Nagaraja, also known as Anantha, is considered the king of serpents in Hinduism and is often depicted as a serpent with multiple heads, symbolizing eternity .
Serpent worship is an ancient tradition in Hinduism, and temples dedicated to Nagaraja are found in different parts of India, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural and religious significance of snakes in Hindu mythology.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Nagaroottu
Nagaroottu, a significant ritual in many Kerala temples, involves the offering of live snakes to the deity, usually Nagaraja or the serpent god, as a form of worship. This ancient practice is rooted in local folklore and beliefs surrounding the protective and auspicious qualities of snakes in Hindu mythology. Devotees believe that by participating in Nagaroottu, they can seek the blessings and protection of the serpent deity for their well-being and prosperity.
Samooha Pongala
During Samooha Pongala, thousands of women gather in and around the Anantha Nagaraja Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to prepare and offer Pongala to the goddess. The entire area surrounding the temple transforms into a sea of devotees, with women sitting in rows on the streets, courtyards, and open spaces, each with their hearths or stoves.
Contact Address: Sree Anantha Nagaraja Temple, Pappanamcode, Trivandrum, Kerala
