We’ve traveled the Tamil Nadu Navagraha circuit more times than we can count. Keelaperumpallam Kethu Temple located just a few kilometers from the Poompuhar in the Mayiladuthurai district, this ancient Paadal Petra Sthalam is globally recognized as the dedicated Kethu Sthalam. While the presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Naganathaswamy and Parvathi worshipped here as Sowndara Nayagi. The temple is famous here to seek relief from Kethu Dosha to get relief from past karma, spiritual disconnectivity, and sudden life struggles.
When you visit places like Thirunallar or Thirunageswaram, you feel heavy energy due to massive crowds. But at Naganathaswamy temples the environment is quieter, less crowded, and visited quicker. People often come here to pray for quick wealth; they visit when life feels directionless, or when they feel mentally unsettled without a clear reason .
Whether you are trying to understand the specific pariharam (remedial rituals) required for Kethu Bhagavan, or you are just trying to cover this temple in your Kumbakonam navagraha temples tour, we’ve explained everything you need to know.
The Temple History
During the stirring of the Milk Ocean (Samudra Manthan) as mentioned in Vishnu Purana the serpent named Vasuki was used as the rope for the process as mentioned in puranas. The effort for stirring was so strong that Vasuki became tired and released its deadly poison.
The devas prayed to Lord Shiva for help. To save the prapancham (world), Lord Shiva swallowed the poison, protecting all living beings from poisoned.
Feeling guilty that his poison had caused Lord Shiva to suffer, Vasuki felt deep regret and prayed for forgiveness. Pleased with Vasuki’s devotion and sincerity prayer, Lord Shiva appeared before and offered the blessing.
Vasuki then requested Lord Shiva to remain at that sacred place forever and offer blessing to devotees. Lord Shiva accepted the request and stayed there as Lord Naganathar. “Lord of the Serpents (Naga) this is how the temple got its name “Naganathaswamy”.
Why Keelaperumpallam Is famous for Kethu Sthalam
If Thirunageswaram is famous for Rahu bhaghavan, Naganathaswamy temple in Keelaperumpallam is for Kethu.
- Remove obstacles and unexpected problems.
- Bring mental peace and emotional stability.
- Improve career growth and financial stability.
- Help overcome delays in marriage and childbirth.
- Reduce the effects of past karma and support spiritual growth.
Kethu is often linked to detachment, so the purpose of devotees visit here is less about gaining something and more about finding balance.
There’s a local belief:
“கேது சரியானா மனசு அமைதியா இருக்கும்.”
Kethu Bhagavan – The Unique Form
In this temple Kethu Bhagavan is in unique form:
- a human body
- a serpent head

This form itself stands out compared to other Navagraha deities.
There is a separate shrine for Kethu Bhagavan, and most visitors make it a point to spend time here before moving on.
Lord Shiva – The Main Deity in Naganathaswamy Temple
Like all Navagraha temples, Lord Shiva is considered as main deity here.
Like Thirunageswaram ragu bhagavan in this temple Kethu has a seperate shire to worship.
The main deity, Naganathaswamy, connects symbolically with serpent energy, which aligns with Kethu’s representation.
If you only focus on Kethu and leave, you’re skipping the core layer of the temple.

Temple Structure and Layout
The temple is relatively small and simple compared to others in the Navagraha circuit.
- Modest entrance
- Compact inner structure
- Separate shrine for Kethu
There’s nothing elaborate here—and that simplicity stands out after visiting larger temples.
Kethu Bhagavan Abhisheka Timings - Daily
| Day / கிழமை | Yemagandam (எமகண்டம்) | Rahukaalam (இராகுகாலம்) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday (திங்கள்) | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM | 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Tuesday (செவ்வாய்) | 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday (புதன்) | 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Thursday (வியாழன்) | 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM | 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday (வெள்ளி) | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Saturday (சனி) | 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM | 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Sunday (ஞாயிறு) | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM | 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
Keelaperumpallam kethu temple timings
| Day | Morning Opening Time | Closing Time Afternoon | Evening Opening Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 03:30 PM | 03:30 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 03:00 PM | 03:00 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 03:30 PM | 03:30 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Thursday | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 03:30 PM | 03:30 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Friday | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 03:00 PM | 03:00 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Saturday | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 03:30 PM | 03:30 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Sunday | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 03:30 PM | 03:30 PM – 08:30 PM |
Distance from Major Locations
- By Road: 59 km from Kumbakonam, 57 km Thirunageswaram, 22 km from Vaitheeswarankoil, 33 km from Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple
- By Train: 24 km Mayiladuthurai railway station (this is the nearest railway station)
A Small Personal Note
I’ve been here a few times as part of Navagraha temples tour.
Compared to other temples, people don’t spend much time here.
You can combine the temple visit with Vaitheeswaran Koil (Angaraka) and Thirunageswaram (Rahu) for a complete Rahu–Ketu prayer benefits.
If you are planning to visit during Rahu–Ketu Peyarchi remember the temple is very much crowded require more waiting time.
It’s quieter. Less movement. No rush to do multiple things.
You just visit, spend a few minutes, and leave.
Final Thoughts: The Quiet Power of Keelaperumpallam
After driving through the continuous Kumbakonam Navagraha circuit, the Keelaperumpallam Kethu Temple always serves as the perfect stopping point for our tours. This quiet shrine near Poompuhar offers exactly what Kethu Bhagavan represents in Vedic astrology: detachment, simplicity, and mental clarity.
When we bring devotees here to worship Naganathaswamy and perform their Kethu Dosha parihara pooja, they usually spend a few minutes inside because of less crowd. If you are planning to visit Keelaperumpallam and want to experience this profound peace without the stress of navigating rural routes, coordinating temple timings, or figuring out ritual details, you don’t have to do it alone. Book your customized 2-Day Kumbakonam Navagraha Cab Tour with us, and we will ensure your spiritual journey is as smooth and meaningful as the temple itself.
FAQs – Keelaperumpallam Kethu Temple
Where is Navagraha Kethu temple located in Tamil Nadu?
Kethu temple is located in the small village of Keelaperumpallam near Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu.
Which is the nearest railway station?
Mayiladuthurai railway station is the nearest place.
What is the distance between Kumbakonam to Keezhaperumpallam?
It is around 60 km via road.
Is it part of Navagraha temples?
Yes, it represents Kethu planet.
What offerings are given at Kethu Temple?
The devotees offer multi-colored clothes pieces, lily flowers, and horse gram (kollu) to please the planet and remove negative effects.
How do I book a pooja at Kethu Temple?
You can visit the temple and take a ticket for pooja offerings directly from the counter. No online booking is available.
What is the Keezhperumpallam phone number?
You can contact the temple directly by dialing 04364-299424
Which day is good for Kethu pooja?
While you can visit any time, the most favorable days are Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Many devotees also find it deeply powerful to perform rituals during Amavasya (new moon) to effectively clear Kethu-related struggles and negative energy.