Nag Panchami 2025: Most Famous Snake Temples in India and Their History

Instagram

Nag Panchami 2025: Nag Panchami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in the Hindu culture. The festival is devoted to the worship of Nagas, or serpents. It is observed annually on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha of the lunar month Sawan, typically in July or August. In 2025, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 29th.

Famous Snake Temples in India

The celebration is marked by devotion to worshiping Nagas and seeking their blessings for protection, fertility, and prosperity. There are many snake temples that portray this deep devotion to the nagas throughout India, each with its own history and customs. Here are some of the must-visit Naga temples in India.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

The Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is an ancient temple honouring Nagaraja, the snake god. It is thought to have been founded by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, who dedicated snakes here to cleanse the region. The main attraction of this temple is the practice of having a Brahmin priestess (Mannarasala Amma) perform the puja rituals, which is said to have started when the divine serpent deity himself chose a specific family to care for the temple.

Kukke Subramanya Temple, Karnataka

The Kukke Subramanya Temple, located in Karnataka’s Subramanya village, is a well-known pilgrimage destination devoted to Kartikeya (Subramanya), the serpent god. According to legends, Lord Subramanya offered refuge to serpents, particularly Vasuki, the serpent king, who is said to have sought refuge here to avoid Garuda’s wrath. Devotees frequently perform Sarpa Samskara and Ashlesha Bali pujas here to atone for “Sarpa Dosha” (a curse said to be brought on by hurting snakes).

Kalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh

The Srikalahasteeswara Temple is one of South India’s most revered Shiva temples, with special significance for Rahu-Ketu Sarpa Dosha nivarana pujas. While mainly a Shiva temple, its significant relationship with serpents originates from the belief that Lord Shiva emerged here as Vayu Lingam, a depiction of wind, and is strongly related to Rahu and Ketu, which are frequently portrayed as serpents in Vedic astrology.

Nag Chandreshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh

The Nag Chandreshwar Temple is a unique and old shrine on the third level of the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It opens only once a year, on the occasion of Nag Panchami. The temple has a rare idol of Lord Shiva on a five-hooded serpent, beside Parvati and Ganesha. Devotees believe that the statue here protects them from snake bites and grants their wishes.

Bhujang Naga Temple, Gujarat

The Bhujang Naga Temple, located on Bhujiyo Hill in Bhuj, Gujarat, is devoted to Bhujang Dev, a snake deity who is said to be Sheshnag’s younger brother. Legends say that the Nagas built the temple themselves. The temple is most adored during the Nag Panchami festival, when devotees offer milk and prayers to the serpent god, hoping for wealth and protection for their cattle and crops.

Top controversies of the ‘Veerey Di Wedding’ actress; controversial tweets and more

यह भी पढ़ें