Known as the shadow planet, Ketu has strong influences on a
person's life. He is the indicator of
wisdom and intelligence. He resides blessing his devotees in the small temple
of Nagannathaswamy in Keezhaperumpallam.
As with other Navagraha temples, the presiding deity is Lord Shiva. Here he is
Nagannathar, the one who gave boon to the Naga Vasuki. The temple of Ketu is
believed to have built by Vikram Chola. The architecture and inscriptions in
the temple are mostly of the Chola
period. It is believed that worshipping here and taking dip in the holy Nagatheertha will eliminate the
adverse effects of Ketu.
Location TamilNadu, Nagapattinam, Chennai
Legend
During the churning of Palazhi by the Asuras and Devas,
Vasuki, the snake spit venom which Lord Shiva drank to protect the Universe.
Vasuki, performed penance to Shiva as he
had caused the Lord to drink poison. Shiva pardoned Vasuki and obliged to stay
at the temple. He is, hence called Naganathar swamy. It is believed that Ketu
also worshipped the Lord here to relieve him of a curse.
This Temple is part of the famous Navagraha Yatra.
Architecture
Nagannathaswamy Temple is built in Dravidian style of
architecture. The shrines have colourfully sculpted gopurams. The primary deity
of the temple is that of Naganathaswamy in the Lingam form. Lord Ketu shrine is
outside the main temple, in which the idol of Ketu stands with folded hands
worshipping Lord Shiva. Lord Ketu's face can be seen enshrined in a serpent
with the body of an asura. There is a Nagatheertham, the holy tank in the front
of the temple. The stories of Ketu and Naganathaswamy are written on the walls
of the temple with artistic drawings of the Gods.
Culture
These areas in the Cauvery delta region were ruled by
Medieval Cholas and has various antique temples dating back to the period. It
is believed that all the holy rivers in India converge in Mayiladuthurai every
year on new moon day in the Tamil month of Aippasi (November-December). Bathing
in river Cauvery on this day, is considered to relieve people of their sins.
Darsan Info
Nagannathaswamy Temple timings 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM and from
3.30 PM to 8.30 PM.As according to numerology number 7 is for Ketu, devotees
light 7 lamps for worship here
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing.
Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu
Famous Festival
March - Shivratri
April - Panguni Vasuki Utsav
Temple Rituals
The temple priests perform regular pujas to the deities in
Nagannathaswamy Temple. Special pujas are performed during Rahu Kala and
Yamaganda Kala time of the day
Special Rituals
On every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30 PM to 9.00
PM, the Arthasamam pooja is performed.
Additional Info
Annapurna Veg hotel.
Small eateries are available in the vicinity.
Restaurants are available near Mayiladuthurai or Sirkali
Supermarket : Available
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