Nagaradhane - Revision history

BonnieKoontz: minor refined formatting further and corrected details

2025-11-10T22:49:00Z

minor refined formatting further and corrected details

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:19, 11 November 2025
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	[[File:MundkurNagaMandala.JPG\|thumb\|right\|A Mandala drawn during nagamandala]]		[[File:MundkurNagaMandala.JPG\|thumb\|right\|A Mandala drawn during nagamandala]]

	'''Nagaradhane''' is a form of ~~cobra~~ worship which, along with [[Bhuta Kola]], is one of the unique traditions prevalent in coastal districts of [[Dakshina Kannada]], [[Udupi]] and [[Kasaragod district\|Kasaragod]] ~~alternatively~~ known as [[Tulu Nadu]], practiced by [[Tuluva]] community members. Cobras are not just seen as deities, but as an animal species which should be respected, appeased and protected for multiple social, religious and ecological reasons.		'''Nagaradhane''' is a form of [[Snake worship\|serpent worship ]] which, along with [[Bhuta Kola]], is one of the unique traditions prevalent in coastal districts of [[Dakshina Kannada]], [[Udupi]] and [[Kasaragod district\|Kasaragod]] collectively known as [[Tulu Nadu]], practiced by [[Tuluva]] community members. Cobras are not just seen as deities, but as an animal species which should be respected, appeased and protected for multiple social, religious and ecological reasons.

	== Origin of Nagaradhane ==		== Origin of Nagaradhane ==
	Cobras have been associated with power, awe and respect in India. According to Hindu culture, Lord Vishnu takes rest under the shade of the giant snake, [[~~Adisesha~~]]. Lord Shiva wears a cobra [[Vasuki ~~(snake)\|vasuki~~]] around his neck.		Cobras have been associated with power, awe and respect in India. According to Hindu culture, Lord [[Vishnu]] takes rest under the shade of the giant snake, [[Adishesha]]. Lord [[Shiva]] wears a cobra [[Vasuki]] around his neck.

	It is difficult to trace the origin of Nagaradhane, though some clans among [[Tulu people]] of [[Nāga\|Nagavanshi]] descent, thus maybe snake worship was popularised by them. Though most rituals of snake worship are done by Brahmins, there is not a single [[Tuluva]] family that does not have Nagabana, Where [[Nāga\|Nagadevatha]] is ~~worshiped~~ according to [[Aliyasantana]] Lineage among ~~Tuluva's~~. Nagamandala, Ashlesha Bali, Dakke Bali are different types of pooja done for snakes to appease them.		It is difficult to trace the origin of Nagaradhane, though some clans among [[Tulu people]] of [[Nāga\|Nagavanshi]] descent, thus maybe snake worship was popularised by them. Though most rituals of snake worship are done by Brahmins, there is not a single [[Tuluva]] family that does not have Nagabana, Where [[Nāga\|Nagadevatha]] is worshipped according to [[Aliyasantana]] Lineage among Tuluvas. Nagamandala, Ashlesha Bali, Dakke Bali are different types of pooja done for snakes to appease them.
	All Tuluvas families: Mogaveera, Billava, ~~Bunts, Maliyali~~ Billava, Tuluva Brahmins, Sapaliga/Sapalya, Madivala, Devadiga, Ganiga, Aachari, Parava / Nalkedaye, Koraga-Harijan, Tulu and Arebhashe Gowdas do worship Naga from ancient times in their respective Nagabana and Moolastanas.		All Tuluvas families: [[Bunt (community)\|Bunts]], Kulala, Moolya, Mogaveera, Billava, Malayali Billava, Tuluva Brahmins, Sapaliga/Sapalya, Madivala, Devadiga, Ganiga, Aachari, Parava / Nalkedaye, Koraga-Harijan, Tulu and Arebhashe Gowdas do worship Naga from ancient times in their respective Nagabana and Moolastanas.

