Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil


Nagaraja Temple is a Hindu temple worshipping Nagaraja situated at the heart of Nagercoil town.The temple also has a number of Jain tirthankara images that are carved on its various pillars. The town Nagercoil originated from this temple. The temple has innumerable statues of serpents.
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.

Ashta Naga

The eight revered nagas are referred as ashta nagas they are Shesha, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka, Shankhapala, Gulika, Padma and Mahapadma.
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.

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.
Image