Pampady Sree Paampumkavu
(Sree Nagaraja Temple)
Pampady Sree Paampumkavu is one of the most revered Naga temples in Kerala, where the tradition of snake worship dates back to ancient times. Notably, there is no man-made idol in this temple. The main deities, Nagaraja and Nagakanya, are worshipped in the form of serpent mounds (swayambhoo—self-manifested) located in a sacred area known as Sivakara.
Pilgrims and devotees visiting the holy bathing ghats of Ivor Madom or the sacred hills of Vilwadrinathan never leave without paying homage at this glorious shrine of Nagaraja.
Snake worship reflects the exalted status of serpents in Hindu mythology. Hinduism, as a way of life, emphasizes the worship of nature in all its forms and manifestations. In Kerala especially, snake worship is widely practiced. Special spaces known as Sarpakavus (sacred serpent groves) were established, preserved, and kept pure for this purpose. These groves are not only part of the region’s rich cultural heritage but also serve as strongholds for ecological conservation.
The mystical origins of snake worship in Kerala trace back to its very creation. According to legend, after reclaiming the land from the sea, Lord Parasurama wished to donate it to the Brahmins. However, they refused to settle there due to the abundance of venomous snakes. Seeking a solution, Parasurama consulted Lord Shiva, who advised him to propitiate Vasuki, the King of Serpents. Pleased by Parasurama’s devotion, Nagaraja appeared before him and instructed him to accept the Nagas as the guardians of the land and to honor them with worship. Parasurama agreed and decreed that Nagas be worshipped with reverence in every household. It is said that the delighted serpent danced in joy, giving the place its name: Pampady—the place where snakes danced.
Parasurama then entrusted the daily worship of Vasuki and his divine retinue to a Maharishi, a great sage who was meditating on the banks of the river Nila (Bharathappuzha) on the eastern side of Pampady village, in pursuit of Lord Shiva. Pleased with the rituals, Vasuki chose this site as his abode and began residing there with his retinue, acting as the guardian spirit of the region. The Maharishi continued to perform poojas (rituals) to both Lord Shiva and Nagaraja with unwavering devotion until he attained eternal rest during meditation.
After the Maharishi’s departure, Vasuki is believed to have granted a boon to a couple from the Nair clan—Kooliyil Narayanan Nair and his wife—who had devotedly worshipped Nagaraja in hopes of overcoming their poverty. Serpent mounds then emerged at the exact site where the sage had meditated and performed rituals. These very mounds, located in Sivakara, are now venerated in Pampady Paampumkavu as the sacred abode of Nagaraja, Nagakanya, and the spiritual presence of the great sage, Risheeswara.
Kooliyil Narayanan Nair (Swami) continued the rituals and worship of the serpent deities until he attained his celestial abode. After his passing, his wife carried on the legacy, dedicating her entire life to the service of Nagaraja. She was fondly known as “Muthassi” by the devotees, who sought her prayers and blessings. She passed away in 2015, leaving behind cherished memories.
Today, the temple and its traditions are lovingly maintained by their successor.