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Kerala is rightfully called ‘God’s Own Country’. Rich in culture, it is an abode of spirituality and natural beauty. Among the many temples in this serene landscape, the snake temples in Kerala hold a special place, symbolising prosperity, fertility, and protection from evil. These temples are renowned for their rituals and ceremonies aimed at appeasing the serpent deities and protecting devotees from snake-related ailments. Let’s explore 10 such enchanting temples in Kerala that are worth a glance on your spiritual journey.
9 Snake Temples In Kerala
Here are ten of the most famous snake temples in Kerala, steeped in special spiritual significance with rich cultural heritage.
1. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Photo: Marufish / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most important and popular Kerala snake temples is the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple. It lies in Haripad village amidst a thick forest. The temple is dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent king, and his consort Nagayakshi. Special poojas and rituals are performed at this temple with serpent gods, believed in their ability to shower fertility, prosperity, and protection upon those seeking them. The major festival of the temple is the ‘Ayilyam’, conducted during the Malayalam month of Thulam, from October to November.
Best Time To Visit: October to November
Suggested Read: Hanuman Temples In Kerala
2. Pambummekkattu Mana
Photo: Chandan Amarnath / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pambummekkattu Mana in Thrissur is a popular snake temple in Kerala. It is said to be the place of the king of the serpents and his brother Nagar. The powerful rituals and ceremonies make Pambummekkattu Mana one of the centres that devotees visit the most. Elaborate rituals, including the unique ‘Sarpabali’ and ‘Noorum Palum’, are conducted to please the serpent deities. The mana’s serene, lush surroundings add to the place’s spiritual charm. The annual festival in the Thulam month (October-November) is one grand event marked with special poojas (religious practices), cultural performances, and traditional music.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year
3. Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Temple
Photo: Dvellakat / Wikimedia Commons
Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Temple in Kayamkulam comes second in the significant snake temple list. This temple is highly esteemed; it can heal any disease or disorder and provides fertility. The main attraction here is the temple’s annual ‘Nagarapattu’ festival, enacted in the Malayalam month of Kanni (September-October). At this point, the temple grounds become animated with a riot of colours and alive to the music of time-honoured traditional music and dance forms. The structure of this temple is of traditional Kerala style, and its fine wooden architecture goes well with the peaceful surroundings, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Best Time To Visit: September to October, during the Nagarapattu festival
Suggested Read: Shiva Temples In Kerala
4. Paambanaiyappa Temple
Photo: Binupotti / Wikimedia Commons
Located at Kottarakkara, the Naagaraja-dedicated Paambanaiyappa Temple is famous for its potent remedial powers regarding skin diseases and other afflictions. It is considered to be the best temple in Kerala. This temple provides you solace from troubled lives while you are seeking divine intervention and protection from snake-related turbulences. The annual festival during the Malayalam month of Thulam (October–November) is characterised by grand processions with traditional music. This temple is built in traditional Kerala style with beautiful carvings and constructions accommodated amidst the natural serenity.
Best Time To Visit: October To November
5. Kavu Sree Nagakaliamman Temple
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kavu Sree Nagakaliamman Temple is located in Alappuzha. This temple is dedicated to Nagakaliamman, a mighty serpent goddess. This temple is famous for the annual festival held during the Malayalam month of Medam, which falls from April to May. These festivals constitute traditional dances, music, and other cultural performances. The festival is always an occasion of colour and celebration, visited by thousands of devotees and tourists. Devotees believe that the deity in the Kavu Sree Nagakaliamman Temple can protect them from evils, bless them with fertility, and cure any ailments.
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Suggested Read: Varahi Devi Temples In Kerala
6. Keezhillam Sree Nagayakshi Temple
Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Keezhillam Sree Nagayakshi Temple is dedicated to Nagayakshi, the serpent goddess whose powers involve protection and healing. The rituals performed in this temple are fairly special and diversified in their poojas and offerings to the serpent gods. A vast crowd assembles during the annual festival, which takes place in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. The beautiful surroundings and traditional Kerala-style architecture give the temple a feeling of quietness, tranquillity, and spiritual recharging. Keezhillam Sree Nagayakshi Temple is significant in serpent worship in Kerala, where worship for protection, fertility, and removal from ailment occurs.
Best Time To Visit: February to March
7. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is located in Kodungallur. Though it is mainly a lord Shiva temple, it also houses serpent deities. The ancient temple boasts its historical value with traditional ritual performances. The annual festival, which falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (Feb-Mar), is a significant event adorned by magnificent processions, traditional music, and cultural programs. The shrine’s architecture is an excellent example of the traditional Kerala style, with free structures set amidst relaxing surroundings, thereby providing more divinity.
Best Time To Visit: February to March
Suggested Read: Vishnu Temples In Kerala
8. Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons
The Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple at Changanassery is dedicated to Lord Shiva and serpent deities. The temple is famous for its annual festival, which falls in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May). The festival comprises festive processions with musical bands, cultural programs, and many more. The serene atmosphere and traditional Kerala architecture offer peace for worship and meditation. Vazhappally, the Maha Siva Naga temple in Kerala is visited chiefly by devotees to secure blessings for protection, fertility, and disease relief. Thus, it forms the spiritual hub of Kerala.
Best Time To Visit: April to May
9. Ameda Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ameda Temple in Aluva is known for its deity’s power and rituals to appease the serpent gods. The temple’s annual festival, in the Malayalam month of Kanni (September-October), is worth watching as devotees from far away come to the shrine for protection and blessings. The Ameda Temple is where enthusiasts come to be liberated from snake-related fears and diseases. It is an essential centre for spiritual healing and worship. The temple hosts several unique rituals and features serene surroundings, thus making it a perfect peaceful retreat for those of you seeking divine intervention and protection.
Best Time To Visit: September to October
Suggested Read: Nagaraja Temples In Kerala
The snake temples in Kerala are not merely places of worship; they are sanctuaries of peace and spiritual enrichment, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Each temple, with its unique character and charm, invites you to immerse yourself in a journey of spiritual discovery. Connect with TripXL, pack your bags, don your traditional attire, and explore these unique temples in Kerala.
Cover Photo: Aruna / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
