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Kethu temple is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. At this temple, Lord Kethu is worshipped, one of the nine celestial bodies known as Navagrahas in Hindu astrology. It is an important temple that relieves devotees from the evil effects of Kethu dosha in their horoscopes. The place has a shrine where devotees seek the blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and to remove obstacles from their lives. The temple rituals are performed six times daily, including Ushathkalam, Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, Irandamkalam, and Ardha Jamam.
Quick Facts About Kethu Temple
Kethu Temple Address: Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple, Thiruvengadu, Tamil Nadu, 609105
Kethu Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
How To Reach: By bus, auto-rickshaw, and taxi
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (150 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Mayiladuthurai railway station (25 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Kethu Temple Location
Photo: Dr. Chinchu C. / Wikimedia Commons
The Kethu temple is located near Kezhaperumpallam in Thiruvengadu, Tamil Nadu. The temple is surrounded by bright greenery and serene landscapes. The roads connected to the Kedhu road near 4 Kethu Temple Pond are Carpenter Street, Naganathan Kovil St, and Vanagiri Main Road, which passes through the Kaveri River.
How To Reach
Photo: Deepu051993 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 150 kilometres away from the temple. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kumbakonam and then an autorickshaw ride to the temple.
By Rail: The closest railway station is the Mayiladuthurai Railway Station. This station is located about 25 km from the temple. An autorickshaw or taxi can drop you easily to the temple.
By Road: This temple is accessible by road if you are driving from major towns of Chennai. From Chennai, it is 320 km via NH 45. The Mayliaduthurai bus station is 20 km away from the temple.
Things To Do
There are so many things which can be done at this religious place. Few of them are as follows:
1. Explore Rituals And Offerings
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kethu Temple is well-known for its various planetary doshas, particularly Kethu Dosha. One such important ritual is the Kethu Dosha Nivarana Pooja, which takes place every 2nd and 3rd day of the week to overcome Kethu challenges in the devotees’ charts. Other devotees also conduct the milk abhishekam, whereby milk is poured on top of the idol for prosperity, family peace, and good health. Another ritual here is the lighting of lamps in the Naga Prathishta Mandapam, which is a sanctum of the serpent deities, during the Rahu Kalam or Ayilyam Nakshatram days, believed to practise Naga Dosh removal.
2. Know About Culture And Other Festivities
Photo: Renek78 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Brahmotsavam activities are performed every year in the temple in April and May in the month of Chithirai, and this serves as a great cultural feast. The deity is carried around the temple in a beautifully decorated chariot or vehicle, and there is great music and dance, as well as other traditional activities to showcase the art. People come here in numbers because it is believed that participation in the festival delights Lord Naganathaswamy and brings health, wealth, and protection from the bad influence of planets corresponding to Kethu in the body.
Places To Visit Around Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple
Wander around the places of attraction located near the Kuthi temple, which narrates the amazing heritage of Tamil Nadu.
1. Kumbakonam Temples
Photo: பா.ஜம்புலிங்கம் / Wikimedia Commons
Kumbakonam is known as the “Temple Town” because several ancient temples exist in this town that tell of the region’s strong spiritual heritage. Among the most notable ones are Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and Swaminatha Swamy Temple. The visits give insights into the religious practices, festivals, and rituals of the region and make the tourists even more connected. The temples are also places of worship and community centres for gathering and celebrations; hence, they are vital parts of the spiritual landscape of Kumbakonam.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM (For temples)
Distance: 50 km from Kethu Temple
2. Mahamaham Tank
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
One of the sacred water tanks is the Mahamaham Tank, to which great importance has been attached to the Mahamaham festival. It is a grand annual festival that happens once every 12 years, during which people from all parts of the country come here to take a holy dip in its waters, believing this can cleanse them of their sins and confer spiritual merit upon them. There is a group of temples surrounding the space of the tank that gives this spiritual atmosphere.
Timings: 24×7
Distance: 55 km from Kethu Temple
3. Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
Photo: Rsmn / Wikimedia Commons
The Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is an uncommon and highly venerated place of worship for devotees of the planetary god Saneeswaran. Here you can also practise taking a ritual immersion in the holy tank known as Nala Theertham, which is said to wash away one’s negative karma and reduce the effects of the planet Saturn. Special pujas are conducted in temples on Saturdays, mainly on Sani Peyarchi days, where devotees pray for peace, prosperity, and minimality of life’s difficulties.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 30 km from Kethu Temple
4. Swamimalai Murugan Temple
Photo: Rsmn / Wikimedia Commons
The Swamimalai Murugan Temple, situated within the Thanjavur District, is considered one of the six Arupadai Veedu of Lord Murugan. It is built on a hill at the height of 60 steps, each staircase meaning a single verse of the holy Tamil scripture. Lord Swaminathan is depicted with a staff in his hands, which is considered to be the symbol of authority and wisdom. The temple is open at all times of the year, particularly during the Thiapusam and Panguni Uthiram festivals.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 60 km from Kethu Temple
5. Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for exquisite sculptures and ornate carvings is the Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is an excellent example of the artistic skills of the Chola dynasty. It was constructed during the reign of Chola King Rajaraja II (1146–1172 CE) and served as an enduring hallmark of the evolution of Tamil architecture and sculpture. The temple has numerous celebrations and events throughout the year, and Mahashivaratri is one of the most important.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 60 km from Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple
Where To Stay
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Around Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple, a range of accommodations is found to ensure every tourist finds an easily available and comfortable place to stay. Budget tourists can prefer staying in Hotel Kumbakonam and Hotel Vashanth, which have basic facilities and locations within walking distance of the temple. Another option is Hotel Gnanam, which is about 8 km away from the temple, is exceptionally well-run and offers modern comfort that allows one to indulge in a comfortable stay experience.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For an authentic experience near Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple, look for different small eating houses that offer scrumptious vegetarian traditional food. The local favourite is Hotel Saravana Bhavan, a hub famous for its scrumptious South Indian vegetarian dishes such as crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and flavorful sambars. The Street vendors offer you an experience where you get to sample sundal (spiced chickpeas) and enjoy fresh filter coffee, making the food culture there come alive.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons / Image For representation Only
Best Time To Visit
October to March is considered the best time to visit Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple, as the climate is apt for visiting temples and tourist attractions. It is also the season of various local festivals. There is a chance you can experience colourful celebrations and participate in cultural activities that make the journey more lively.
Average Cost Of The Trip
It requires a budget of ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 per person for spending the weekend, which includes some transportation, accommodation, and food expenses. If you are tight on a budget, consider cutting costs by trying local eateries and low-budget good stays.
Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple is a landmark for the region’s glorious cultural and historical heritage. It is an interesting destination for travellers who are keen on understanding local traditions and customs. Its rituals and ceremonies are further additions, making it a practically unavoidable landmark both for pilgrims and sightseers seeking insight into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. Plan your visit with TripXL at your convenience.
Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
