Friday, December 23, 2016

Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam – The Temple

Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar. Vinayagar, Balipeedam and Nandi can be seen immediately after the entrance arch in the mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam.


The mukha mandapam connects the maha mandapam with the entrance arch. Presiding deity is called as Naganathaswamy and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy is the only koshta idol present in the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location.


Mother is called as Soundaryanayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the maha mandapam. Ketu Shrine is situated on the left side of the sanctum in the prakaram. His shrine is facing towards west. This shrine is most prominent shrine in this temple.


Planet Ketu is depicted with five-headed serpent head and human body on his Simha (lion) seat with folded hands worshipping Lord Shiva. There is no Navagraha shrine in the temple as Kethu has all the prominence. However, there are two Sun idols and a Saturn idol in the temple. Pujas are performed to one Sun during the Uttharayana Punyakala covering January-February to June-July and to the other Sun during the Dakshinayana Punyakala covering July-August to December-January.


Shrines of Anugraha Vinayaka, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Durga, Yoga Narasimha, Lakshmi Narayana and Gajalakshmi can be seen in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this temple is Naga Theertham. It is situated in front of the temple. Sthala Vriksham is Bamboo Tree.