Nagaradhane

Nagaradhane (Malayalam:പാമ്പ് ആരാധന) is a form of snake worship which, along with Bhuta Kola, is one of the unique traditions prevalent in Kerala and in coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod alternatively known as Tulu Nadu. Snakes are not seen as deities, but as an animal species which should be respected, appeased and protected for multiple social, religious and ecological regions.

Snakes have been associated with power, awe and respect in India. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu takes rest under the shade of the giant snake, Adisesha. Lord Shiva wears a snake Vasuki around his neck.

It is difficult to trace the origin of Nagaradhane, though the Nairs of Kerala and Bunts of Tulu Nadu claim to be kshatriyas of Nagavanshi descent, thus maybe snake worship was popularised by them. Though most rituals of snake worship are done by Brahmins such as Konkani Saraswat Brahmins, Tulu Brahmins, there is not a single Bunt house that does not have a nagabana. Snakes are offered sweets and milk to appease them.

The snake worship rituals practiced in Tulu Nadu are quite unique and different from the other rituals. Snakes have their own snake shrines in a sacred grove known as Nagabana. The shrines have images of cobras carved of stones. Accordingly, nobody is allowed to chop the tree near the Nagabana. It is also believed that snakes, specifically the cobras, are not to be harmed or killed by anyone. If harmed, the individual has to perform a ritual to cleanse the sin of killing or harming the snake. The belief is that the individual who refuses to perform the ritual will be cursed by the snake for eternity.

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Wikipedia