Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil

Nagaraja Temple is a Hindu temple worshipping Nagaraja (King of Serpents- Vasuki) situated at the heart of Nagercoil town.The temple also has a number of Jain tirthankara images that are carved on its various pillars.[1] The town Nagercoil originated from this temple. The temple has innumerable statues of serpents.[2]

Nagaraja Temple, from which the town derives its name.

The temple main deity Nagaraja. The upadevathas are Shiva, Subrahmanya Swami, Ganesha, Devi and Dwarapalaka. As ancient tradition the priests are Namboothiri Brahmins who are referred by Pambumekkat mana in Thrissur, Kerala.[3]

Shesha Narayana
painting by Raja Ravi Varma

Ashta Naga

The eight revered nagas are referred as ashta nagas they are Shesha, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka,[4] Shankhapala,[5] Gulika, Padma and Mahapadma.[6][7] It is said about the colors of nagas that Vasuki is pearl white, Takshaka is red, Karkodaka is black with 3 white stripes in his hood, Padma is pink as lotus with white streak and coral ornaments, Mahapadma is white with trident mark in head, Shankhapala is yellow with white streak in hood, Gulika is red with crescent mark in hood.[7]

Jain Tirthankara Images

Devotees believe that it was earlier a Jain temple because of the carvings of Jain Tirthankaras, Mahavira and Parshvanatha on the pillars of the temple.[1][8][9]

Jain Tirthankaras, Mahavira
Parshvanatha Image


See also

References
  1. "Nagercoil Sri Nagaraja Temple". ePuja. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  2. http://spiritualchord.blogspot.in/2011/09/nagaraja-temple-nagercoil-great-place.html
  3. http://pambummekkattu.com/history.html
  4. Rajendran, Abhilash (2 September 2015). "Karkotaka – The Story of Naga Karkotak". Hindu Blog. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  5. http://ignca.nic.in/jatak054.htm
  6. M. A. Stein (1 January 1989). Kalhana's Rajatarangini: a chronicle of the kings of Kasmir. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 424–. ISBN 978-81-208-0370-1.
  7. "The legend of Annu-Nagi, Mythology and History of Naga People and Queen Gaidinliu of Naga". Academia. 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  8. "Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple | Timings, Rituals & Poojas | Ultimate Guide". Myoksha Travels. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  9. "ANCIENT JAIN MONUMENTS IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT | rjisacjournal.com". Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  • The New Indian Express, Madurai edition, 28 August 2006.
  • Sura's, Tourist guide to South India, 2004, ISBN 81-7478-175-7.
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