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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.
Top 10 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
Photo: Sivahari / Wikimedia Commons
Rites are presided over by a priestess in the Mannarasala Nagaraja temple. Spreading across 16 acres of dense forest grove, this temple combines spirituality with tranquillity. 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
How To Reach: From Alappuzha, take a taxi to the temple
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM
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2. Karippal Nagam, Kannur
Photo: Deepa Chandran2014 / Wikimedia Commons
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
Photo: Aruna / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
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
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4. Nagamkulangara
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
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 Makharam is an essential highlight of this temple.
Location: Alappuzha
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
5. Pambummekkattu Mana
Photo: RajeshUnuppally / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
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 Midhunam), 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
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
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6. Vetticode Aadimoolam Sree Nagarajan Temple
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
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
Timings: 6 AM – 11:30 AM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM
7. Pathira Kunnath Mana
Photo: Sreekanth / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Technically, Mana in Malayalam refers to a 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
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8. Kumaranalloor Nagaraja Temple
Photo: Dev Patel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
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 happens 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
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
9. Pullikkal Nagayakshi Kavu Vishwanagayakshi Temple
Photo: Rahmanuddin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
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
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10. Pallipuram Sree Nagaraja Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
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: Trivandrum
Timings: 6:30 AM – 11 AM
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. Book your holiday via TripXL to experience serene environments, traditional architecture, and spiritual ambience.
Cover Photo: Manoj Karingamadathil / Wikimedia Commons
