Poojappura Nagarukavu is an ancient serpent temple located at Chadiyara, Poojappura, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Over 250 years old, Poojappura Nagarukavu is a major center for serpent worship in Kerala and is visited by thousands of devotees, particularly those seeking relief from Naga Dosha and family-related blessings. The temple’s serene natural setting, combined with deep devotional traditions unique to Kerala’s kavu culture, makes it a spiritually powerful place for seekers of all ages.
The main deity of the temple is Sree Nagaraja (Vasuki) — the King of Serpents. Along with him, the temple also has shrines for Nagaramma (Serpent Mother Goddess) and Nagakanya (Serpent Maiden). There are also idols of Lord Ganapathy and the Navagrahas.
Devotees believe that the serpent deities bless them with children, family happiness, protection, prosperity, and relief from Naga Dosha.
Poojappura Nagarukavu follows the traditional Kerala temple style of architecture that is typical of kavu (grove) temples. The temple is surrounded by greenery and maintains a serene, peaceful environment, reflecting its origins as a natural forest shrine. The sanctum is relatively simple but beautifully maintained, with separate spaces for the principal serpent deities, Ganapathy, and the Navagrahas. The temple layout reflects a natural and spiritual harmony, with devotees often observing ritualistic practices in the open spaces around the sanctum.
According to temple tradition and local beliefs, this sacred spot was once a dense forest with natural serpent shrines. People of the area would worship the serpent spirits directly under the trees. Over time, as devotion increased, the place became known for miraculous experiences and divine manifestations.
One popular legend relates that a devotee brought a plantain fruit to offer at the shrine for the blessing of children, but the family returned home without offering it. The next day, they found the same fruit at their doorstep with a snake-bite-like mark on it — a sign believed to be from the serpent deity himself. Such experiences strengthened the faith of locals in the temple’s divine power.
In traditional belief, Sree Vasuki here is seen as a personification of divine energy, often associated with the protective power of Lord Shiva in serpent form. Hence, many devotees also connect their worship here with seeking Shiva’s grace.
The most important celebration at the temple is the Aayilya Mahotsavam (Ayilyam Festival), held every year in the Malayalam month of Kanni (September–October) on the Ayilyam star day. During this festival, thousands of devotees gather for special serpent worship rituals such as Sarpabali, Kalamezhuthu Pattu, and Noorum Paalum offerings. Apart from this, every month on the Ayilyam star day, devotees perform special poojas seeking relief from Naga Dosha, blessings for children, good health, prosperity, and family harmony.
