Tamil Nadu Temples

Kethu temple is the Navagraha Sthalam located at Keezhperumpallam in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Kethu. The main Idol of this temple is Lord Shiva as “Naganathaswamy” and Goddess Parvathi as “Soundaranayagi” in this temple. Devotees generally refer to Ketu as a “shadow” planet.

What is the history of Keezhperumpallam?

According to history, Keezhperumpallam was famous as Vanagiri. Kethu and Rahu, popular as ‘Chaaya Grahangal’, associate with the legend of the churning of the milky ocean. When Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk with Manthira Mountain as churning stick and snake Vasuki as the rope, the amirtham emerged.

An asura who disguised himself as a Deva consumed it. Hence, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. Then the cut off head fell on the ground. As the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live.

Also, the head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body and became Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion fell in Pothigai mountain region and a Brahmin preserved it. The asura body attacked the head of snake to become Kethu.

What is the significance of Keezhperumpallam Temple?

Here’s the significance of Keezhperumpallam temple:

• 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.

What are the timings of Keezhaperumpallam Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Keezhaperumpallam Temple:

What are the festivals of Keezhperumpallam Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Keezhperumpallam Temple are:

Mahashivarathri: The day before the Amavasya (new moon) of each lunar month is called Shivarathri. The observance of the Vratha also secures the devotee’s immunity from the effects of sin. 

Panguni Vasuki Utsav: It falls in the month of Panguni (also known as Phalguni) when Nakshatram (Star) Uthiram or Uttara Phalguni prevails. Devotees also believe that Goddess Parvati in the form of Gowri married Lord Shiva in Kanchipuram and because of this belief this day is also Gowri Kalyanam day.

Karthigai Festival: Kaarthigai Deepam is a festival of lights, celebrated in the Tamil month of Kaarthigai. It occurs on the full moon day of the Kaarthigai month which coincides with Krithikai star. Also, in some houses, they double the number of lamps every day from the day of Deepavali and this way, they end up with a number of lamps on the day of Kaarthigai Deepam. 

Navaratri Festival: Navratri, literally interpreted as ‘nine nights’ is the most celebrated Hindu festival devoted to Goddess Durga symbolizing purity as well as power or ‘shakti’. Navratri in India follows the hindu calendar and occurs in March/April as Chaitra Navratri and in September/October as Sharad Navratri. Also, there is worship of Goddess Durga for the first three days of Navratri and of Goddess Laxmi for the next three days.

Aippasi Abhishekam: The full moon day in the Tamil month Aippasi / Kartik Pournami is an auspicious day to perform Annabhishekam to Lord Shiva. In most of the Shiva temples Mahakala Puja, Abhishekam, and Maha Mangala Harathi take place for the Lord.

Poojas and Rituals of Keezhperumpallam Temple

The poojas and rituals of Keezhperumpallam temple are:

There are special offerings like Lilly flowers, horse gram (Kollu), and multi color cloths. Also, Abhishekam to Lord Ketu takes place daily by 8.30am. Prodhoshams are very special occasions. Six worship services also take place at the Ketu temple. One can also worship Matsyavathara Purusha to appease Ketu graha. 

How to reach Keezhperumpallam temple?

Here’s how to reach Keezhperumpallam Temple:

• Air: Nearest airport Thanjavur airport, 23 Km away from the temple.
• Train: Nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai railway station which is 24 Km away from the temple. 
• Road:There are regular bus services plying to Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Karaikal, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Kumbakonam, Pattukkottai, Bangalore, Ernakulam, Ooty and Mysore.

Where to stay in Keezhperumpallam?

Some of the places where one can stay in Keezhperumpallam are:

• Hotel Gnanam Contact: Anna Salai Market Road, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Lakshmi Hotel Contact: 44P, 45P VOC Nagar, Marys Corner, Trichy Main Road, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
• Tanjore Hi Hotel Contact: 464, East Main Street, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Sangam Hotel Contact: Trichy Road, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
• Hotel Star Residency Contact: 20/1 A, SM Road, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
• Hotel Parisutham Contact: 55, G.A.Canal Road, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001

Where to eat in Keezhperumpallam?

