Discover Snake Temples in India to Visit This Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is a distinctive Hindu festival dedicated to honouring snakes and serpent deities, observed during the monsoon month of Shravan (July-August). On this sacred day, devotees offer milk and prayers to both snake idols and live snakes at temples across India, blending mythology, devotion, and ancient traditions. For those planning to celebrate this year, visiting some of India's most revered snake temples offers a profound way to experience this unique festival.

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest temples in Hinduism, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. While primarily a Shiva temple, it also holds a special place for Nag worship due to its association with various serpent deities mentioned in Hindu mythology. The temple’s deep historical roots and spiritual significance make it a prominent place to celebrate Nag Panchami.

The temple is renowned for its golden spire and intricate architecture. On Nag Panchami, devotees perform special rituals involving offerings to snake deities alongside their prayers to Lord Shiva.

2. Nagapanchami Temple, Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Nagapanchami Temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to the serpent deity Nagas. According to the local legends, this temple was built during the Vijayanagara Empire and has a rich history tied to the ancient city’s mythology.

The temple features beautiful carvings of serpents and offers a serene atmosphere, ideal for reflective prayers and rituals on Nag Panchami.

3. Sri Kalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh

The Sri Kalahasti Temple, also known as the Kailasa of the South, is famous for its association with the serpent deity Vasuki. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it’s believed that worshipping here during Nag Panchami can alleviate doshas (flaws) related to serpent deities.

The temple’s unique architectural style and the presence of serpent images make it a popular destination for those observing Nag Panchami. The temple is also known for its vibrant festivals and rituals.

4. Nag Temple, Delhi

The Nag Temple in Delhi is one of the prominent serpent temples in the capital city. This temple has a historical connection with the region’s ancient practices of serpent worship, and it is an important site for observing Nag Panchami in the city.

The temple hosts special ceremonies and rituals during Nag Panchami, drawing a large number of devotees who come to offer milk and prayers to the serpent idols.

5. Mysore’s Lakshminarayana Temple, Karnataka

This temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshminarayana, and it includes a special shrine for Nag Devta. Mysore, known for its rich cultural heritage, celebrates Nag Panchami with fervour at this temple, which has a long-standing tradition of serpent worship.

The temple features beautiful depictions of serpent deities and hosts vibrant celebrations during Nag Panchami, making it an excellent place to experience the festival.

6. Snake Temple, Telangana

The Telangana Snake Temple is a unique and majestic serpent-shaped temple located in Telangana. This temple stands out for its distinctive architectural design, which mimics the form of a snake. It holds significant cultural and religious value, reflecting the region’s historical practices of serpent worship.

The temple is renowned for its striking appearance and spiritual ambience, drawing visitors who are captivated by its unusual design and sacred atmosphere. It serves as a focal point for devotees who come to pay homage and participate in various rituals associated with serpent worship. The Telangana Snake Temple is particularly notable for its grandeur and the sense of awe it inspires in those who visit.

7. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Kerala

The Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is a prominent and revered serpent temple located in Kerala, India. This ancient temple is dedicated to Nagaraja, the king of serpents, and holds a significant place in the cultural and religious landscape of the region. 

The temple is renowned for its serene setting and its extensive serpent-themed artwork and sculptures. It is an important pilgrimage site for devotees who seek blessings and protection from the serpent deities. The temple hosts special rituals and festivals throughout the year, attracting many visitors who come to offer prayers and participate in the sacred ceremonies. The Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions and its role in preserving the rich heritage of serpent worship in Kerala.

8. Kukke Subramanya Temple, Karnataka

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is a significant and revered serpent temple situated in the town of Kukke Subramanya in Karnataka, India. Dedicated to Lord Subramanya, who is also known as the serpent god, this temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees seeking blessings and protection from serpent-related issues.

The temple is known for its sacred atmosphere and the elaborate rituals performed throughout the year. Devotees flock to the temple, especially during major festivals, to offer prayers and participate in ceremonies that honor Lord Subramanya. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is celebrated for its spiritual significance and its role in upholding the traditions of serpent worship in the region.

9. Bhujang Nag Temple, Gujarat

Bhujiya Fort is an ancient fortress located on the outskirts of Bhuj in Gujarat. According to legend, the fort was once under the control of the Naga chieftains, with Bhujanga being the last of the Naga clan. After Bhujanga's death in battle, the locals erected a temple in his honour.

Today, this revered site is situated atop Bhujiya Hill and is known as the Bhujang Nag Temple. The temple stands as a tribute to the historical and cultural significance of the Naga clan in the region.