Aadimoolam Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Aadimoolam Vetticode Nagaraja Temple  is located near Charumoodu in Alleppey district (enroute from Kayamkulam to Adoor side). It is one of the famous Naga/Snake temple in Kerala, especially among Eastern Highlanders of South and Central Travancore.

The presiding deities are Lord Vasuki- Nagaraja (the Snake King) and Goddess - Nagayakshi (the Snake Queen-Manasa)

As per our belief, Kerala was created by Parasurama by throwing his axe into sea and pushing a land out from it. As the land was fully covered by Salt mountains and salt water, he decided to pray to Lord Vasuki for assistance. Its believed, Vasuki and Manasa appeared before him in their divine form in this place. Parasurama asked for their advice to resolve this problem.

Vasuki advised Parasurama to break a portion of the soil around him with his axe, so as the Snake army can creep upwards from the underground. Accordingly, he broke a portion of land using his axe (Vettukku- to cut open) and created a hole on earth from which the entire snake army crawled out into the surface. Vasuki and his army spat holy poison all around this salt mountains and water, to make it into fertile green land and sucked the entire salt content. And once it was made fertile, Parasurama and Gods requested Vasuki and his snake army to stay forever in this new land as protectors.

As a token of gratitude, the spot where Vasuki manifested his divine form first to Parasurama, he consecrated a temple for him, which became the Vetticode Nagaraja temple.

Due to this reason, this happened to be the first Naga temple in Kerala and the original Nagapratistha. And hence this deity is also known as Aadimoolam Nagaraja meaning The First Place of Naga King

However, Nagaraja (Vasuki) had to reborn again and he took his rebirth as a snake son of a Brahmin family in Mannarashala (in Alleppey itself) and eventually promised to stay in that house forever. Due to this reason, Mannarashala temple became the most celebrated Nagaraja temple as the lord resides there forever as his home (in his earthly Avatar form).

Due to this reason, Vetticode became more popular for Nagayakshi (Naga Queen), rather the Nagaraja though he is too worshipped here.

The key diety is Vasuki but in the form of Lord Anantha (Sheshanag). This is because the pooja system worships the deity in its Vishnu concept (in Tantric worship, Nagas are assigned either as Shiva or Sankaranarayan generally, but in this temple, the deity is worshipped in Vishnu concept)

The pooja concept is same as any Naga temple and all rituals and customs is same as Manarashala Naga temple.

The major uniqueness of this temple is that it was here, Vasuki manifested his divine Supreme form (Vishwaroopam) in front of Parasurama. It comprises of the Supreme Eight Nagas, hence only in this temple, one can find shrines for the 8 supreme snakes- Anantha (Sheshnag), Gulika (the snake on Shiva’s head), Vasuki (The Snake King), Shankapala, Thakshaka, Mahapadma, Padma and Karkodaka

So the temple is quite famous for its Astanaga traditions and the biggest pooja happens to be Ashtanaga Pooja. Perhaps the temple is much unique for the Prathistha (consecration) of 8 Nagas along with Shiva in a separate shrine, not much seen elsewhere.

Nagas are revered in Kerala primarily for preserving Fertility, eyesight and protecting from skin diseases.

So the key offering is Noorum Palum (Noor- a mix of coconut water, turmeric and arecanut flowers; Palu- Milk) which happens to be the favourite food offering for any serpents in any Kerala temples. Noorum Palum is the main offering in this...

As per the legend Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple at Vetticode was consecrated by Lord Parasurama. The temple located near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district of Kerala is visited by hundreds of devotees on a daily basis.

Located on a six-acre land in the midst of a lush green environment, the Sarppakkavu (serpent grove) here has Nagaraja and Nagayakshi as the principal deities. It is a haven not only for the snakes, but also for several varieties of birds.

The temple complex is located in the midst of high grown groves, thick bushes and shrubs of high medicinal value, on a six-acre land. It is nothing but the Sarpakavu (the serpent grove) as it is locally known as. Here, gentle breeze, embracing the shrubs and blossoms carry a fragrance that is beyond words. Hence, one can listen to the chanting of Vedas, Sookthas and Manthras by the departed spiritual souls. Here, we can hear the sound of footsteps and silent movements of ones who consecrated this temple and his associates; like the sages.

