Puthukkulathumana Nagaraja Temple

Puthukkulathumana Nagaraja Temple (celebrated as the sacred Puthukkulathumana Sree Nagaraja Nagayakshi Temple and ancient Sarpa Kavu), situated amidst dense sacred groves in Karikode just 2.5 km north of Thodupuzha town in Kerala, is one of Central Kerala's most revered, mystically powerful, and ancient serpent worship sanctuaries.

Maintained for centuries by the venerated Vedic Namboothiri illam of Puthukkulathumana under strict Tantric traditions, this legendary serpent grove is dedicated to Lord Nagaraja (King of Serpents, Anantha/Vasuki) and his divine consort Nagayakshi, alongside consecrated shrines for Sree Krishna, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and the guardian serpent spirits (Nagas).

It's the home of an expansive, centuries old natural Sarpa Kavu (sacred grove) filled with towering medicinal trees, climbing lianas, and ancient stone serpent idols (Nagakallu), the powerful daily Noorum Palum (sacred offering of turmeric, milk, and rice flour) ritual to neutralize Sarpa Dosha (serpent curses) and Rahu Ketu astrological afflictions, holy prayers for childless couples seeking progeny (Santhana Bhagyam), and the grand annual Ayilyam festival celebrated with Pulluvan Pattu serpentine songs and elaborate kalam ezhuthu floral powders.

It represents a rich spiritual and ecological sanctuary where ancient Tantric serpent theology, sacred grove biodiversity conservation, traditional Pulluva folk music, and peaceful forest nature unite in Idukki district.

Located in Karikode near the historic Karikode Bhagavathy Temple along the Thodupuzha Vannappuram Road, it sits just 2.5 km from Thodupuzha KSRTC Bus Station, 55 km from Ernakulam Junction (ERS), and 54 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by auto rickshaw, town bus, or private vehicle.

The Puthukkulathumana Mana Heritage & Tantric Serpents

According to Kerala puranic lore, Lord Parasurama assigned specific Namboothiri lineages with the spiritual custodianship of serpent groves to live in ecological harmony with nature.

The head priest of Puthukkulathumana performs ancient hereditary Tantric rituals and milk consecrations, ensuring the divine sanctity of the sacred serpents dwelling within the untouched forest canopy.

Truth is, walking barefoot through the shaded mud pathways of the Sarpa Kavu surrounded by mossy stone idols and whispering bamboo brings an intense sense of mystical stillness.

Noorum Palum Offerings & Sarpa Dosha Nivaranam

The Noorum Palum Ritual: Devotees from across Kerala perform the sacred Noorum Palum pooja (pouring a sanctified mixture of milk, turmeric powder, and tender coconut water over the serpent idols) to overcome skin diseases, infertility, and delay in marriage.

Pulluvan Pattu Hymns: Traditional Pulluva bards accompany rituals playing the Pulluvakudam (pot drum) and Veena, singing melodious archaic hymns to invoke the grace of the serpent gods.

The Grand Ayilyam Festival & Kalam Ezhuthu Pattu

Monthly Ayilyam Stars: Every month on the auspicious Ayilyam asterism (particularly during Kanni and Thulam months in autumn), thousands gather for grand Sarpa Bali and Sarpam Thullal rites.

Intricate Snake Kalams: Master artists create gigantic geometric multi colored snake drawings on the temple floor using natural herbal powders (rice, turmeric, charcoal, and green leaves) before the midnight trance dance.

After offering prayers at Puthukkulathumana Nagaraja Temple, visit the nearby 1,000 year-old Karikode Bhagavathy Temple, tour the rock cut cave temple, or enjoy family boating at Malankara Dam.