THETRADITIONS OF THE NAGARAJA TEMPLES IN KERALA-FORWARD A sacred space for snakes in Kerala where ancient rituals areperformed to seek blessings
BYAndrea Hooper ,Last Updated on March28th, 2025 Kerala is called God’s Own Country as it is believed to bethe perfect place for the Gods to dwell. The people of Kerala are religious andcelebrate snake gods with revered passion. The Nagaraja temples in Kerala preserve the ancient ritualsand promise protection for the worshipping families. Legend says that Parashurama(creator of Kerala) established 108 Naga temples across Kerala andprompted the people to worship the snakes instead of killing them.Scientifically, these snake zones stabilise the ecosystem, conserving soil andwater. Pay a visit to these temples in Kerala for an exciting holiday. Table of Contents Top 14 NagarajaTemples In Kerala Explore Kerala’s folklore and mythology through the numerousNagaraja temples in Kerala. Here are some of the important temples where mythsand traditions collide: 1. Mannarasala NagarajaTemple One of the biggest and popular Nagaraja Temples in Kerala isthe Mannarashala temple Rites are presided over by a priestess in the MannarasalaNagaraja temple. Spreadingacross 16 acres of dense forest grove, this is the largest snaketemple 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, withabout 30,000 images of snake gods in this temple. During the months of Septemberto October, tourists flock here for the Ayilyam festival. The festival celebrates theculture with offerings such as Noorum Palum and Guruthi. Location: Alappuzha District How To Reach: From Alappuzha, take a taxi to the temple- NearHaripad. Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM 2. Karippal Nagam, Kannur The forest surrounding Karippal Nagam, Kannur are known fortheir healing properties The unique rituals of the serpent gods attract tourists tothe Karippal Nagam temple, maintained by the Karippal family. Two theyyam formsare popular in this temple – Nagarajavu and Nagakanni. People believe thatseeking blessings from this temple will protect them from snake-related fears. The Ayilyam festival is a popularevent falling on the Ayilyam star in the Dhanu month in the Malayalam calendar.Special bus services are available from Thaliparamba and Payyannur to thistemple 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 inNagampoozhi Mana in Kerala Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are the main deities of NagampoozhiMana. The oil from the lamplit 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 localsfor their medicinal properties. The hallowed groves offer peace andtranquillity to the worshippers. It is situated between Vaikom Manadeva temple and UdayanapuramSubrahmanya Swami temple. Similar to theMannarshala 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 areperforming pooja in this temple is a new information to me. 4. Nagamkulangara Nagamkulangara temple pond is a popular tourist hotspot inNagamkulangara, Kerala Believed to have been built 1500 years ago, Nagamkulangara temple has twoprimary deities – God Shiva and Nagayakshi. Like other snake temples,Nagamkulangara temple has a sacred serpent grove called Sarpakavu. Pilgrimsvisit this holy place to offer prayers to deities like Ganesh, Sree Sastha, andBhramarakshus. The three forests surrounding these temples houseseveral species of snakes. The eight-day Aarattu festival during themonth of Malayalam of Makaram is an essential highlight of this temple. Location: Alappuzha District. Nagamkulangara Temple islocated 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 Keralaknown for its ancient rituals Pambummekkattu Mana isnot a place of worship open to the general public. Instead, it is a serpent shrinewithin Nambudiri Illam (house). However, visitors can offer oil for theKedavilakku (undying lamp). Only family members can enter the eastern block. Devotees are allowed to enter the temple on the Ayilyam day, the 10thday of the Medam Malayalam month, the first day of all Malayalam months(except Karkidakam and Mithunam), the last day of Karidakam, and betweenThiruvonam and Bharani days in Malayalam month Meenam. The localbelief is that Mekkattu family holds the infamous Nagamani, which was given tothem by the Naga king, Vasuki. Location: Thrissur District Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM 6. Vetticode AadimoolamSree Nagarajan Temple Vetticode Aadimoolam Sree Nagarajan Temple is one of theoldest Nagaraja temples in Kerala Lord Parasurama sanctified the Vetticode temple, which iscalled the Aadhimoolam temple, as it is believed to be the first temple for theserpent gods. Spread across 6acres of land, the lush green surroundings has a Sarpakkavu. Theprincipal deities of this temple are Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Apart fromsnakes, visitors often encounter some rare species of birds here. The MeppaliIllam family has managed the temple since ancient days. The Pooyam Thozal,Ayilya Maholsavam, and Shivaratri are some of the holy festivals that attracthundreds 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 popularNagaraja temples in Kerala. Technically, Mana in Malayalam refers to a Kerala nampoothiriBrahmin household. The Pathira Kunnathu Brahmin family manages this temple, which can bevisited at any time of the year. Special pooja and rituals are performedduring the