A lunar node on the southern side of the Moon (Chandra) is Ketu, one of nine Navagrahas or planets in Hindu astrology. Lord Ganesha is the presiding deity of Ketu, a gloomy planet that does not exist physically. Ketu moves in the opposite direction. Due to the fact that it takes Ketu approximately 1.5 years to travel through each sign, he completes the zodiac circle in 18 years.
Based on Vedic astrology, Ketu rules theology, monastic life, crime and punishment, hidden enemies, and the occult. Mental illnesses, deep thinking, a desire for knowledge, shifting circumstances, spiritual development, comets, and cheating are also associated with Ketu.
Based on Vedic astrology, Ketu can be a sign of wisdom, spirituality, asceticism, and a lack of attachment to material possessions and desires if it is in a favorable position. Additionally, Ketu gives people psychic abilities and makes them healers. A weak Ketu, however, can cause endless worries, blurry vision, and difficulty concentrating.
Two kilometers from Poompuhar, in the village of Keelaperumpallam, sits the Hindu temple known as Naganatha Swamy Temple. Ketu, a shadow planet, is the god of the universe. However, Shiva, or Naganatha Swamy, is the temple’s most prominent idol. The flat rajagopuram of the temple is surrounded by two prakarams, or closed temple precincts.
Its main celebrations include Mahasivarathri, Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram, and Thirukartigai. The village only appears in passing in the Tamil Saiva canonical work Tevaram, written in the 7th century and categorized as a Vaippu Sthalam. It was written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars.
Temple priests are responsible for performing pooja, or ritualistic worship, both during festivals and on a daily basis. These priests are from the Shaivaite community, which is a subcaste of Brahmins. Similarly, other Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu also employ priests. During the worship, nagaswaram (a type of pipe instrument) and tavil (a percussion instrument) music can be heard, while the Vedic scriptures are read by the priests and worshippers prostrate in front of the temple mast. The temple has various regular practices, such as somavaram and sukravaram on a weekly basis, pradosham every fortnight, and monthly celebrations like amavasai (new moon), kiruthigai, pounamu (full moon), and Chaturthi. Additionally, there are major festivals observed at this temple including Mahasivarathri, Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram, and Vasuki Utsavam during Panguni. One unique tradition at this temple is giving rice to infants for their first time. The temple also celebrates the Rahu-Ketu transition every 2.5 years during planetary shifts.
Keelaperumpallam temple is situated on the Thanjavur-to-Poompuhar road and is 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Poompuhar. The temple’s closed precincts surround a single prakaram and a newly constructed flat rajagopuram. Appar verses revere the location, but since the deity is not mentioned, it is not considered Padal petra stalam.
