BLOGS Stay Near Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Rajapathy | Nava Kailayam 8th Temple | Ketu Sthalam Nava Kailasam Temples May 11, 2026 Sri Kailasanathar Temple Uromasa Maharishi worshipped the place of rest of the eighth flower as Ketu Thalam at Rajapathy the eighth among the nine Nava Kailayam temples on the banks of the sacred Thamirabarani River.  This is the spot where Ketu was devoted to Lord Shiva  Kailasanathar  hence praised as the Kethu Parihara Sthalam. The primary puja for the sanctification of Rajapathi Kailasanathar temple started on the very day when the Raja Gopuram of the Kalahasthi temple was damaged. Subsequently, this spot and temple is viewed as Then Kalahasti the Kalahasthi of the South.  There are only two temples for Ketu in Tamil Nadu  one is at Keelaperumpallam in Nagapattinam district and the other is at Rajapathy on the banks of Thamirabarani. This makes Rajapathy one of the rarest and most powerful Ketu Parihara Sthalams in all of Tamil Nadu  and an absolutely essential stop for all pilgrims on the Nava Kailayam Yatra. For devotees making this sacred journey, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur is the most peaceful and conveniently located homestay base.  The Moolavar is Arulmigu Kailasanathar and the Ambal is Arulmigu Soundaranayaki  meaning “the Goddess of Supreme Beauty.” As per scriptures, Ketu himself prayed to Lord Shiva at this sthalam  hence it holds extraordinary power for all who suffer under the influence of the shadow planet Ketu.  Lord Shiva represents the wisdom character attributed to the serpent planet Ketu at Rajapathy. The Nandi is located facing the main Shiva Lingam. Subsidiary deities include Ganesha, Subramanian, Navagrahas, Bhairava, and Nataraja.  In ancient times, kings prayed at this temple to win wars and battles  hence this temple is a favourite among politicians, bureaucrats, and leaders seeking victory and success in their endeavours.  Budhan is the planetary deity associated with the mind and intellect. Budhan is also the planet associated with rains just like Varuna is the god of rains and water. Both Budhan and Varuna worshipped here, and so this place is also called Varuna Kshetram.   The seventh flower of Sage Romasa stopped at Thenthiruperai  and the temple here was dedicated to Mercury God. This temple is the first among the three temples of the Lower Kailasam (Keezh Kailayam).   This sacred temple is also doubly blessed  the seventh Nava Tirupati temple  Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Perumal Temple is also present at this place. Making Thenthiruperai one of only two towns in the entire region where both the Nava Kailayam and Nava Tirupati pilgrimages converge! For pilgrims on the Nava Kailayam Yatra, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur is the most peaceful and conveniently located homestay base. This seventh Nava Kailayam temple is also known as Ponnammai Sametha Kailasanathar Temple. Shiva is worshipped here as Kailasanathar. Mother Goddess Shakti is worshipped as Alakiya Ponnammai. Nandi murti is found facing the main Shiva Lingam. The subsidiary deities worshipped here include Navagrahas, Bhairava, Ganesha, and Muruga with his consort Valli.  In this temple, Lord Shiva graces as a Swayambu Murthy  a self-manifested Shiva Lingam  for devotees and pilgrims. The base of the Lingam is uniquely shaped like a lotus flower  a beautiful divine symbol representing purity and spiritual elevation. The Agamam followed here is Kameeyam and the sacred tree is the Vilwa.  In the Navagraha shrine, Guru and Sukran are seen riding horses instead of their usual mounts. Suryan is depicted riding his usual 7 horses but Chandran is uniquely shown with 10 horses. This rare sculptural depiction is found nowhere else in the entire Nava Kailayam circuit. In this temple, Lord Muruga looks like Sri Shanmuganathar of Thiruchendur with Valli and Devasena. Sri Vallabha Ganapathi, Sri Sakthi Ganapathi, Sri Kannimoola Ganapathi, and Sri Siddhi Vinayaga arrive in isolated sanctums in this temple. The Meaning Why “Rajapathy”? The name of the place itself comes from the fact that this place used to be the residence of the Pandya king in times of yore Raja refers to the king, and Pathy/Pathi refers to the place. Hence Rajapathy means “the Royal Abode”  a town of kings.  The spot is named after the royal residence of a Pandya lord belonging to the Chandra tradition  making this an ancient and historically significant kshetram with deep royal heritage. A Temple Rebuilt by Devotion The Modern Miracle This is the only Kailasam among all the Nava Kailayam temples that did not have a temple premises until the year 2008. There was only a stone pillar that remained from the ancient Shiva temple constructed by Uromasa Maharishi. However, steadfast devotees were not discouraged by the lack of a regular temple. They believed that the aura of the Lord still prevailed in the region and worshipped him here.   A few others who lacked belief moved to worshipping the Lord at a ruined temple at Kutti Thottam   on the main road to Tiruchendur next to Thenthiruperai. However the construction of a magnificent new temple at Rajapathy has created innate happiness among devotees  a testimony to the rule and might of Ketu. Miracles occurred to those who helped in the temple construction.   Devotees bought a land of around 1.5 acres in the area where the original temple is believed to have existed. The temple works were carried out under the supervision of the Kailash Trust of Kovilpatti. The construction was completed and the first Kumbabhishekam was done in the year 2010. The Ancient Temple Destroyed by Floods The ancient temple that was destroyed by floodwaters was originally constructed by the Madurai Chandra Kula Pandya kings. After the flood, different elements of that temple were taken to different places. The Nandi of this temple is now believed to be at Ottapidaram  and it is a common belief among the people that their cattle remain free of diseases when special abhishekams are performed for this Nandi. The pillars and idols were washed away to Puraiyoor, Marukaal, Vaikal Karai, Thenthiruperai, and Ottapidaram by devotees. Ketu’s Own Penance The Legend As per scriptures, Ketu himself prayed to Lord Shiva at