Alappuzha Nagamkulangara Temple

Alappuzha Nagamkulangara Temple

Alappuzha Nagamkulangara Temple or Thirunagamkulangara Sree Mahadevar Temple is situated in Vayalar, just 4 kilometers away from Cherthala in Kerala. This temple is very popular in the Vayalar region. The Nagamkulangara temple has been around for more than 1500 years, The primary deities enshrined here are God Shiva and Nagayakshi, accompanied by a sacred grove dedicated to serpents (Sarpakavu). The other deities in the temple are Sree Ganapathy, Sree Sastha, and Bhramarakshus.

The Nagamkulangara temple is famous for worshipping snakes (serpents). Within the temple compound, you’ll find three forests where various types of serpents reside. Among them are brilliantly colored and silver-hued snakes.

Legend says that Adi Shankaracharya has visited this temple on multiple occasions.

Nagaraja is a Sanskrit word from naga (snake) and raj (king) meaning King of Snakes. It is applied to three main deities, Anantha (Sheshanaag), Takshak, and Vasuki. Anantha, Vasuki and Takshak are brothers, children of Kashyap and Kadru, who are the parents of all snakes. Anantha, the eldest brother, was a devotee of Vishnu, and represents the friendly aspect of snakes, as they save food from rodents. Lord Vishnu is always on continuous meditation (Yoganidra) with Anantha forming a bed for him, and this posture is called Anantha Shayana. Vasuki, the younger one was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva always wears Vasuki around his neck. Takshak represents the dangerous aspect of snakes, as they are feared by all due to their venom.

Nagamkulangara Temple Significance

Pulluvan Pattu is a unique music used to please snake Gods. It is performed by a special group called Pulluvars. There are families of Pulluvars near this temple who are skilled in this traditional art. People believe that offering this music to the goddess can solve their problems.