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:
| Timings | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 6.00AM | 12.00PM |
| Evening Darshan | 3.30PM | 8.30PM |
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.
