நாகநாதசுவாமி கோயில் (கீழப்பெரும்பள்ளம்)Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam

Sthala Mahātmyam

Nagannathaswamy Temple at Keezhaperumpallam, about two kilometres from Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai district, is the Navagraha temple of Ketu, the descending lunar node. Shiva is worshipped as Naganathar (Naganathaswamy), represented by the lingam, with his consort Parvati as Soundaryanayaki; the festival deity is Somaskanda. Here Ketu is enshrined with a human body and a serpent's head. According to tradition, when the Ocean of Milk was churned for the nectar of immortality using the serpent Vasuki as the churning rope, poison arose and Shiva drank it to save creation. Vasuki, grieved at the part he had played, prayed for grace, and Shiva, pleased with his devotion, appeared as Naganathar at this place. Devotees worship here for relief from Ketu dosha and Kala Sarpa dosha. The temple is regarded as very ancient and is attributed to the patronage of the Chola kings. Chief festivals include Maha Shivaratri, Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram and the Vasuki Utsavam observed in the Tamil month of Panguni.