Some of the places where one can stay in Keezhperumpallam are:

• Vasantha Bhavan Contact:  S Rampart Rd, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Sathars Restaurant Contact: No. 167, Gandhiji Road, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Chennai Dharbar Restaurant Contact:  H.I.G – 15, Kurinji Street,, New Bus Stand, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613005
• Sangam Hotel Contact: State Highway 99A, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
• Thillana Contact: Sangam Hotel, SH 99A, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007

What are some temples near Keezhperumpallam temple?

Some of the temples near Keezhperumpallam temple are:

Brihadishwara Temple: The Brihadishwara Temple, also popular as Rajarajeswaram built by the Chola Kings a thousand years ago, is one of the oldest and greatest Shiva Temple of all times. The temple is also  the standing example for the power and glory of its builder, Rajaraja Chola, an erstwhile King.  Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is a 16 storey temple with a 66 m high monumental tower or vimana over the inner sanctum which can be visible for miles around.

Thirunallar Temple: Sri Darbaraneswarar Temple is the abode of Lord Shani(Lord Saturn). The Temple is also most famous to Lord Shaneeswarar(Saneeswaran in Tamil). Moreover, it is one of the 9 Navagrahas(Nine Planets). Also, the main deities of the shrine are Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Paravathi Devi and Lord Shani Bhagawan. 

Naganathaswamy Temple: Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu and is associated to Lord Rahu (Raaghu Bhagvan). Also, it is one where Rahu (Raghu) worshipped lord shiva. A unique feature of Naganatha Swamy temple is that Lord Rahu has human face. 

Apatsahayesvarar Temple: Alangudi (Guru stalam) has been located at a distance of 17.5 km from Kumbakonam,Thanjavur.  Also, the presiding deity Aabathsahayeswarar is a Swayambulinga Murthy in the temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy as Guru Baghwan (teacher of Dharma and Yoga sastras) has special importance in the temple and therefore, the place is popular as Dakshinamurthy Sthala. Guru gives luck,richness,health in one’s life.

Thiruvenkadu (Adhi Chidambaram) is in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the nine Navagraha temples in South India. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva, famous  as Venkaatunadar and Sri Swetaranyeswarar. His consort(Ambal) is Bhrama Vidya Nayaki. Nataraja’s dance here also popular as Hasti Natanam. 

What is the history of Thiruvenkadu?

There is a legend that associates with the history of Thiruvenkadu. A demon Maruthuvan, received boons from Brahma and then tortured devas. The Devas went to Shiva for freedom from the demon. The Lord advised the Devas to go to Thiruvengadu and live there in disguise.

Shiva also sent his vehicle Nandhi and defeated the demon. The demon injured Nandhi with his trident.

Lord Shiva converted his anger into the Agoramurthy form. On seeing the Lord, the demon surrendered at his feet and begged his pardon. He also prayed that those worshiping Agoramurthy would not have enemies at all.

Achuthagapanar bathed in the three tanks, worshiped Thiruvengadar and hence, the lord blessed him with a child. This child came to be known as Meikandar and became the chief of Santhana Kuravars.

Vedarasi, a brahmin had placed his bundle of food in the hollow of a tree. A snake residing in the hollow spewed poison on the food.

Unaware of this, Vedarasi gave this food to a vedic priest, who died of the poison. This brahmin was absolved of his Brahmahathi Dhosham by worshipping Lord Siva of Thiruvengadu.

The legend continues:

When Thirugnanasambandar reached the borders of Thiruvengadu, the whole place looked like Sivaloka and the sands Sivalingas.He hesitated to place his legs on this holy land and cried Oh! Mother. On hearing his voice, Goddess Periyanayaki appeared there and took the child on her laps. Moreover, the idol of Periyanayaki with Thirugnanasambandar is majestically present in the temple.

