The Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple in Keezharumpallam, Tamil Nadu

The Naganathaswamy Temple is one of the Navagraha Temples located in the village of Keezhaperumpallam in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of this shrine is Lord Naganathaswamy represented by a lingam who is believed to be a form of Lord Shiva. Other deities worshipped on the planet are Lord Ganesha known as Vinayagar and Goddess Laxmi. Naganathaswamy Temple has been built in a Dravidian-style structure which gives it a unique view. 

Being one of the Navagraha Temples,  Naganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities worshipped as Ketu. He is believed to be one of the wisest of all the other planets. In Hindu mythology, Ketu is considered a sibling to Rahu. Ketu in the idol form is represented by the rest of the body of Rahu (excluding the face). It gives psychic abilities to its natives. Rahu represents intelligence, liberation, wisdom, non-attachment, fantasy, and physical abilities. materialism, mischief, fear, in-satisfaction, obsession, and confusion. Rahu is also seen as the symbol of bad luck and negative energy. 

Ketu is also believed to provide knowledge of the healing arts, natural healing, herbs, spices, healing foods, tantric powers, healing persons affected by evil spirits and ghosts. It provides spiritual tendencies, and non-attachment to worldly desires and ambitions. Ketu is a planet that provides wisdom, and Gyana (spiritual knowledge), and the awareness of the self.  

How to reach Naganathaswamy Temple?

Naganathaswamy Temple is one of the many ancient temples located in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated in the village of Keezhaperumpallam and is well connected to all the major cities of the country by road. Buses ply from all the cities of Tamil Nadu to the temple.

Keezhaperumpallam does not has its own railway station and is at a distance of 35km from Srikazhi Railway Station.

Tiruchirapalli has the nearest airport from Naganathaswamy Temple and is at a distance of around 30 km from the temple complex which links it to all the major cities of the country. 

Naganathaswamy Temple Coordinates

• 10.3611° N 
• 78.9796° E

How to reach Naganathaswamy Temple from Delhi?

The distance from New Delhi to Naganathaswamy Temple via road is nearly 2,480 km and it takes about 43 hours to complete this journey.

By Train

There are no direct trains from Delhi to Srikazhi. One can take a train to Villupuram and another 1-hour train from there is the easiest way to reach the temple through road. 

CAPE NZM EXPRESS (06011) runs from New Delhi to Villupuram

Trains running from Villupuram to Srikazhi are:

• VELANKANNI  EXP(16185)
• KARAIKAL EXP(16175)
• UZHAVAN EXP(16865

By Air

A 5 hour 10 minutes long flight from New Delhi to Tiruchirapalli followed by a 2 hours long drive from there is the fastest way to reach Naganathaswamy Temple

How to reach Naganathaswamy Temple from Mumbai?

The distance between Mumbai and Naganathaswamy temple is approximately 1,420 km via road which takes about 25 hours.

There are several buses and taxis available from Mumbai to Keezhaperumpallam via Chavadi which can help one reach the temple in less than 30 hours.

By Train

One can travel from Mumbai to Sirkazhi via the following train and take an hour-long drive from there to reach the temple, more conveniently  

• LTT KARAIKAL EXP (11017)

By Air

Alternatively, one can also take 3 hours 30 minutes long flight from Mumbai to Pondicherry followed by a drive of another 2 hours to reach Naganathaswamy Temple. 

How to reach the Naganathaswamy temple from Bangalore?

The distance between Naganathaswamy Temple and Bangalore is around 430 km via road which takes about 8 hours.

There are several trains that run from Bangalore to Vaithisvarankoil which can help one reach the temple:

• KSR-BENGALURU EXP ( 56514)
• MYSURU-MAYILADUTUR EXP( 16232)

A short drive of around 10 minutes from Vaithisvarankoil can help one reach the temple easily. 

By Air

Flights are available from Bangalore to Pondicherry Airport which takes about 1 hour 20 minutes followed by another hour-long drive from there to the temple.

Frequent taxis and buses run directly from Bangalore to Naganathaswamy Temple which only takes about 6 hours and is the most convenient way to reach the temple.

What is the history and legend of Naganathaswamy Temple?

The story of Navgraha Temples

According to mythological tales, the nine planetary deities were cursed by Lord Brahma. Due to this, they were forced to wander in the forest of Vellurukku Vanam for eternity. They prayed to Lord Shiva to be free of this curse. They were successful in impressing the mighty lord by their devotion and he granted them the boon of converting this place into a sacred place of worship for their devotees. Thus a temple for each deity was constructed in Tamil Nadu and these came to be known as the Navagraha Temples.

The historical records show that the construction of all these temples dates back to the 7^th– 11^th century during the reign of the medieval Cholas in southern India. All the Navagraha Temples follow the Dravidian style of architecture Naganathaswamy Temple was constructed by Chola Kings. The shrine has a 2-tier Rajagopuram which is surrounded by two Prakaram (closed precincts of a temple). In this Ketu temple, the lord faces west in the northern Prakaram. Lord Ketu appears here in his divine form. His head is a five-headed snake and the hands are worshipping Lord Shiva.

The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers, lighting a set of lamps is also done in the temple. As per Saivite belief, the energies distributed by Navagrahas can be channeled.

