The eastern cluster covers three temples in Mayiladuthurai district, all loosely centered on Vaitheeswaran Koil — the circuit's best-known healing temple, where Mars himself is said to have been cured by Shiva. Most pilgrims treat this as the second day of a two-day Navagraha circuit, after covering the western cluster the day before.
Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars) anchors the cluster — Shiva worshipped as Vaidyanathar, "the divine physician," with a sacred tank considered healing and a long-running association with Nadi astrology readings. Keezhperumpallam (Ketu), about 14 km away, is one of the quietest temples in the entire circuit, set in an unhurried village. Thiruvenkaadu (Mercury), roughly 6 km from Sirkazhi, is a Paadal Petra Sthalam with real literary depth behind its modest size.
Start at Vaitheeswaran Koil — it's the largest stop and benefits from an early, uncrowded visit — then continue to Keezhperumpallam, finishing at Thiruvenkaadu. The three are close enough that the whole loop, including travel time, fits comfortably into a morning or early afternoon.
Tuesday is Vaitheeswaran Koil's busiest day by a wide margin (Angarakan's day); avoid it if you want a calm visit to the cluster's main stop. Wednesday brings more visitors to Thiruvenkaadu. Any other weekday keeps all three manageable.
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