Vrishchikam (November to mid-December) Malayalam month. The temple’s main deity isNagaraja, residing inside the Mana. There are also serpent groves acrossthe land. It is believed that the illathamma (women of the house)delivered a baby serpent when she gave birth to a baby after praying atVadakunathan temple. The baby serpent vanished after some time. Thetemple is now located at the baby serpent’s birthplace, a popular location forpilgrims. Location: Shoranur How To Reach: Take a taxi from Cherpulassery Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 6 PM 8. Kumaranalloor NagarajaTemple Worship the stone snakes at the Kumaranalloor Nagaraja Templein Kerala for blessings The Kumaranalloor Nagaraja temple is near Devi Kumaranalloortemple. The main deities here are Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Like the other snake temples, theAyilyam festival is a popular spot for travellers. In the beginning, poojas at this temple wereheld only one day per year on the Ayilyam festival. Monthly Ayilyam poojanow conducted with special importancefor the Malayalam months Kanni and Thulam. During the Thulam month, a big procession in the evening ofPunartham 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 NagayakshiKavu Vishwanagayakshi Temple Pullikkal Nagayakshi Kavu Vishwanagayakshi Temple is one ofthe top Kerala Nagaraja temples Pullikkal snake temple is one of a kind, as NagarajaSwamy and consorts Vishwanagayakshi and Sarpayakshi reside within a singlesanctum. Here, theVishwanagayakshi is a self-manifested embodiment of the snake god. The temple has a local lore forblessing the visiting couples with children. At Pullikkal, specialpoojas help eliminate all types of naga doshas. Pilgrims also achieve panaceaby 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 SreeNagaraja Temple Visit Pallipuram Sree Nagaraja which is considered one of thebest Nagaraja temples in Kerala Pilgrims often visit Pallipuram Sree Nagaraja Temple becausethe temple is popular for blessing their prayers and offerings. The Nagaraja and Nagayakshi arethe principal deities of the temple. Frequent visits to this temple can cure different ailments.Generally, the snake gods are outside the temple in acorner. However, in Pallipuram, you can see the main idols inside the sanctumsanctuary. Charadu Pooja is an essential ceremony in this temple,attracting pilgrims in hordes. Location: Near Trivandrum Timings: 6:30 AM – 11 AM 11. Ananthankadu SreeNagaraja Temple Trust A picture of a Nagaraja idol decorated with garlands andtilak, at a temple in Kerala Ananthankadu Sree Nagaraja Temple, located inThiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a revered shrine dedicated to Nagaraja, theserpent king, and holds a special place among the snake temples of Kerala. Situated near the iconicPadmanabhaswamy Temple, (westernside 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 spiritualsignificance and serene surroundings, Ananthankadu Sree Nagaraja Temple is amust-visit destination for those exploring Kerala’s unique snake worshiptraditions. 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 NagaTemple Memunda Madam Naga Temple, located in Vadakara, Calicut District, Kerala, is arevered shrine dedicated to serpent deities, particularly Naga Raja and NagaYakshi. Believed to have been established around 2,500 years ago, the temple issteeped in history and legend, with its origins attributed to the consecrationby Parasurama. Thesanctum features unique architecture, including a stone-paved well where thedeities are enshrined. Surrounded by lush greenery, this famousNagaraja temple in Kerala is a serene destination for devotees seekingspiritual solace. It remains a significant cultural and spiritual landmark. Location: Memunda nearVadakara Timings: 6 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM 13. Sree PeralasseryTemple 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 toLord 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 harmonywith nature. Itsarchitectural marvels include a stunning stepwell with countless steps leadinginto the sacred pond, adding to its spiritual allure. For thoseexploring Kerala’s snake worship traditions, Sree Peralassery Temple is amust-visit destination. Location: Peralasseri-15 KMs from Kannur Timings: 4 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8 PM 14. Nagathankavu SreeNagaraja Vaasuki Temple Nagathankavu Sree Nagaraja Vaasuki Temple is a sacred snaketemple 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 aserene retreat for devotees and visitors alike. Known for its unique ritualsand spiritual significance, the temple attracts those seeking blessings for prosperity, health, andharmony. With its rich cultural heritage and peaceful surroundings,Nagathankavu Sree Nagaraja Vaasuki Temple is a must-visit destination foranyone 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 seekblessings, protection, and prosperity. The rituals performed in these templesare unique and deeply rooted in ancient traditions. The nearby snake grovesoffer excellent nature walks. Discover the story of each of these temples thatsimply add to the rich tapestry of Kerala’s heritage. My note- Smalladditions about locations are made. Forwarded by R.Gopalakrishnan dated 14-10-2025 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1092121783.1715242.1760412979382%40mail.yahoo.com.
