Naganathaswamy Temple (Kethu Sthalam), Keezhaperumpallam

Deity

Kethu; Lord Naganathaswamy and Soundharyanayagi

Timings

6 am to 12 noon, 4 pm to 8.30 pm

Nearest railway station

Mayiladuthurai

Nearest airport

Tiruchirappalli

Distance from Mayiladuthurai

About 22 km

Best time

Year-round

Legend and history

The shrine is linked to the churning of the ocean of milk. The serpent Vasuki, used as the churning rope, grew exhausted and released poison, which Shiva swallowed to protect the world. Vasuki later sought forgiveness, and Shiva is said to have settled here as Naganathaswamy, lord of serpents. The temple is attributed to the Cholas, with later rulers adding to it over the centuries.

Kethu worship

Kethu is shown here with a human body and a serpent's head. Devotees pray to him for wisdom and relief from difficult planetary periods, and offer multicoloured cloth and grains. By custom, pilgrims worship Kethu first and then go to the main sanctum.

Festivals

The biggest day is Kethu peyarchi, when Kethu moves into a new zodiac sign roughly every one and a half years, drawing huge crowds and a temple car procession. Maha Shivaratri, Annabhishekam in Aippasi and the Vasuki festival in Panguni are also celebrated.

How to reach and timings

Keezhaperumpallam is about 22 km from both Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi. Mayiladuthurai is the nearest railway station, and Trichy is the nearest airport. The temple is usually open from 6 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 8.30 pm. Visitors should dress modestly. It can be visited through the year, and we can cover it with the other Navagraha temples in a two-day trip from Virudhachalam.

Tips for your visit

Crowds swell sharply on Kethu peyarchi and on weekends, so a weekday morning is the calmest time to go. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected inside. Offerings of cloth and flowers are sold near the entrance. Poompuhar beach is close by if you want a short break after the darshan.

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