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The famous Nagercoil Temple is Nagaraja Temple, which is located in Nagercoil city. It is said that there was a Jain temple situated here, some of which can still be seen around the sanctum. When it was built is uncertain, as new shrines have been added over the years. The temple has three shrines; the oldest is dedicated to the king of serpents, Nagaraja, and the others are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ananthakrishna. Devotees believe that one can get rid of kaal sarp dosha by offering heartfelt prayers to Nagaraja.
Quick Details
Built In: Pre-12th century CE
Address: N Car Street, Ozhuginasery, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 4.30 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to January
Time Duration: 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Location
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Nagercoil got its name from the Nagaraja Temple and is located a few kilometres away from Kanyakumari town (the southernmost tip of India) in the Tamil Nadu state. The temple is situated in a neighbourhood known as Ozhuginasery, which comes under the Kanyakumari district of India.
How To Reach
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By Road: In Nagercoil City, you can either choose to hire a taxi or take a bus. The Nagercoil bus stand lies at a distance of 1.2 kilometres from the temple.
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport to the temple, located 72 kilometres away.
By Train: The closest railway station to the temple is situated at a distance of 2.5 kilometres, which is Nagercoil Junction.
Things To Do
1. Explore The Temple’s Architecture
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nagercoil Temple is known for its fascinating legends and possesses religious and historical importance. It has stunning architecture and religious significance. The main entrance of the temple is called the Mahameru Maligai, which resembles a Buddhist vihara. The temple is east-facing; however, devotees enter the temple from the south gate. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a thatched roof. Every year, when the roof is changed, a snake is found on it. Besides this, there is a separate sanctorum where hundreds of snake idols are present.
2. Learn About Its History And Legends
Photo: Senthil Kumaran S / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Some historians believe that the temple used to be a Jain temple due to the presence of two Jain thirthankaras on the pillars. There is a legend that the ruler of Venad rebuilt this temple after he was cured of leprosy due to performing penance in the temple. There is another story about a girl cutting grass who suddenly cut her hand and noticed that the sickle had accidentally cut a five-headed serpent. After learning this, the villagers decided to build a temple in return for protection. It is said that till today, nobody around the temple has ever died of a snake bite.
Places To Visit Around Nagercoil Temple
1. Thanumalayan Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Thanumalayan Temple, also famously known as Sthanumalayan Temple, is a prominent temple located in Kanyakumari district. It is known to be among the 108 Shiva temples and showcases a confluence between Kerala and Tamil-style architecture. The Chola dynasty ruler built the Thanumalayan temple around the 9th century. There is a legend that the king of devas, Indira, got relieved from a curse at this place. The religious significance of the temple stems from the fact that the main statue of Linga represents Brahma (Ayan), Vishnu (Mal), and Shiva (Sthanu), giving the temple its name.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Distance From The Nagercoil Temple: 6.4 km
2. Arulmigu Cholaraja Temple
Photo: Prajbtech / Wikimedia Commons
The Chola King Rajendra Chola I built the Arulmigu Cholaraja Temple. It is said that the temple is around 1000 years old and showcases the architectural style of that era. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and is a miniature version of Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar. It is said that when the Chola king came to conquer this land, Lord Shiva came into his dream and asked him to build a temple there. The temple is east-facing and has a Shiva linga in the main shrine. The Shiva linga is considered 21 feet tall, 3 feet of which can be seen, and the other 18 feet remain underground. It is located near the Vadasery bus stand and can be reached easily.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Distance From The Nagercoil Temple: 1.2 km
3. Idar Theertha Perumal Temple
Photo: Bala Subs / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Idar Theertha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a Hindu temple located at Vadiveeswaram Village, now a part of Nagercoil town in Kanyakumari District. The village in which this temple was originally situated was an agraharam occupied by Brahmins. It is believed that if you offer heartfelt prayer in this temple, then all the obstacles from your life will get removed. On Saturday or around the weekend, many people visit this ancient temple. The temple showcases the intricate carvings, giving a peek into the architectural style of the era when it was made.
Timings: 6:05 AM – 9:29 AM, 5:50 PM – 7:40 PM
Distance From The Nagercoil Temple: 1.3 km
4. Kalliyankadu Lord Shiva Temple
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kalliyankadu, or Kalliancaud Lord Shiva Temple, is known to be one of the famous Shiva temples in the nearby region. The temple is renowned by the name Kaliyankadu Sivan Kovil. It has stunning architecture and consists of stone sculptures. The temple is covered in mint green paint and showcases the traditional style of architecture with multiple carved upper layers. In front of the main shrine, there is a serene pond. In Kalliyankadu Lord Shiva Temple, many other gods are worshipped, other than Lord Shiva. During Shivratri, a large number of devotees visit this temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Distance From The Nagercoil Temple: 6.6 km
Where To Stay
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Near the temple, many budget hotels and guesthouses offer various facilities to make your stay comfortable. Some of those hotels and guesthouses are Hotel Le Atlas, LA Smart Stays, Hotel Ganga Palace, and New Cape Hotel.
Where To Eat
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There are numerous places near the temple where you can taste flavourful cuisines. Whether you like South Indian food or other cuisines, there is something for everyone. A few of the must-try eateries in Nagercoil are Arya Bhavan, Topi Vappa Biriyani, and Hotel Prabhu.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- If possible, visit early in the day to avoid the crowd.
- Carry some cash or change with you, as it might be required.
- Wear comfortable shoes that you would be able to take off easily.
- Carry a water bottle, preferably non-plastic and
- Dress modestly because the temple has religious significance.
Nagercoil Temple is a unique and sacred site in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the serpent king, Nagaraja. Known for its beautiful serpent sculptures and Dravidian-style architecture, the temple attracts visitors for its spiritual atmosphere and fascinating legends. Discover the charm and history of this ancient temple by booking your trip with TripXL and experience the rich heritage of Nagercoil.
Cover Photo: A.S. Thanumaleayan / Wikimedia Commons
