The Sacred Serpents: Unravelling India’s Ancient Snake Worship Traditions

For years, Oishimaya Sen Nag, a wildlife communicator from Kolkata, has journeyed deep into India's forests, exploring the complex relationships between humans and snakes. One of her most memorable stories comes from the Sundarbans—a region where snakebites are a constant threat due to the prevalence of both venomous and non-venomous species.She recalls a local man who shared a chilling encounter. As he entered the mangrove forest to retrieve his boat, a king cobra suddenly blocked his path. Towering with its hood raised—king cobras can lift a third of their body and grow up to six metres—the snake seemed ready to strike."The man believed he was going to die," Sen Nag says. "But he closed his eyes and began chanting the name of Manasa, the snake goddess that locals worship. When he opened them, the cobra was gone. Later, he discovered a tiger had attacked someone in the area he was heading to. He believed, 'That snake came to warn me about the tiger, to protect me.'"In homes like his, within the dense Sundarbans, snakes are more than just wildlife—they are spiritual beings woven into daily life and local traditions. For Sen Nag, the incident illustrated the deep reverence many Indian communities have for snakes.In Myths And BeliefsNāgas—mythical serpents—hold a powerful symbolic role in Indian culture. Though not supreme deities, they are venerated across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Hindu mythology, Vasuki, the serpent king, plays a central role in the Samudra Manthan, serving as the churning rope wrapped around Mount Mandara. Similarly, Shesha Nāga, the cosmic serpent, is depicted as Lord Vishnu's divine couch.In Buddhism, nāgas are protectors of the Buddha and the Dharma. A well-known tale recounts how Mucalinda, a nāga, shielded the Buddha from a storm during meditation. In folk traditions, nāgas are often believed to hold immediate, practical power—guarding crops, controlling rain, and offering fertility blessings.In many parts of India, snakes are seen as protectors, guardians of fields, and even embodiments of ancestral spirits. Some communities believe that harming a snake can bring bad luck or curses, leading to the avoidance of harming or killing them.According to a June 2025 study by Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), India reports an average of 58,000 snakebite deaths annually—nearly half of the global total.The Global Snakebite Taskforce, the strategic arm of the Strike Out Snakebite (SOS) campaign, published "Time to Bite Back: Catalyzing a Global Response to Snakebite Envenoming" at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and mobilise action to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by snakebite envenoming."In India, we worship animals in countless forms," says Sen Nag. "They're not just part of nature—they're part of our mythology and belief systems. For thousands of years, this spiritual relationship has encouraged a conservation culture through reverence. Snake worship is a powerful example—Shiva himself wears a snake in his hair."She points to the contrast between India's traditional reverence and Western attitudes. "In the US, rising snake populations often lead to mass culling events, where snakes are skinned and sold," she says. "In India, despite our high human and snake populations, there's a cultural resistance to such violence."Yet, the balance is shifting. Sen Nag warns that modern development and cultural Westernisation are eroding these long-standing beliefs. "Forests are being cleared, traditions are fading, and with them, the conservation ethos we inherited. We must integrate cultural perspectives into conservation, not rely solely on scientific frameworks that often overlook local worldviews."Forests Of WorshipIn many tribal and Adivasi communities across India, snakes are venerated through rituals conducted in sacred groves—areas of forest protected for religious reasons. These spaces have become sanctuaries for snakes and other species, preserved by tradition and ecological significance. Sacred groves symbolise the deep spiritual bond between communities and nature. This strong relationship has helped preserve biodiversity, as these groves serve as informal conservation zones.One notable example is the sarpakāvu (meaning "snake grove" in Malayalam) found in Kerala. These groves are typically small, dense pockets of biodiversity, often situated near ancestral homes or temples. They often contain stone idols of serpent deities, and rituals frequently include Noorum Palum, an offering of water, milk, rice powder, and turmeric poured over the idols.As modernisation threatens to erase these ancient traditions, perhaps it is time to remember that reverence—not fear—has guided India's coexistence with snakes for millennia. The snake shrines and sacred groves may be fading from public memory, but their stories still ripple through the roots of India's cultural and ecological heritage.Shrines Of The Serpent GodsKukke Subramanya Temple, KarnatakaThis famous temple honours Lord Subramanya, or Kartikeya, as the protector of serpents. According to legend, he sheltered the serpent king Vasuki from Garuda, the eagle deity. Today, thousands visit the temple seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha—a spiritual affliction linked to serpent deities.Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, KeralaTucked within a forest in Haripad, this temple is dedicated to Nagaraja (King of Serpents) and his consort, Sarpayakshini. Known for its fertility blessings, it draws couples seeking children and those who return in gratitude. Unique to the temple is the Mannarasala Amma, a female priest who leads the rituals.Hatibari, OdishaIn Hatibari, snake worship peaks during Nag Panchami, a festival dedicated to the serpent goddess Manasa. Rituals like Sarpabali involve offerings of milk, flowers, and sweets to snake idols, invoking blessings for protection and prosperity.FAQsQ1: What is the significance of serpent worship in India?Serpent worship, known as Nāga Puja, symbolises fertility, protection, and the balance between creation and destruction in Hindu belief.Q2: What is celebrated on Naga Panchami?Naga Panchami is a festival where devotees worship snakes, offering milk, flowers, and prayers to honour serpent deities.Q3: Which temples in India are dedicated to snake deities?Temples like the Mannarasala Temple in Kerala and the Naganathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu are among the most prominent serpent shrines.Q4: Are serpent beliefs unique to Hinduism?No—serpent symbolism also appears in Buddhism and Jainism, representing wisdom, rebirth, and spiritual awakening.Q5: Why are snakes considered sacred in Indian mythology?In mythology, snakes (Nāgas) are seen as guardians of treasures and cosmic balance, often linked to powerful deities like Shiva and Vishnu.Extract: Romulus Whitaker's Transformation Into India's Snake Man