The Architecture of Naganathaswamy Temple

Naganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Ketu (shadow planet). Naganathaswamy Temple has two precincts, also known as Prakarams. The temple also has a five-tier Rajagopuram infrastructure. According to the story, when Amrith was formed after the churning of the Paarkadal by the Devas and the Asuras, Lord Vishnu disguised as Mohini was distributing it to the Devas. Realizing this, Rahu (an asura) with the help of Sukrachariyar, took up the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran who noticed this complained to Lord Narayana. In anger, Lord Narayana hit Rahu and his head was cut off and fell on the ground. But because he had already consumed Amritha, his head and body continued to live. The body of a snake joined the head to become Ketu

What is the best time to visit Naganathaswamy Temple?

Naganathaswamy Temple like all the other Hindu temples in the region, celebrates all the festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva with great excitement. Some of the festivals celebrated every month in the temple include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Aadi Pooram, Aippasi Pournami, Skanda Sashti, Kartikai Deepam, and Arudra Darisanam. Other festivals include Thaipusam, Maasi Magam, Panguni Uththiram and Vaikasi Visakam. 

One day that sees thousands of devotees visiting the shrine is the auspicious day of Mahashivratri. Other important festivals celebrated in the temple are Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Panguni Vasuki Utsav in March-April. 

The nine-day festival of Navaratri also witnesses elaborate celebrations at Naganathaswamy Temple. 

Naganathaswamy Temple Timings

Devotees can visit this temple any time throughout the year and worship Lord Shiva. There is no entry fee for the visitors to the temple. 

Why visit Naganathaswamy Temple?

Naganathaswamy being one of the nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu is a significant temple for Hindu devotees. People believe that the right placement of Lord Ketu in their horoscope can help them with good health, wealth, and well-being. People who do not have the right placement of Ketu can correct it by Parihar Pooja at Naganathaswamy Temple. 

Devotees also believe that praying to Lord Shiva at Naganathaswamy temple blesses them with wisdom, money, and health. Several couples visit this shrine to pray for their well-being and get relief from the ill effects of wrong-positioned Ketu in their horoscope. It is also a common belief that a visit to the temple can help people get rid of several health problems including eye ailments and skin disorders.

People with unfavorably placed Lord Ketu in their horoscope are said to have Ketu Dosham. They are advised to conduct rituals at this shrine which involves offering a white lotus and cloth to the deity.

What are the places around Naganathaswamy Temple?

Swamimalai Murugan Temple 

Swamimalai Murugan Temple is one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan located in Tamil Nadu. Also known as the Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy Temple, it is located in Swamimalai town in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. This ancient shrine is one of the six Aarupadai Veedu or abodes of Lord Murugan representing different phases of his life. Swamimalai Murugan Temple is one of the many astounding temples located in South India and has a rich historical significance associated with it. The main temple complex is situated atop an artificial hill which is 5 km away from Kumbakonam. The hill is also known as Kattu Malai or Thiruveragam locally. The temple houses three large precincts with Gopurams (entrance towers), each with a set of 60 steps. These stairs represent the 60 Tamil years. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan who is referred to as Balamurugan or Swaminatha Swami.

Kampaheswarar or Sarabeswarar Temple 

Kampaheswarar or Sarabeswarar Temple is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site in Thirubuvanam in Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped as a Lingam known as Kampaheswarar at this temple. The temple also enshrines Lord Sarbeswarar in the form of a half eagle and half lion. The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. Idols of the consorts of Lord Vishnu- Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi are also present at the shrine. The splendid architecture and serene atmosphere of this temple make it an important spot of reverence for the devotees.

Mahalingeswarar Temple 

Mahalingeswarar Temple is a prominent Shaivaite pilgrimage site located in the Tiruvidaimaruthur district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped in the form of Mahalingeswarar Swamy. Goddess Parvati is revered as Pirguchuntarakujambigai at this shrine. The temple is one of the seven major temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tamil Nadu. This powerful shrine also receives a mention in the well-known Tamil work called Tevaram. Lord Shiva is worshipped as a Lingam at this temple which is known as Jothimayalingam.

Other Navgrah Temples

Thirunageswaram Temple

Thirunageswaram Temple is another Navagraha Temple located in Thirunageswaram in Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple who is worshipped as Lord Naganathar. Goddess Parvati is revered as Pirasoodi at this shrine. The temple is dedicated to the planetary deity Rahu. Thirunageswaram Temple is a prominent Shaivaite pilgrimage site revered by thousands. It has four large Gopurams or entrance towers.  A sacred tank called Sula Theertham is also a part of the temple complex. It is believed that taking a dip in the water of this sacred tank relieves one’s soul of all its sins and brings it closer to salvation. 

Suryanar Kovil Temple 

Suryanar Kovil Temple located in a village in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu is one of the nine highly revered Navagraha temples. The shrine is dedicated to the mighty Sun god or Lord Suriganar.  It is a prominent Surya Sthanam and is one of the very few temples dedicated to the Sun in the country.  It is also the only Navagraha Temple that has shrines dedicated to all the 9 planetary deities as compared to just one in the rest of them. It is believed to have been constructed by Kulottunga Choladeva of the Chola dynasty in the 11^th century. It was later reconstructed during the rule of the Vijaynagar Empire. Suryanar Kovil Temple also enshrines the consorts of Lord Surya- Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi.  

Dharbaranyeswarar Temple

The Dharbaranyeswarar Temple is popularly known as Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple and is one of the Navagraha Temple. The temple is located in the village of Thirunallar in Tamil Nadu, South India. Navagraha temples are the temples associated with the nine planets devoutly worshipped among the Hindus. 

The Dharbaranyeswarar Temple is home to Lord Dharbaranyeswarar represented by a lingam who is believed to be a form of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati is depicted as Bogamartha Poonmulayal. Other deities worshipped in the temple are  Lord Ganesha known as Vinayagar and Goddess Laxmi.