Thiruvengadar, the son of Sivanesan and Gnanambigai, with the blessings of a Siva Muni received Siva Ditchai and a Siva Linga and hence became famous as Pattinathu Adigal.Indra having killed Virudhasuran, worshiped Lord Thiruvengadar and was absolved of his sins.

Also, Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indra. However, Indra in his vanity threw it on his white elephant Iravadam which stamped the mala under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indra. Afterwards, Indra realizing his folly formed a tank -Thadagam in Thiruvengadu and worshipped a Siva Linga. Lord Siva blessed him and he reached Indraloka again.

Suwedakedu on realizing that he was to die in his eighth year reached Thiruvengadu and performed Siva pooja. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly. Yama on seeing Thiruvengadar, ran away in fear.

What is the significance of the Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Here’s the significance of Thiruvenkadu Temple:

• Lord Shiva possesses three eyes – Chandra, Surya and Agni. Since the eyes bless the tanks, the Theertham(tanks) are also famous as Soma Theertham ,Surya Theertham and Agni Theeertham. Bathing in these tanks and worshipping the Lord here for one “mandalam” (45 days) is also relieves couples from problems in relation with childbirth.

• One of the three deities is Aghoramurthy or Aghora Veerabhadramurthy the most fierce among the five representations of Lord Shiva. There are also several shrines of significance including those to Ma Durga and Ma Kali. The saints Appar,Sundarar,Sambandhar and Manikavasagar have sung in praise of this temple.

• Further, those who visit Thiruvengadu will find relief from puthira dosham, poor studies, mental instability, nervous disorders. Knowledge, music, astrology, maths, sculpting, medicine, language skills are the beneficial aspects of Budan.

What are the timings of Thiruvenkadu Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Thiruvenkadu Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at the Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

• Indira Festival: The Indra Jatra festival honours the recently deceased and pays homage to Indra and Dagini for the coming harvests. 
• Gokulashtami: Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in the month of July or August.  All over India this day also includes devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with a great devotion. This day is the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 
• Purattasi Viratham: Purattasi is an important Tamil month like Aadi, while Aadi month is for Amman Puratasi is for Perumal. Further, Lord Vishnu devotees consider Purattasi as the ideal month for thanking Lord Vishnu for preserving the Universe at the end of Kali Yuga. Hence, the devotees gather in large number at Lord Vishnu temples and offer special prayers.
• Skanda Shashti: Skanda Sashti is a six-day South Indian festival to Skanda, the Lord of Religious Striving, also known as Murugan or Karttikeya. It begins on the day after the new moon in the month of Karttika (October/November) with chariot processions and pujas invoking his protection and grace. 
• Pongal: Pongal is a harvest festival, celebrated by the people belonging to Hindu faith. On this occasion, people thank the Sun God for abundant agricultural crops. The festival is most popular in the state of Tamil Nadu. Pongal celebrations take place from January 13 to 16 every year.

How to reach Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Here’s how to reach Thiruvenkadu Temple:

• Air: The Trichy International airport is the nearest airport, 8 km away from Tanjavur. Bangalore and Chennai airports are also nearby. 
• Road: Buses are available from Sirkali and Mayiladuthurai. 
• Rail:  Trichy Junction is nearby, 58 km from Thanjavur. Regular trains are also available from Trichy to Chennai and Madurai.

Where to stay near Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

• PAMS Contact: 30/B Town Extension Road, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu 609001
• Hotel Sadhabishegam Contact: 6/18A, Sannathi Street, Thirukadaiyur, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 609311
• Seahorse Hotel Contact:  Opp Police Reserved Camp, Public Office Rd, Kadambadi, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 611001
• Hotel VPN Residency Contact: Main Road, Maha Kulam Stop, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
• Grand Neyatt Hotel Contact: Manara North Street, Nagore, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 611002
• Nagore Residency Contact: Kalmatu St, Nagore, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 611002

Where to eat near Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the places where one can eat near Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

• Murga Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
• Thiru Valluar Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu
• Alfa Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu
• Hotel Seagate Family Restaurant Contact: Nagapattinam District, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu

What are some temples near Thiruvenkadu Temple?

