Word doc in details attached on snake worship  KR IRS  141025

On Tue, 14 Oct 2025 at 09:06, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
[email protected]> wrote:

> *THE TRADITIONS OF THE NAGARAJA TEMPLES IN KERALA-**FORWARD*
>
> A sacred space for snakes in Kerala where ancient rituals are performed to
> seek blessings
>
> *BY Andrea Hooper     ,Last Updated on March 28th, 2025*
>
> Kerala is called God’s Own Country as it is believed to be the perfect
> place for the Gods to dwell. The people of Kerala are religious and
> celebrate snake gods with revered passion. *The Nagaraja temples in
> Kerala preserve the ancient rituals and promise protection for the
> worshipping families*.
>
>  *Legend says that Parashurama (creator of Kerala) established 108 Naga
> temples across Kerala* and prompted the people to worship the snakes
> instead of killing them. Scientifically, these snake zones stabilise the
> ecosystem, conserving soil and water. Pay a visit to these temples in
> Kerala for an exciting holiday.
>
> Table of Contents
>
> Top 14 Nagaraja Temples In Kerala
>
> Explore Kerala’s folklore and mythology through the numerous Nagaraja
> temples in Kerala. Here are some of the important temples where myths and
> traditions collide:
>
>
>
> 1. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple
>
> One of the biggest and popular Nagaraja Temples in Kerala is the
> Mannarashala temple
>
> Rites are presided over by a priestess in the Mannarasala Nagaraja temple. 
> *Spreading
> across 16 acres of dense forest grove,* this is the largest snake temple
> in Kerala​. The temple has a rich history dating back to 3,000 years. The
> main idols worshipped in the temple are Nagaraja and Sarpayakshini, with
> about 30,000 images of snake gods in this temple. During the months of
> September to October, tourists flock here for the Ayilyam festival. The
> festival celebrates the culture with offerings such as Noorum Palum and
> Guruthi.
>
> Location: Alappuzha District
>
> How To Reach: From Alappuzha, take a taxi to the temple- Near Haripad.
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM
>
>
>
> 2. Karippal Nagam, Kannur
>
> The forest surrounding Karippal Nagam, Kannur are known for their healing
> properties
>
> The unique rituals of the serpent gods attract tourists to the Karippal
> Nagam temple, maintained by the Karippal family. Two theyyam forms are
> popular in this temple – Nagarajavu and Nagakanni. People believe that
> seeking blessings from this temple will protect them from snake-related
> fears. The Ayilyam festival is a popular event falling on the Ayilyam
> star in the Dhanu month in the Malayalam calendar. Special bus services
> are available from Thaliparamba and Payyannur to this temple during
> festival seasons.
>
> Location: Kannur
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
>
> 3. Nagampoozhi Mana
>
> Nagarajav Shrine is dedicated to the snake gods in Nagampoozhi Mana in
> Kerala
>
> Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are the main deities of Nagampoozhi Mana. *The
> oil from the lamp lit in the Mana is said to have healing properties for
> various skin ailments*. The rare trees and shrubs in the surrounding
> groves are popular among locals for their medicinal properties. The
> hallowed groves offer peace and tranquillity to the worshippers. *It is
> situated between Vaikom Manadeva temple and Udayanapuram Subrahmanya Swami
> temple*. Similar to the Mannarshala temple, important pujas of the shrine
> are conducted by women.
>
> Location: Kottayam
>
> How To Reach: Reach Vaikom from Kottayam by road
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
>
> *My note- Women are performing pooja in this temple is a new information
> to me.*
>
> 4. Nagamkulangara
>
> Nagamkulangara temple pond is a popular tourist hotspot in Nagamkulangara,
> Kerala
>
> Believed to have been built 1500 years ago, Nagamkulangara temple has two
> primary deities – God Shiva and Nagayakshi. Like other snake temples,
> Nagamkulangara temple has a sacred serpent grove called Sarpakavu. Pilgrims
> visit this holy place to offer prayers to deities like Ganesh, Sree Sastha,
> and Bhramarakshus. The three forests surrounding these temples house
> several species of snakes. The eight-day Aarattu festival during the
> month of Malayalam of Makaram is an essential highlight of this temple.
