Naganathar temple at Keezhaperumpallam which is 8 kms from Thiruvenkadu is the kethu sthalam. Keezhaperumpallam is also known as Vanagari. Here Naganathar is the main deity and His consort is Soundarya Devi. This temple is dedicated to Kethu (South Lunar Node), one of the nine planets or navagraha. Kethu Bhagavan has the head of a snake and the body of an asura. It is rare to see Kethu Bhagavan with his head. Kethu worshiped Shiva here to get rid of his sins. Here he is seen worshiping Naganathar with folded hands.
The devas and the asuras churned the paarkadal (Celestial Ocean) to get the Holy Nectar (Amrutham). Lord Vishnu decided to distribute it only amongst the devas and not asuras as the amrutham would make the asuras stronger and their atrocities will increase. When Lord Vishnu was distributing the Amrutham amongst the devas, at the behest of Sukracharya, one of the asuras, in the guise of a deva consumed the nectar. The Sun and the Moon noticed this and complained to Lord Vishnu. An angry Vishnu used his chakrayudham (discus) to cut the asura into two and threw them away. The head joined with a snake’s body to become Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion kept growing because the asura had consumed Amrutham. This later joined with the head of a snake and became Kethu Bhagavan. They prayed to Shiva to get rid of their sin and sought to be included as planets. Their wish was granted by Him.
About Kethu, Keezhaperumpallam
History of Kethu, Keezhaperumpallam
History of Kethu, Keezhaperumpallam
However, Rahu and Kethu never forgave the Sun and the Moon. They cause eclipses as an act of revenge. Rahu is further classified as Nitya and Parva Rahu. Nitya Rahu keeps tugging at the Moon causing it to wax and wane, while the Parva Rahu swallows the moon causing the lunar eclipse. Kethu causes the solar eclipse.
Pooja: Picking up bad habits, property disputes and loss of property, humiliation, lack of Progeny, marriage obstacles are all due to Kethu dosham. This is the parihara sthalam to get rid of the Kethu dosham. He is believed to bestow the following on his devotees; good eyesight, gain in property, fame, vehicle, children etc. Devotees worship Kethu Bhagavan with red Lilly flower, by draping him with multi-coloured cloth and offering Kollu (Horsegram).
Kethu Sthuthi
Recite the following mantras after sunset facing North-West direction to be relieved of the malefic effects and benefit from his benevolence.
Kethu Moola Mantram: Aum Hrim Krum Krura Rupine Kethave Aim Suh Svaha
Kethu Gayathri: AUM Chitravarnaya Vidhmahe, Sarparoopaya Dhimahi, Tanno Kethu Prachodayath
Other Kethu Temples:
Seshapureeswarar Temple at Thirupampuram.
Vanchinathaswamy Temple at Srivanchiyam
Sri Kalahasthi in Andhra Pradesh.
Neelakanteswarar Temple at Girugambakkam near Chennai.
Other Temples Nearby:
Thirukadaiyur – 14kms
Thiruvenkadu – 8 kms
Location:
Click here for the Location Map
23 Kms from Sirkali (Off Sirkali- Karaikal Road)
30 kms from Mayavaram
64 kms from Kumbakonam
35 Kms from Karaikal
Boarding & Lodging: This is a very small village. There are only a couple of shops outside the temple. Your travel base could be Mayiladuthurai, Thirukadayur or Kumbakonam.
Temple Timings: 5.30am to 12 noon and 4pm to 8pm.
Temple Phone Number: 04364 275 222