In the serene atmosphere of this serpent grove the air is filled with the rhythmic chanting of manthras and sookthas. The fragrance of the flowers offered to the deities, the sandal sticks of camphor and ashtagandha adds to a sublime spiritual experience at this serpent grove. The continuous glow of the kedavilakku, the radiance of the nilavilakku and thookkuvilakku, the rhythmic playing and sounding of various musical instruments followed by the magical spell of the nadaswara and panchajanya which sounds Ohm along with the manthras and sookthas from the throats of tens and thousands of devotees who assemble here every day and night. creates an atmosphere of unity, irrespective of caste and creed, rich and poor, young and old. Undoubtedly, it is an abode of heaven and a heaven on Earth.

Aayilliya Mahotsavam

The Mayilya Mahotsavam at Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple at Vetticode falls on the day in the Malayalam month of Kanni every year. The celebrations would start gevon days prior to the Aayilyam day. In these days, vanous special poojes, homas and kalasa pocias ate performed so as to increase the deity's power and the power to shower blessings on worshippers

To please the deity high sounding instruments are played by a group of experts. The

nadabranna that nows through the pipes of Nadaswara experts, the Kombu and

Kuzhal (wind instruments) that are played to the accompaniment of percussion

instrumenta viz. Maddallam and Chonda and the magical notes of the Edakka and the Thakil would transform the devotees to a different level of devotional experience Soon after this the Ezhunnallathu (ceremonial procession) would begin. It starts from the temple and proceeds to the Meppaillam at about 3 pm. and after the podjąs ther, return to the temple

By duck, the famous Sarpabai begins and concludes by around 9.30 pm. The temple will remain closed up to Brahma Muhoorthia and after that the Shuda Kriyas (purification ntunis) will begin. This is followed by the abhisheka with tender coconut water from thousands of coconuts and pure milk. The festival will conclude with the daily poojas and...

Aadimoolam Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple is an ancient and highly revered temple located in Vetticode, Kerala, dedicated to Nagaraja (Lord of the Serpents). This temple holds a significant place in the snake worship tradition, which is a major aspect of Kerala's spiritual heritage. The temple is believed to be the Aadimoolam (original source) of serpent worship in the region, making it an important pilgrimage destination for those who seek blessings for family welfare, fertility, and protection from snake-related fears or curses.

Historical and Cultural Significance: The Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple is considered one of the oldest serpent temples in Kerala, established by the great sage Parashurama, who is believed to have installed the idols of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi (consort of Nagaraja). The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, with a serene and mystical atmosphere, reflecting its deep connection to nature and the divine forces that protect it. The temple architecture follows the traditional Kerala style, with a sarpakavu (sacred grove) that is an integral part of the temple complex, serving as a haven for serpent deities.

Rituals and Offerings: Sarpa Pooja and Noorum Palum are among the main rituals performed at the temple to appease the serpent gods. These rituals are believed to remove sarpa dosha (afflictions related to snake curses) and ensure prosperity, protection, and fertility. Devotees also offer turmeric, milk, and flowers to the deities as a gesture of respect and devotion. The temple attracts people from different parts of Kerala and beyond, particularly those who believe in the power of serpent worship for alleviating various astrological doshas.

Festivals: The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, with Ayilyam Mahotsavam being the most prominent. This festival, held during the Malayalam month of Thulam or Kanni, is marked by grand rituals and ceremonies to honor the serpent deities. It is a vibrant event that draws numerous devotees who seek blessings, protection, and relief from snake-related fears.

Experience: Visiting Aadimoolam Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple is a spiritually enriching experience. The calm surroundings, the age-old traditions, and the presence of the sarpakavu create an atmosphere of reverence and peace. The temple serves as a reminder of Kerala's rich cultural traditions related to nature worship and the importance of maintaining harmony with all forms of life.

This temple is a must-visit for those interested in exploring Kerala's unique spiritual heritage and seeking the blessings of the serpent gods for overall well-being and...