Keezhperumpallam Ketu Temple
Serpent Planet Navagraha Temple
Why Ketu Temple?
- The only Navagraha temple dedicated to Lord Ketu Bhagavan, representing spirituality, detachment, and moksha (salvation).
- This is the ninth and final temple in the Tamil Nadu Navagraha circuit.
- Presiding Lord Naganathaswamy (Shiva) is believed to have blessed Rahu and Ketu here after their redemption from divine punishment.
- Performing Dosha Pariharam helps overcome illusions, fear, and health issues caused by negative planetary influence.
- Built by the Chola kings, the temple features exquisite serpent sculptures and tranquil surroundings.
- Visiting this temple is said to cleanse karmic residues, promote wisdom, and awaken spiritual clarity.
Location
Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu
Significance
Known as the sacred site for serpent planet Ketu, symbolizing moksha, detachment, and spiritual awakening
Presiding Deity
Lord Ketu Bhagavan with Lord Naganathaswamy and Goddess Soundaryanayaki
Architecture
Chola-era Dravidian architecture with a graceful tower, serpent carvings, and Theertham
Temple Type
Ninth and final temple in the Tamil Nadu Navagraha circuit
Benefits of Worship
Removes serpent afflictions, confusion, and detachment; brings peace, intuition, and liberation from karmic cycles
Best Day to Visit
Tuesday and Sunday – ideal for Dosha remedies
Distance
6 km from Poompuhar, 23 km from Mayiladuthurai, 100 km from Trichy Airport
History of Keezhperumpallam & Navagraha Temple Origins
This Navagraha Temple is the final stop in the sacred Navagraha journey across Tamil Nadu. The temple, dedicated to Ketu Bhagavan, represents spiritual release and enlightenment — the ultimate goal of human life after traversing material and emotional lessons from the other planetary shrines.
Importance of Ketu Graha in Navagraha Temple History
In Vedic astrology, Ketu Graha represents the South Lunar Node, symbolizing detachment, intuition, and enlightenment. While Rahu rules material desires, governs the path of renunciation and higher consciousness.
Spiritual Significance
- Teaches detachment from ego and illusion.
- Represents moksha (liberation) — the final goal of life.
- Helps devotees overcome karmic debts and emotional instability.
- Brings relief from serpent curses (Naga Dosha) and health issues linked to the nervous system.
Poojas & Remedies for Ketu Dosha
The temple’s rituals are calm, reflective, and deeply symbolic — aligning with meditative energy.
Daily Pooja Schedule
| Timing | Pooja Name | Purpose |
| 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Ushakalam Pooja | Morning offering for clarity and focus |
| 12:00 PM | Uchikalam Pooja | Midday ritual for spiritual strength |
| 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Sayaraksha Pooja | Evening prayers for peace and detachment |
Ketu Dosha Nivarthi Poojas
- Milk & Durva Grass Abhishekam: Purifies karmic energy and calms restless minds.
- Snake Idol Offering: Devotees donate silver or copper serpent idols to remove Naga Dosha.
- Oil Lamp Offering: Lighting lamps with sesame or mustard oil for protection from hidden enemies.
- Mantra Chanting: Reciting “Om Ketave Namaha” 108 times to balance Rahu–Ketu influences.
- Navagraha Shanti Homam: Conducted for overall planetary peace and family well-being.
Travel Details & Nearby Attractions
Exact Location: Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu – 609 117
Temple Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Best Days: Tuesday, Sunday, and Amavasya (New Moon)
Distances from Major Cities:
- Poompuhar – 6 km
- Mayiladuthurai – 23 km
- Chidambaram – 45 km
- Trichy Airport – 100 km
How to Reach
- By Train: Mayiladuthurai Junction (23 km) – major stop for southern rail routes.
- By Road: Regular bus and taxi services from Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, and Chidambaram.
- By Air: Trichy International Airport (100 km) is the nearest.
Local Insight:
The temple village is filled with tranquil energy — devotees often meditate near Ketu Theertham, believing the water absorbs karmic worries. The temple priests perform personalized Dosha Nivarthi poojas for those facing Rahu afflictions in their charts.
Conclusion
This Navagraha Temple is not just the end of the Navagraha journey — it is the beginning of inner peace. Lord Ketu, often misunderstood as a shadow planet, is in truth a teacher of wisdom, simplicity, and detachment.
Visiting Keezhperumpallam helps devotees release the weight of karma and embrace clarity of thought. It is where material desires fade, and the soul learns the art of surrender.
Here, devotion becomes freedom — and freedom becomes enlightenment.