While there are several snake temples in India, here is a list of some well-known snake temples across the country:
- Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala: Located in the serene village of Mannarasala in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent deity. It is believed to be one of the most ancient and prominent snake temples in India. The temple complex is nestled amidst a dense forest, and devotees flock here to seek blessings and perform rituals for fertility and well-being.
- Subramanya Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Situated in the town of Mopidevi in Andhra Pradesh, the Subramanya Swamy Temple is known for its association with snakes. The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Subramanya (also known as Murugan), is believed to have slain the serpent demon Vasuki. Devotees visit this temple to seek protection from snake bites and to fulfill their wishes.
- Hardev Mandir, Rajasthan: Located in the village of Jasol in Rajasthan, Hardev Mandir is a unique temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual Nagaur Fair, where devotees offer prayers to Nag Devtas (serpent deities). The temple complex also houses a large number of snakes, which are considered sacred and worshipped by the local community.
- Nagchandreshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh: Situated on the picturesque island of Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh, Nagchandreshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the snake deity Nagchandreshwar. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile. Devotees come here to seek blessings and offer prayers to the serpent deities.
- Shri Shantadurga Kunkalikarin Temple, Goa: Located in the village of Fatorpa in Goa, this temple is dedicated to the serpent goddess Shantadurga. It is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees seeking protection from snakebites and fertility blessings. The temple hosts an annual festival called “Jatra” during which devotees participate in colorful processions and rituals.
- Nag Devta Temple, Uttarakhand: Situated in the town of Almora in Uttarakhand, Nag Devta Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nag Devta (serpent deity). The temple complex is adorned with stone carvings of snakes, and devotees believe that worshipping here can protect them from snakebites and bring good fortune.
- Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kerala: Situated near the town of Kumbla in Kasaragod district of Kerala, the Ananthapura Lake Temple is known for its association with a crocodile believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple houses a cave where a crocodile named Babia is said to reside. Devotees believe that the crocodile is sacred and offers protection.
- Shree Nagnath Temple, Maharashtra: Located in the village of Naganath near Alibag in Maharashtra, the Shree Nagnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is unique as it houses a large number of live cobras. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the serpent deities for health, prosperity, and protection from snakebites.
- Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala: Situated in the village of Vetticode in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent deity. The temple is famous for its annual festival called “Sarpam Thullal,” where devotees perform a traditional dance ritual to appease the serpent gods. It is believed that participating in this ritual can ward off the ill effects of snakebites and curses.
- Bataleshwar Temple, Himachal Pradesh: Located in the town of Baddi in Himachal Pradesh, the Bataleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its association with snakes. The temple is situated in a cave-like structure, and visitors can observe several snake idols and carvings within the temple complex.
- Nag Vasuki Temple, Uttarakhand: Situated in the village of Joshimath in Uttarakhand, Nag Vasuki Temple is dedicated to Lord Vasuki, the serpent king. The temple is believed to be an important pilgrimage site for those seeking protection from snakebites and blessings for fertility and prosperity.
- Nagchun Mandir, Rajasthan: Situated in the city of Nagaur in Rajasthan, Nagchun Mandir is a renowned snake temple dedicated to the serpent deity. Devotees flock to this temple to offer prayers and seek blessings for protection from snakebites and to alleviate ailments associated with snakes.
- Nagoba Temple, Telangana: Located in the village of Keslapur in Telangana, Nagoba Temple is dedicated to Nagoba, the serpent god. This ancient temple is nestled in a forested area, and it is believed that the snakes in the vicinity of the temple are divine manifestations of the deity. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the annual Nagoba Jatara festival.
- Nagamalai Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu: Situated in the town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatesa Perumal and the serpent deity. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture and the presence of snake idols throughout the complex. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for protection and overall well-being.
- Nageshwar Temple, Gujarat: Located near the city of Dwarka in Gujarat, Nageshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the snake deity. The temple is believed to house one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (lingams of light) of Lord Shiva. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site, and devotees offer prayers to seek blessings for prosperity, good fortune, and protection from snakebites.
- Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tamil Nadu: Situated in the town of Pazhani in Tamil Nadu, this temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Subramaniya Swamy) and the snake deities. The temple is known for its association with snakes and is believed to possess strong divine energies. Devotees flock to this temple to seek blessings, especially for the alleviation of snake-related fears and problems.
These are just a few examples of snake temples in India. Snake worship has a long history and deep-rooted cultural significance in the country. These temples provide a sacred space for devotees to pay homage to the serpent deities and seek their blessings for protection, fertility, and overall well-being.