Some of the temples near Thiruvenkadu Temple are:

Sri Suvedharanyeswarar Swami Temple: Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Thiruvengadu near Sirkazhi. The main deity is Shiva – Swetharanyeswarar (lord of white forest) while the goddess is Brahma Vidya ambal. There is a separate Sannidhi for Bhudhan (mercury).

Sri Mullaivananathar temple: This is an ancient Siva temple about 20 kms East of Thanjavur dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathar as well as Sri Karparakshambigai. Moreover, it is a huge temple that spreads over a wide expanse with imposing Gopurams and a tank in front of it. Devotees also believe that childless people who worship here with devotion and faith get the blessing of pregnancy and pregnant women of safe deliveries. Unmarried women also pray here for their marriages. 

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Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple of Sri Darbaraneswarar in Tamil Nadu is one of the Navagrahas. The main deities of the shrine are Lord Shiva, his consort Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shani Bhagawan. In the Thirunallar Temple, Lord Shiva is Darbaraneswara while Goddess Parvati is popular as Pranamambika or Bogamartha Poon Mulayal (Poonmulalammal).

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple – Facts

What are the timings of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

Here are the darshan timings of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple:

What are the sevas and poojas at Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

The devotees believe that they can get rid of their curses and spells of bad luck if they pray in this temple. Hence, pilgrims take a dip in the Nala Theertha and offer worship at the temple. The worship here also includes lighting holy lamps with til (gingelly) seeds and oil. After prayers, balls of cooked rice are offered to the Crow, the mount of Saniswara.

Apply Gingelly oil on the head before the bath an leave the clothes there. After dressing up, visit the nearby Kali Theertha Vinayakar shrine and offer prayers and break coconuts.

Devotees can also donate for the poojas to the temple. Also, there are two ways to do poojas. One is the devotees themselves should collect all the materials for the pooja and handover to the concerned temple authorities. One can also send the money directly to temple authorities

What is the significance of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

The significance of the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is that offering prayers at this temple are believed to reduce the ill effects of Lord Shani and increase the positive effects. Also, for over thousand years Hindus have visited this temple and have found their misfortunes and bad luck to decrease as this is the only temple in the world where Lord Shani lost his power to Lord Shiva.

Saturn is popular as the Celestial Taskmaster and the Grand Teacher. Worshipping of Lord Shani helps people to develop a positive mindset even during the harshest of Shani periods. It will help us benefit from great difficulties, challenges and limitations. While it is true that offering worship here decreases the difficult effects and increases the positive effects of Saturn it does not completely eliminate the hardships we will face due to Shani Bhagawan.

Since the principal Deity Lord Dharbaranyeswara and his consort “Bhogamartha Poon Mulayal” have the power to offer benediction to the devotees, hundreds of people visit this temple daily. The other deities of the shrine are Swarna Vinayaka, Lord Subramaneswara Swamy and Thyagaraja. The image of Lord Saneeswara is there in a graceful standing pose in Niche on the left side of the Lord Dharbaranyeswara.

There is also an additional attraction in the shape of holy tanks which exists here possess healing powers literally and metaphorically. Also, the place was originally a forest of Dharba grass and it is stated that the Shiva Lingam even now has impressions left by the Dharba weeds within which it was situated.

What is the history of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

According to the history of the Thirunallar temple, the famous King Nala and the Queen Damayanthi liked each other and got married. However, Devas wanted to marry the queen Damayanthi. So after this marriage, Devas got angry and jealous of Nala. Devas reached out Saneeswaran and asked him to help them out.

But after seeing the couple, he decided to make devas understand the Nala’s true love for his queen. Saneeswaran gave a lot of troubles to King Nala and finally, the King reached Thirunallaru. The King worshipped the Lord Dharpaneswara at this temple and hence the lord made him free from curses and doshas.

Nala stayed in place for some time and built the temple. After Nala got back his kingdom. The world Thirunallar is derived from two words – “Nala” means King Nala and “Aru” means “to heel” which means Nala’s place.

