Aadimoolam Vetticode Sree Nagarajaswami Temple
The temple is located in Pallickal, Bharanikkavu, on six acres of land surrounded by lush greenery. The Sarppakkavu (serpent grove) located here has Nagaraja and Nagayakshi as principal deities and is a haven for snakes and several varieties of birds.
According to legend, Lord Parasurama, son of sage Muni Jamadhagni, consecrated this sanctum sanctorum. The state manual of Nagamayya, however, indicates that the only Naga Temple is in Vetticode near Kayamkulam, Alappuzha District, Kerala.
Lord Parasurama, after killing the Kshatriyas, seized their lands and gave them to Sage Kashyapa, who found the land unsuitable for living due to its abundant deposits of Lavana and Ore. Following a plea from the Brahmins, Lord Parasurama entered into deep meditation in the higher reaches of Gandhamadhana mountain, where the Serpent God Anantha appeared before him and granted him a boon. Parasurama requested Anantha to make the land fertile, and Anantha directed the Nagas (serpents) to suck out the unwanted elements from the land, thus making it fertile.
As a token of appreciation, Lord Parasurama heaped up a small portion of land using his axe and consecrated the idol of Lord Anantha on it. Lord Brahma noted the muhoortham (auspicious time), and Lord Siva received the muhoortha dakshina (token reward). The presence of the Trinity, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Siva, is thus an integral part of the Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple at Vetticode. The name Vetticode originated from the way Lord Parasurama heaped up the sand using his axe. It is believed to be the first Naga Prathishtta (consecration of the Snake God's idol) in this land, and the concept of Aadimoolam originates from it.
The Karanavar is the senior-most male member of Meppallil Illom. He should have completed the three Ashramas and live in the fourth, which is Sanyasam. The Karanavar must be qualified to teach and guide his disciples and be forthright in making the right decisions.
Devotees visit this temple to seek a cure for skin ailments and other diseases.
Location
Pallickal
Main Deity
Sree Nagaraja
Other Deities
Lord Anantha, Nagayakshi – Purusha and Prakrithi, Agama Sarppangal.
Festivals
Balabhadra Jayanthi or Akshayatriteeya, Sivarathri, Aayilliya Mahotsavam, Pooyam Thozhal festival.
Main Offerings
Sarpabali, Ashta Naga Pooja, Noorum Palum, Noorum Palum, Rahur Dosha Shanthi, Dhara, Uruli Kamizhthu, Aadiya Enna, Pulluvan Pattu, Puttum Muttayum.
How To Reach
By Air - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest Airport which is 100.6 km away
By Rail - Kayamkulam Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is 9.4 km away
By Road - Vetticode is well connected with other major cities, also many direct buses, cabs and other private vehicles ply directly to the temple.