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The ancient Nagaraja Temple is well-known for its devotion to Nagaraja, also known as Vasuki, the King of Serpents. The Nagaraja, lord of serpents, is honoured in the main sanctuary. There are three shrines in the temple. The original Nagaraja is still the oldest and most important shrine. The second shrine features Rukmini and Satyabhama alongside Ananthakrishna, a newborn Krishna dancing on a coiled snake. Shiva is worshipped at the third shrine. The Travancore monarchs constructed the present building in the Keralan style. There are reportedly two resident cobras at the shrine, which welcomes snake visitors.
Location
Photo: A.S. Thanumaleayan / Wikimedia Commons
In the centre of Nagercoil town lies a Hindu temple dedicated to Nagaraja, also known as Vasuki, the King of Serpents. The Nagaraja Temple is a modest thatched building with mud walls located in Nagarcoil town on the Trivandrum–Kanyakumari route, 20 kilometres from Kanyakumari.
How To Reach
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By Air: The closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. After getting out at Thiruvananthapuram, take a bus or taxi to Nagercoil. The Nagercoil Bus Stand is a short stroll from the temple, or you can take an autorickshaw there.
By Train: The temple is 19 kilometres from Kanyakumari, the closest train station. The distance to Nagercoil railway station is 4 kilometres. Numerous trains travel from all across the nation to Nagercoil. Take an autorickshaw from Nagercoil Junction Railway Station to the temple, which is around three kilometres away.
By Road: From Kanyakumari, there is a direct bus to the temple. Buses to Nagercoil are readily available from all of South India’s main cities. The Nagercoil Bus Stand is a short stroll from the temple.
Places To Visit Around Nagaraja Temple
1. Sanguthurai Beach
Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is the ideal spot to unwind and eat lunch while taking in the view of the waves crashing to the coast. Historical anecdotes abound on the white sand beach, including a landmark constructed during the King Chola era. Enjoy a drink and a stroll down the shore before settling in to watch the sunset. A lavish beach with golden sands and glittering experiences adorns the magnificent shoreline. As you unwind on the beach and feel the cool sea breeze’s gentle embrace, you’ll be lost in words and emotions. Sanguthurai Beach is indeed a marvellous coast. Sanguthurai Beach, stands out because of its thrilling atmosphere and captivating encounters.
Location: The beach is only Eight km from Nagercoil city
Timings: 24*7
2. St Xavier’s Church
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One of the most visited sites that tourists include on their itineraries is St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, which is close to Kottar. While learning about this location, take a tour and marvel at the historic architecture. Additionally, it is the oldest cathedral church in the Kanyakumari area of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kottar. It is also among Nagercoil’s most visited tourist destinations.
Location: The church is a few km from Kottar
Timings: Opens morning and evening for mass
3. Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
One of the few temples in the nation dedicated to worshipping the Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Ishvara—is this one. “Sri Sthanumalayan,” the Trinity of God (Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma), is enshrined at the temple. There are three sections to the linga. Siva’s “Sthanu” name is represented at the top, Vishnu’s “Mal” name in the middle, and Brahma’s “Aya” name at the bottom. The chastity of Anasuya, the wife of Sage Atri, is mentioned in one of the Suchindram stories.
Location: The beach is only 10 km from the Nagercoil junction station
Timings: 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM
4. Kanyakumari
Photo: Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons
It is a unique place to visit. It is the southernmost point on India’s landmass. Here in Kanyakumari, three important bodies of water converge: the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. Because of its exceptional location, Kanyakumari is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India each year. The Hindu deity Devi Kanyakumari, who is regarded as Lord Krishna’s sister, is the source of the location’s name. The name Kanniyakumari was abbreviated to Comorin after the Dutch East India Company overran Portuguese Ceylon from the Portuguese East Indies.
Distance From Temple: Kanyakumari is only 20 km from the Nagaraja Temple
5. Padmanabhapuram Palace
Photo: Nicholas.iyadurai / Wikimedia Commons
A magnificent example of art and craftsmanship, Padmanabhapuram Palace is an old palace with captivating architecture. The unmatched magnificence of this 16th-century timber palace is likely to captivate every visitor. This palace was constructed by Ravipillai Ravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal of the Travancore Kingdom and is situated at Thuckalay at the base of the Veli Hills, which are a part of the Western Ghats. Padmanabhapuram Palace, named after the lotus that emerges from Lord Vishnu’s navel (Padma meaning lotus, nabha-navel, puram-town), was the seat of authority for the former Travancore kingdom from the 16th century until the late 18th century when it moved to Thiruvananthapuram.
Location: The Palace is near Kanyakumari
Timings: 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4:30 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
There are various hotels where you can stay. However, the following are some lodging options close to Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple. Reviews say that the Hotel Sahana Castle on Distillery Road in Vadasery is a lovely spot with good rooms. The Omni bus stop is on the other side of it. Another impressive location to check in is Hotel Udupi International. The distance from Kanyakumari is roughly 20 km. It boasts excellent amenities, such as the ability to receive communications at its doorstep due to its strategic location.
Where To Eat
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There are various restaurants and hotels near the Nagaraja temple where the devotees and visitors can eat delicious food. There are restaurants, including The Ocean Restaurant, The Seashore Hotel, East Car Street, etc. You will find mouthwatering authentic South Indian and other cuisine at these restaurants.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Natesh Ramasamy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit the temple is during the festival celebrations. The Ayilyam festival, which takes place during the Malayalam month of Thula [October–November], is the most auspicious occasion at Nagaraja Temple. There is a 12-day puja that involves unique Tantric rites. Another important celebration at Nagaraja Temple in Nagercoil is the Brahmotsavam, which takes place in January or February. Other festivals observed in the temple are Thirukarthigai in November and December and Navarathri in September and October.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ashish Choudhary / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
- Visitors should not carry electronics inside the temple like, phones, cameras, music players, etc.
- Clicking pictures is strictly prohibited.
- Visitors should not wear or carry leather items, alcohol, etc.
- Devotees should maintain discipline and keep the temple clean.
- There is a parking space.
Anybody who wants to learn more about Tamil Nadu’s rich religious and cultural legacy must visit Nagaraja Temple. The temple is the perfect place to spend some time reflecting and meditating because of its distinctive architecture, lovely surroundings, and serene atmosphere.
Remember to visit the neighbouring sites, like Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari, and Suchindram Thanemalayan Temple, while in Nagercoil. So, to enjoy your holiday and experience unique things, contact TripXL and have the best trip of your life.
Cover Photo: A.S. Thanumaleayan / Wikimedia Commons
