There are different festivals related to the worship of snakes. Every year these festivals are celebrated and are more common among Hindus of India. There are days such as Naga Panchami, Naga Chathurthi, and Nagula Chavithi, majorly known.
In different states of India, these events are celebrated differently. The Gods of snakes are worshipped on these days, such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha. There are various legends related to the Snake Puja, and people believe that worshipping snakes brings peace to their family and helps them cope with Rahu’s malefic effects.
Some people buy the idols of snakes and their deities. They place them under the banyan trees and worship them. Devotees also visit temples of Vishnu, Shiva, and Ganesha to invoke the Gods. Women observe fast on these days and pray to the deities about the long age of their children.
The Naga Devata Temple, Trimulgherry
One such tradition related to snakes is celebrated in the Naga Devata Temple, Trimulgherry. It is located in Secunderabad Cantonment, about 2 km away from Trimulgherry. The temple speaks the architecture of any typical South Indian temple, and the lush greenery around it makes the temple even more serene and beautiful to have a gaze at.
The temple’s establishment can be dated back to the British empire when they used to rule the Cantonment. In the beginning, it looked like a modest structure, which was then transformed into a more significant in the 60s by Sree Jayalakshmi Amma Garu. Amma was a resident of that place who once had a dream about Goddess Naga Devi.
With the help of her relatives and friends, she started the construction of Goddess’s shrine to fulfill the wish of Naga Devata and Devi. The officials also agreed to further construction of the temple since it was a matter of belief. Later, in 1967 people there celebrated Naga Panchami for the very first time. The first phase of the temple was built completely in 1970.
The Temple in Present Times
The temple now serves as a hub of devotion that attracts thousands of devotees in Secunderabad Cantonment, especially on Naga Panchami and such happenings. It is also a famous landmark of the city; the temple has experienced several progressions in terms of constructions since it was first built.
Several smaller temples are situated around the temple surrounding the Nagamma Temple. The ancient stones are taken from the Ujjain Mahankali Temple with the carvings of Hindu deities; recently, a marriage hall has been incorporated.
There is a tower-like structure known as Vihmana. It consists of detailed embellishments depicting the mythology related to Naag Devata.
People here install idols of snakes on every occasion related to snakes. They do so to have their wish fulfilled, such as for a reliable life partner and to get rid of any ailments. Hence one who visits the temple notices these idols all around the temple. People in South India also visit this temple to get the Puja performed for Kaal Sarp Dosh, a Dosh in their horoscope.
Other than worshipping the snakes andtheir deities, other religious festivals take place here too. Some of these are Kumkum Abhishekam, Telugu New Year, Tamil New Year, and Karthika Pournami. These celebrations happen on a grand level here in this temple, where devotees from all around South India visit to seek the blessings of the deities.
How to Reach Nagamma Temple?
The temple’s complete address is:
Nagamma Temple at Lalbazar St, Sastri Nagar, Ward No 7 Secunderabad, Lal Bazaar, Trimulgherry, Secunderabad.
Those who wish to visit can take a cab either from the railway station or bus stand. There are local buses and vehicles too that are more economical.
The best time to visit the temple is full moon days or the days when the festivals take place to witness the temple in its full glory.
It is advised that you wear ethnic wear and avoid clothes like shorts, skirts, or anything revealing. It can be visited at 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.