Temple Histroy:

The temple has been in existence from time immemorial. The presiding deity is a self-manifested one. The temple has been built by the Cholas and the renovations and expansions have been done during the reigns of different rulers over the centuries. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the presiding deity here based on the Saivaite philosophy that Lord Shiva exists everywhere and Lord Kethu is worshipped primarily.

When there was a contest between the Celestial Gods Devas and the Demon Kings Asuras, Lord Shiva ordered the serpent Vasuki to be used for taking the Nectar out of the Ocean of Milk. After few hours, Vasuki became very tired and it emitted the poison. In order to prevent the poison from getting mixed with the Ocean, Lord Shiva engulfed the poison. Vasuki pleaded Lord Shiva to forgive her mistake. Lord Shiva granted her boon and agreed to reside at Keezhaperumpallam to bless his devotees in the name Naganatha Swamy. Hence this sacred temple is very popular among the devotees across the country.

Greatness of Temple:

This temple is one of the Navagraha Temples where Lord Kethu is worshipped. Kethu is the symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Devotees throng this temple throughout the year to worship Lord Kethu. They offer multi colored clothes and cereals and pray to Kethu to protect them from all planetary transitions.

Temple Speciality:

In this temple, Lord Kethu is present in the form of Human body and serpent head. He always makes his devotees flourish once he transits into their zodiac sign. Though Lord Shiva is present here as the presiding deity, Lord Kethu is worshipped first and only then the devotees visit the sanctum to get blessings from Lord Naganathaswamy and His consort Soundharyanayagi.

Festivals:

The transit day of Lord Kethu from one Zodiac sign to the other which happens every two and a half years is celebrated in a pomp manner with lakhs of devotees worshipping him to protect them from any ill effects. Mahasivaratri, Ippasi Annabhishekham and Vaasuki Utsavam in Panguni are the major festivals celebrated in this temple besides the regular poojas and rituals. Car festivals are celebrated, only during the transition of Kethu from one sign to the other and the deity is taken on a procession around the temple and streets.

How To Reach Keezhaperumpallam :

By Road : Keezhaperumpallam is at a distance of 22km from Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is at Mayiladuthurai. You can prefer to travel by road from either Tanjore  or Mayiladuthirai

By Air : The nearest airport is at Trichy. From there, you can reach the temple in less than Four hours.

Best time to visit:All through the year

Nearby Tourist Attractions:Temples in Chidhambaram, Mayilduthurai, Sirkazhi