Shri Nageshwara Swamy Devasthana is located in the serene village of Navile, in Hassan district, Karnataka. The main deity of this temple is Lord Nageshwara Swamy, a powerful form of Lord Shiva, associated with serpents or “Nagas.”
The temple is believed to be several centuries old.
Lord Nageshwara Swamy deity is in the form of a Shiva Linga, which is considered self-manifested (Swayambhu) by many devotees. The temple is especially visited by those suffering from Naga dosha, or who wish to perform Sarpa Samskara or Naga Pratishtapana rituals.
Shri Nageshwara Swamy Temple holds a special place and has long been a place for Sarpa dosha nivarana (remedy for serpent-related afflictions). Many families with ancestral serpent worship traditions come here annually for special poojas. The local community believes that the Shiva Linga here is deeply connected with earth energy and serpent spirits, and that sincere worship here removes long-standing obstacles and brings prosperity.
The temple features a simple yet sacred traditional South Indian architectural style. It features a small Gopuram (entrance tower) and a stone-pillared hall that leads to the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) houses the Shiva Linga on a peetha (pedestal), surrounded by walls that are adorned with ancient Nagadevata stones (Naga Shilas). There are also separate shrines for Lord Ganesha, Nandi (the bull), and the Goddess Parvati, which enhance the spiritual energy of the space.
Long ago, a sage was cursed with Sarpa Dosha (serpent curse) after unknowingly disturbing a sacred serpent’s place. Troubled by obstacles and bad luck, he prayed to Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and guided him to a peaceful forested place called Navile, where snakes and peacocks lived in harmony.
The sage came to Navile and began deep meditation under a tree near a sacred anthill. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared as Nageshwara (Lord of Serpents) and freed him from the curse. The sage then installed a Shiva Linga and placed Naga idols around it to honor both Lord Shiva and the serpent gods.
Since then, the place has become sacred for people with Sarpa Dosha, family problems, infertility, or delayed marriages. Devotees believe worship here brings peace, relief from serpent curses, and blessings from Lord Nageshwara.
The temple celebrates several important festivals, with Mahashivaratri being the grandest, marked by special abhishekas, night-long bhajans, and deepa aradhana. Naga Panchami and Naga Chaturthi are also observed with rituals to the serpent deities, attracting devotees seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha. During the holy month of Karthika Masa, the temple is beautifully decorated with oil lamps, and devotees offer special prayers every Monday. Pradosha days, which occur twice a month, are considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva, and special poojas and archana are performed on those evenings.
