Ketu is represented here with a serpent's body and a human head, differing from the standard depictions at other Navagraha sites.
The temple is closely linked to the Thiruvengadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple, often visited in conjunction by pilgrims.
It is historically associated with the legend of Vasuki, the serpent king, who prayed to Shiva at this site to gain strength.
The structure is believed to date back to the Chola dynasty, though later additions were made during the Vijayanagara period.
The Arulmigu Naganathaswamy Temple in Keezhperumpallam is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu, specifically designated as the Sthalam for Ketu. The presiding deity is Lord Naganathaswamy, while the sanctum dedicated to Ketu sits separately within the complex. Pilgrims traditionally visit this site to perform parihara pujas to mitigate the negative effects of the Ketu graha in their astrological charts. The temple features Dravidian architecture, characterized by its gopuram and stone-carved mandapams. Unlike most Shiva temples where the deity faces East, the Ketu shrine here is oriented to face West. The temple is associated with the legend of the churning of the celestial ocean, where the demon Rahu-Ketu partook in the nectar of immortality. Its location near the coast influences the surrounding fertile agricultural landscape.
The view of the main Raja Gopuram from the temple tank entrance during the golden hour.
Carry your astrological birth chart or horoscope details if you plan to perform specific rituals with the temple priests.
Bring a change of traditional clothing, as wet garments are often required for specific abhishekam rituals.
Avoid engaging with unauthorized guides who may approach you outside the temple entrance.
Do not pay arbitrary fees for 'special darshan' unless clearly marked at the official temple counter; avoid visiting during peak midday hours when the stone floors become extremely hot.
Remove footwear before entering the temple complex; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is strictly required; photography is prohibited inside the inner sanctum.
