Sri Naganadhar (Keathu) Temple

The deity here is known as Anukkira Vinayagar. In this temple, Ketu Bhagavan is positioned facing east. With the head of a serpent and the body of a human, he stands in the Simha posture, paying homage to Lord Shiva. This enlightened being appears as Anukkira Murthy here, radiating a calming presence. There is no need to fear upon encountering him; instead, he offers blessings to those troubled by astrological influences. Visitors can seek blessings for family welfare and progress in education. During ancient times, special rituals were conducted for Ketu Bhagavan during Rahu Kalam and at the time of Ketu Peyarchi. These rituals included 16 types of abhishekams and homams, offerings of sesame oil, salt, pepper, and various colorful garments, along with offering clarified butter and lamps. Devotees should receive the holy ash prasadam here. They should not take it home but rather consume it within the temple premises. This ritual costs Rs. 75. Worshipping here during the Saturn's transit, Monday, and the birth star of the individual is special. A fee of Rs. 450 is collected for abhishekam, and Rs. 3,500 for conducting a homam privately. Various problems related to employment, business, litigation, marital issues, accidents, fear of death, nerve-related issues, and respiratory problems can be resolved here at Ketu Sannidhi. The annual festival here, along with Ketu Peyarchi, is grand. During the festival, a special homam is performed for Rahu Ketu Peyarchi. This homam is conducted by the priests, and there is no fee for participating. As Ketu is associated with the number 7, during the homam, 16 different types of offerings are made, and seven types of food items are offered, including payasam, sundal, vada, rice, pongal, and kos urundai. By offering 16 types of donations to 7,000 devotees, immense blessings can be received. This ritual should be carried out under the temple administration's supervision. As Ketu is the primary deity here, there is no Navagraha Sannidhi. In proximity to the Ketu Sannidhi, there are two idols of the Sun and one of Lord Saneeswara. Special worship is conducted for one Sun during Uttarayanam (Thai - Aani) and for another Sun during Dakshinayanam (Aadi - Margazhi).

When both the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean to obtain the nectar, Vasuki, the serpent, was used as the rope. As they continued to churn the ocean, Vasuki weakened. At one point, venom emerged from Vasuki's mouth. Distressed by this, the Devas sought the help of Shiva. He swallowed the venom to protect the Devas. In the process of swallowing the venom, Shiva's throat turned blue, earning him the name Neelakantha (the one with a blue throat). Impressed by Vasuki's sacrifice and understanding the significance of selflessness, Shiva blessed Vasuki. Vasuki requested a boon, asking for a place where he could witness the divine acts of Shiva. Shiva granted Vasuki's wish, instructing him to coil around the lingam (an iconic representation of Shiva) and be present there. In honor of this, Vasuki became associated with Shiva and the place came to be known as Naganathar.