>
> Location: Alappuzha District. Nagamkulangara Temple is located in Vayalar,
> near the NH 66 highway. It is an ancient Hindu temple. Vayalar in the
> Alleppy-Vaikam route
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
>
> 5. Pambummekkattu Mana
>
> Pambummekkattu Mana is one of the famous temples in Kerala known for its
> ancient rituals
>
> *Pambummekkattu Mana is not a place of worship open to the general public*.
> Instead, it is a serpent shrine within Nambudiri Illam (house). However,
> visitors can offer oil for the Kedavilakku (undying lamp). Only family
> members can enter the eastern block. Devotees are allowed to enter the
> temple on the Ayilyam day, the 10th day of the Medam Malayalam month, the
> first day of all Malayalam months (except Karkidakam and Mithunam), the
> last day of Karidakam, and between Thiruvonam and Bharani days in Malayalam
> month Meenam. The local belief is that Mekkattu family holds the infamous
> Nagamani, which was given to them by the Naga king, Vasuki.
>
> Location: Thrissur District
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
>
> 6. Vetticode Aadimoolam Sree Nagarajan Temple
>
> Vetticode Aadimoolam Sree Nagarajan Temple is one of the oldest Nagaraja
> temples in Kerala
>
> Lord Parasurama sanctified the Vetticode temple, which is called the
> Aadhimoolam temple, as it is believed to be the first temple for the
> serpent gods. Spread across 6 acres of land, the lush green surroundings
> has a Sarpakkavu. The principal deities of this temple are Nagaraja and
> Nagayakshi. Apart from snakes, visitors often encounter some rare species
> of birds here. The Meppali Illam family has managed the temple since
> ancient days. The Pooyam Thozal, Ayilya Maholsavam, and Shivaratri are some
> of the holy festivals that attract hundreds of devotees every year.
>
> Location: Alappuzha district. 18 KMs from Adoor (in the MC Road).
>
> Timings: 6 AM – 11:30 AM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM
>
> 7. Pathira Kunnath Mana
>
> Pathira Kunnath Mana is considered one of the popular Nagaraja temples in
> Kerala.
>
> Technically, Mana in Malayalam refers to a Kerala nampoothiri Brahmin
> household. The Pathira Kunnathu Brahmin family manages this temple, which
> can be visited at any time of the year. Special pooja and rituals are
> performed during the Vrishchikam (November to mid-December) Malayalam
> month. The temple’s main deity is Nagaraja, residing inside the Mana.
> There are also serpent groves across the land. It is believed that the 
> illathamma
> (women of the house) delivered a baby serpent when she gave birth to a baby
> after praying at Vadakunathan temple. The baby serpent vanished after
> some time. The temple is now located at the baby serpent’s birthplace, a
> popular location for pilgrims.
>
> Location: Shoranur
>
> How To Reach: Take a taxi from Cherpulassery
>
> Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 6 PM
>
> 8. Kumaranalloor Nagaraja Temple
>
> Worship the stone snakes at the Kumaranalloor Nagaraja Temple in Kerala
> for blessings
>
> The Kumaranalloor Nagaraja temple is near Devi Kumaranalloor temple. The
> main deities here are Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Like the other snake
> temples, the Ayilyam festival is a popular spot for travellers. In the
> beginning, poojas at this temple were held only one day per year on the
> Ayilyam festival.
>
> Monthly Ayilyam pooja now conducted  with special importance for the
> Malayalam months Kanni and Thulam. During the Thulam month, a big
> procession in the evening of Punartham Nakshatram attracts devotees from
> all parts of Kerala.
>
> Location: Kottayam. Very near to Kottayam.
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
>
> 9. Pullikkal Nagayakshi Kavu Vishwanagayakshi Temple
>
> Pullikkal Nagayakshi Kavu Vishwanagayakshi Temple is one of the top Kerala
> Nagaraja temples
>
> Pullikkal snake temple is one of a kind, as Nagaraja Swamy and consorts
> Vishwanagayakshi and Sarpayakshi reside within a single sanctum. Here,
> the Vishwanagayakshi is a self-manifested embodiment of the snake god. The
> temple has a local lore for blessing the visiting couples with children.
> At Pullikkal, special poojas help eliminate all types of naga doshas.
> Pilgrims also achieve panacea by worshipping the snake gods to help them
> get rid of skin diseases.