Another popular legend states that once, one of the wives of Surya Deva, Usha, couldn’t tolerate the heat of the sun. Hence, she converted her shadow as another woman in the name of “Saya Devi” and lived in that name. Saneeswaran was born to Saya Devi and Surya Deva.

Later when Surya Deva came to know this, he got angry with Usha and he didn’t accept Saneeswaran as part of his family. Saneeswaran then went to Kashi (Varanasi), worshipped Lord Viswanath (Shiva) and become part of one of the Navagrahas.

What are the festivals celebrated at Thirunallar Saneeswaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thirunallar Temple are:

• Soorasamharam festival: The popular belief is that Lord Muruga killed Soorapadman with his ‘Vel’ and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam. Then, the next day is Thirukalyanam – the divine marriage of Muruga and Devasena.
• Sanipeyarchi festival: On this day Sri Saneeswara Bhagawan transits from Thulam (Libra) to Vrischika (Scorpio). Also, poojas and rituals take place on the day for Shani Dosha Parihara. The day on which Lord Shani transits is Sanipeyarchi Festival in Thirunallar Temple.
• Thiruvathirai festival: It is considered to worship Lord Shiva, and the devotees go early morning to temples. Unmarried women observe a partial fast on this day to get good husbands and married women take a fast from the preceding day (Makayiram Nakshatra) and on the day of Thiruvathira for the well being of their husband and family.
• Adi Pooram festival: Aadi Pooram, also called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’, is a prime festival of Tamilians. This festival is for Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The day begins with the making of huge kolams (rangoli) in front of the home. Dakshinayana Punyakalam, the night of the Devas, begins on the first day of the month Aadi. 

How to reach Thirunallar?

Here’s how to reach Thirunallar:

• Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli which is 168 Km.
• Road: This temple is 5 KM from the Karaikkal bus stand and 22 KM away from Nagapattinam bus stand.
• Rail: The nearest station is Karaikkal. The easiest route is from Chennai to Thirunallar is via Tindivanam, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tranquebar, Karaikal.

Where to stay at Thirunallar?

Some of the places where one can stay at Thirunallar are:

• Holiday Farms & Resorts: Main Road, Akkaraivattam, Karaikal
• Kumaran Guest House: 160, Thirunallar Road, Karaikal
• Hotel Arya Bhavan: Thirunallar Road, Karaikal, Pondicherry
• Government Tourist Home: Near Bus Stand, Koilpathu, Karaikal, Tamil Nadu
• Thirunallar Devasthanam Tourist Home: Thirunallar, Karaikal
• Hotel Nandha: 207, Kamaraj Salai, Karaikal
• Hotel City Plaza: Bharathiar Road, Karaikal
• PWD Guest House: Beach Road, Karaikal

Where to eat at Thirunallar?

Some of the places where one can eat at Thirunallar are:

• The Richmond: 12, Labourdonnais Street, Pondicherry
• Sarovar Hotel: 23, Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry
• Subasree Cottage: Near Nalathirtham, Thirunallar Rd
• Food Land: 15/3, Market Street, Karaikal – 609602
• New Husainiya Restaurant: 65/1, Church Street, Karaikal – 609602,

What are some temples near Thirunallar Temple?

Some of the temples near the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple are:

• Kailasanathar Temple: The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram is a famous temple of Lord Shiva. Also. the Shiva Lingam in this temple is 10 feet high. Moreover, King Rajasimha, of the Pallava dynasty, built this Shiva temple in the early 8th century. It is an early structural temple and consists of sandstone.
• Bhadrakali Temple: The place was initially Ambara-harattur meaning victory over Ambaran, which subsequently became Ambagarathur. Goddess Bhadrakali is also the most efficient goddess in endowing blessings to the followers. It is a religious temple for the Hindus.
• Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple: Karaikal Ammaiyar is a small shrine, which is dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar, the only woman out of the sixty-three Nayanmars. Further, Malaiperumal Pillai constructed it in 1929. It is also famous for the huge idol of this lady saint. Also popular as Goddess Punithavati, this woman and the episodes of her supernatural powers are famous among natives of the region. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple