Naganathar Temple
Naganathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ketu, located in Keezhperumpallam, Tamil Nadu. On the Navagraha circuit it is the shrine of Ketu, one of the classic nine-planet pilgrimage circuit in the Kaveri delta around Kumbakonam.
Keezhperumpallam houses Ketu, the shadow planet's shrine on the Navagraha circuit — a small, quiet temple near the Kaveri's mouth where the serpent-bodied deity is propitiated for release from doshas.
About Naganathar Temple
The Naganatha Swamy Temple or Kethu Sthalam is a Hindu temple in the village of Keelaperumpallam, 2 kilometres from Poompuhar. The presiding deity is Ketu, a shadow planet. However, the main idol in the temple is that of Naganatha Swamy or Shiva. The temple has a flat rajagopuram surrounded by two prakaram (closed precincts of a temple).
Legend
As per Hindu legend, to obtain Amrita – the nectar of immortal life, the Ocean of Milk was churned. At the suggestion of Vishnu, the devas and asuras churn the primeval ocean in order to obtain Amrita which will guarantee them immortality. To churn the ocean they used the Serpent, Vasuki, for their churning-string. For a churning pole they used Mount Mandara placed on the back of a Great Tortoise – the Kurma Avatar of Vishnu. As the gods and demons churned the sea, the terrible poison Halahala issued from its depths and began to envelop the universe with its choking fumes.
Architecture and layout
The temple is located in Keelaperumpallam, a village located 2 km (1.2 mi) from Poompuhar and 93 km (58 mi) from Thanjavur on the Thanjavur - Poompuhar road. The temple has a recently built flat rajagopuram surrounded by single prakaram, closed precincts of the temple. The place is revered by the verses of Appar, but since there is no mention about the deity, it is not classified as Padal petra stalam. The image of Ketu is located in the first precinct and houses the image made of black granite. The shrine faces West and shown worshipping the presiding deity. The image of Vinayaka in the temple is called Anugraha Vinayaka.
Festivals and worship
The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Naganathaswamy.
Why it matters
The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Ketu. The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes. 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.
Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keelaperumpallam”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.
Plan your visit
How to reach
Naganathar Temple is roughly 222 km from Chennai, about 6 h by road. The nearest airport is Puducherry (PNY), about 93 km away. Open directions in Google Maps →
Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.
Today at a glance
Chennai time (IST), from our own panchangam. Nalla Neram is the good window; avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam for starting a journey or a ritual.
Festival days to plan around
- The graha's own weekday — weekly
- Amavasya and Pournami — monthly
Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.
Booking.com links are affiliate links; prices are the same for you and they help keep this guide free. Day tours: temple & heritage tours from Keezhperumpallam.
Quick facts
| Deity | Ketu |
| Town | Keezhperumpallam |
| District | — |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Sacred lists | Navagraha Temples |
Visiting
Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.
Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.
Temples near Keezhperumpallam
More Navagraha temples
Frequently asked
How far is Naganathar Temple from Chennai?
About 222 km, or about 6 h by road. The nearest airport is Puducherry (PNY), roughly 93 km from the temple.
What are the timings at Naganathar Temple?
Most Tamil Nadu temples open around 6 am, close from about noon to 4 pm, and reopen until 8–9 pm. Festival days follow a different schedule, so confirm locally before you travel.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is left outside at the stands provided. Some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone.
When is the best time to visit Naganathar Temple?
The temple is busiest and most atmospheric on its festival days: The graha's own weekday, Amavasya and Pournami. For a quiet darshan, come on a weekday morning outside festival season. Check the daily panchangam for Rahu Kalam before setting out.