Vetticode Sri Nagarajaswamy Temple

Vetticode Sri Nagarajaswamy Temple is the only shrine on the Kerala coast dedicated to Lord Ananta, the eldest among the eight Nagarajas.

Legend has it that when Kerala was created by Sri Parasuraman, he sought Lord Ananta's help to overcome challenges caused by snakes and salinity. In gratitude, Parasuraman consecrated an idol in Vetticode, where Lord Shiva received the dakshina, marking the world's first Nagaraja Pratishtha. This temple holds immense significance as it marks the first Nagaraja Pratishtha in the world, earning the title Adimoolam Vetticode and becoming the focal point of serpent worship.

Festivals

Ayilya Maholsavam

Ayilya Maholsavam, celebrated annually at the Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple, occurs on the Ayilyam day in the Malayalam month of Kanni. Festivities commence seven days before Ayilyam with special pujas, homas, and kalasa poojas conducted to enhance the deity's divine energy and bless devotees.

Pooyam Thozhal

Pooyam Thozhal festival is observed twice annually, on the day of the Pooyam star in the Malayalam months of Kanni and Thulam. The main attraction of this festival is the worship conducted with lit lamps (deepa aradhana), believed to grant salvation to the observers. The festival culminates with a traditional orchestra known as Panchavadya on its final day.