Naganathaswamy Temple - Keezhaperumpallam (Kethu Temple)

Keezhaperumpallam is dedicated to the shadow planet ‘Kethu’, located in the Kaveri delta region. Kethu is deemed as the dragon’s tail, which interrupts the moon on eclipse days. During the churning of the milk ocean, Vasuki, the serpent was used as the rope for the purpose of churning. It was tired and got exhausted then spat its venom. Devas (divine souls) proceeded to lord Shiva for protection from the impact of the spreading poison. Hearing their plea, the lord swallowed the poison and protected the world. Vasuki felt guilty as it had made lord Shiva to swallow its poison and performed penance seeking pardon. Lord gave darshan to Vasuki and wished to stay in that place eternally. This is mythologically the place where the story happened and the lord is now called Naganathar (Lord of serpents).

This is one of the legends told. Once, lord Vishnu disguised himself as ‘Mohini’ (lady form) and distributed Amrutham (sweet) to the Devas in the milky ocean. It was the time when Swaryabanu, a demon, consumed the nectar from Amrutham. Lord Surya, Chandra noticed that and informed Mohini. Mohini got angry and hit the demon's head heavily with a spoon. The head flew away and joined the snake's body. This snake body and human head is called ‘Rahu’ (dragon’s head). Then, the snake head flew away and joined Asura's body, he was called ‘Kethu’. By this happening, Kethu prayed to lord Naganathaswamy in this temple to get rid of his sins. Lord Shiva blessed him to stay in this temple. Rahu is seen with 5 headed snakes worshipping Lord Shiva. The temple is built in a Dravidian style of architecture, dating back to the 12th Century by Chola kings. It has a two-tiered temple tower with two precincts. Kethu plays an important role to create hindrance in one’s health. People, who are known with the effects of this Kethu, come here and offer remedies.