icon of the temple Kethu is a shadow planet. Also number 7 is the number denoting Ketu God. Further, Ketu God here has a divine posture with a five-head serpent as his head and folded hands worshiping Lord Shiva (Lord Naganatha swamy). Devotees also believe that they will get rid of Naga dhosham, Kethu dhosham, and form issues of marriage by worshiping in this temple. According to astrology, Ketu’s effects are that of similar to Mars but this is only one way of describing the malefic effect and power of Ketu. Ketu can be more destructive if it is inauspiciously positioned in the horoscope. Ketu destroys the potency of the planet with which it is conjunct, making the planet behave in an uncontrollable manner. All days are special in the Ketu temple at Keezhaperumpallam. Rahu and Ketu were the twins and universe planets than other planets. Lord Ketu is red in colour and has decorations of red lilly flower and red dresses. The effect of Ketu will create hindrance in one’s effort, poverty, enemy, ill health, devil spirits, loss of property, loss of face etc.

Festivals

Shivrathri in February-March; Aipasi Annabishekam in OctoberNovember and Panguni Vasuki Utsav in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.