>
> Location: Palakkad
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 10:30 AM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM
>
> 10. Pallipuram Sree Nagaraja Temple
>
> Visit Pallipuram Sree Nagaraja which is considered one of the best
> Nagaraja temples in Kerala
>
> Pilgrims often visit Pallipuram Sree Nagaraja Temple because the temple is
> popular for blessing their prayers and offerings. The Nagaraja and
> Nagayakshi are the principal deities of the temple. Frequent visits to
> this temple *can cure different ailments*. Generally, the snake gods are
> outside the temple in a corner. However, in Pallipuram, you can see the
> main idols inside the sanctum sanctuary. Charadu Pooja is an essential
> ceremony in this temple, attracting pilgrims in hordes.
>
> Location: Near Trivandrum
>
> Timings: 6:30 AM – 11 AM
>
> 11. Ananthankadu Sree Nagaraja Temple Trust
>
> A picture of a Nagaraja idol decorated with garlands and tilak, at a
> temple in Kerala
>
> Ananthankadu Sree Nagaraja Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,
> is a revered shrine dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent king, and holds a
> special place among the snake temples of Kerala. Situated near the iconic
> Padmanabhaswamy Temple, (western side of the temple)this sacred site is
> surrounded by lush greenery, creating a tranquil ambience for devotees. The
> temple is steeped in legends, with its origins linked to the dense forest
> that once covered the area, believed to be the abode of serpent deities.
> Known for its spiritual significance and serene surroundings, Ananthankadu
> Sree Nagaraja Temple is a must-visit destination for those exploring
> Kerala’s unique snake worship traditions.
>
> Location: Thiruvananthapuram
>
> Timings: 5 AM – 12:30 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
>
> My note- The temple is comparatively small in size
>
> 12. Memunda Madam Naga Temple
>
> Memunda Madam Naga Temple, located in Vadakara, Calicut District, Kerala,
> is a revered shrine dedicated to serpent deities, particularly Naga Raja
> and Naga Yakshi. Believed to have been established around 2,500 years ago,
> the temple is steeped in history and legend, with its origins attributed to
> the consecration by Parasurama. *The sanctum features unique
> architecture, including a stone-paved well where the deities are enshrined.*
> Surrounded by lush greenery, this famous Nagaraja temple in Kerala is a
> serene destination for devotees seeking spiritual solace. It remains a
> significant cultural and spiritual landmark.
>
> Location: Memunda  near Vadakara
>
> Timings: 6 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
>
> 13. Sree Peralassery Temple
>
> Sree Peralassery Temple is a famous snake temple in Kerala dedicated to
> Lord Subramanya, depicted in serpent form. Steeped in mythology, the
> temple is believed to have origins in the Treta Yuga, with connections to
> Lord Rama’s journey to Lanka. The temple is famous for its unique rituals,
> including the offering of hen’s eggs to the serpent deities, symbolising
> harmony with nature. *Its architectural marvels include a stunning
> stepwell with countless steps leading into the sacred pond,* adding to
> its spiritual allure. For those exploring Kerala’s snake worship
> traditions, Sree Peralassery Temple is a must-visit destination.
>
> Location: Peralasseri-15 KMs from Kannur
>
> Timings: 4 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8 PM
>
> 14. Nagathankavu Sree Nagaraja Vaasuki Temple
>
> Nagathankavu Sree Nagaraja Vaasuki Temple is a sacred snake temple in
> Kerala​ dedicated to *Nagaraja Vaasuki, a revered serpent deity in Hindu
> mythology.* Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple exudes a tranquil
> ambience, making it a serene retreat for devotees and visitors alike. Known
> for its unique rituals and spiritual significance, *the temple attracts
> those seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and harmony*. With its
> rich cultural heritage and peaceful surroundings, Nagathankavu Sree
> Nagaraja Vaasuki Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring
> Kerala’s tradition of snake worship.
>
> Location: Parappur 27 KM from Malappuram.
>
> Timings: 5:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM – 7 PM
>
> Nagaraja temples in Kerala hold significant cultural, historical, and
> spiritual importance. Devotees visit these temples to seek blessings,
> protection, and prosperity. The rituals performed in these temples are
> unique and deeply rooted in ancient traditions. The nearby snake groves
> offer excellent nature walks. Discover the story of each of these temples
> that simply add to the rich tapestry of Kerala’s heritage.
>
> My note- Small additions about locations are made.
>
> Forwarded by R. Gopalakrishnan dated 14-10-2025
>
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