	The Cobra worship rituals ~~practiced~~ in Tulu Nadu are quite unique and different from the other rituals. Cobras have their own snake shrines in a sacred grove known as Nagabana. The shrines have images of cobras carved of stones. Accordingly, nobody is allowed to chop the tree near the Nagabana. It is also believed that snakes, specifically the cobras, are not to be harmed or killed by anyone. If harmed, the individual has to perform a ritual to cleanse the sin of killing or harming the snake. The belief is that the individual who refuses to perform the ritual will be cursed by the Cobra for eternity.		The Cobra worship rituals practised in Tulu Nadu are quite unique and different from the other rituals. Cobras have their own snake shrines in a sacred grove known as Nagabana. The shrines have images of cobras carved on stones. Accordingly, nobody is allowed to chop the tree near the Nagabana. It is also believed that snakes, specifically the cobras, are not to be harmed or killed by anyone. If harmed, the individual has to perform a ritual to cleanse the sin of killing or harming the snake. The belief is that the individual who refuses to perform the ritual will be cursed by the Cobra for eternity.

	Concept of Moolastana among communities have been majorly focussed on worshipping Naga related to their [[Aliyasantana]] Lineage based families. These Moolastanas are located consecutively on the sea front and also they had the tradition of organizing themselves into Grama Sabhas etc. on the basis of Bali/Bari which is Tuluva community equivalent of Gotra System. There are Bari in this community, each bari has a dedicated Moolastanas and few Bari has multiple Moolastanas across the Tulunadu. Each Moolastanas ~~having~~ annual celebrations and also Poojas during the Nagarapanchami when each house belongs to that particular Bali has to perform Pooja and Prayer of their Moola (origin) [[Nāga\|Nagadevatha]] which their ancestors were related to.		Concept of Moolastana among communities have been majorly focussed on worshipping Naga related to their [[Aliyasantana]] Lineage based families. These Moolastanas are located consecutively on the sea front and also they had the tradition of organizing themselves into Grama Sabhas etc. on the basis of Bali/Bari which is Tuluva community equivalent of Gotra System. There are Bari in this community, each bari has a dedicated Moolastanas and few Bari has multiple Moolastanas across the Tulunadu. Each Moolastanas has annual celebrations and also Poojas during the Nagarapanchami when each house belongs to that particular Bali has to perform Pooja and Prayer of their Moola (origin) [[Nāga\|Nagadevatha]] which their ancestors were related to.

	It can also be noted that in Tulu Nadu or the South Canara region in Karnataka, agriculture is predominant that ~~too~~ paddy is the main crop. In these fields snakes help in saving the crop from rodents. This can be a plausible reason for worship of snakes.		It can also be noted that in Tulu Nadu or the South Canara region in Karnataka, agriculture is predominant that to paddy is the main crop. In these fields snakes help in saving the crop from rodents. This can be a plausible reason for the worship of snakes.

	== The ritual ==		== The ritual ==
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	There are two distinct rituals performed in reverence to the snake; Aashleshabali and Nagamandala. Of these, Nagamandala is the longer and more colourful of the two.		There are two distinct rituals performed in reverence to the snake; Aashleshabali and Nagamandala. Of these, Nagamandala is the longer and more colourful of the two.
	Nagamandala depicts the divine union of male and female snakes. It is generally performed by two priests. The first priest, called patri, inhales the [[areca]] flower and becomes the male snake. The second priest, called Nagakannika or the female snake dances and swings around an elaborate serpent design drawn with natural colours on the sacred ground.		Nagamandala depicts the divine union of male and female snakes. It is generally performed by two priests. The first priest, called patri, inhales the [[areca]] flower and becomes the male snake. The second priest, called Nagakannika or the female snake dances and swings around an elaborate serpent design drawn with natural colours on the sacred ground.
	The ritual is supplemented by playing an hour glass shaped instrument called as Dakke. The drawings in five different colours on the sacred ground are white (white mud), red (mix of lime powder and turmeric powder), green (green leaves powder), yellow (turmeric powder) and black (roasted and powdered paddy husk).		The ritual is supplemented by playing an hour glass shaped instrument called as Dakke. The drawings in five different colours on the sacred ground are white (white mud), red (mix of lime powder and turmeric powder), green (green leaves powder), yellow (turmeric powder) and black (roasted and powdered paddy husk).

	Aashleshabali is the ritual performed on the day of Ashlesha Nakshatra (One of the 27 star as per vedic astrology). This is a unique ritual offering food to Sarpa devatas (Serpent Deities) and one of the Vedic solutions. It is a combination of Puja, Homa and Bali (food offering). Sarpa Devatas are invoked, worshipped and Bali is offered to each one of them. Sarpa Sooktha Japam is done. This is one of the ritual to appease the sarpa devatas and getting their blessings.		Aashleshabali is the ritual performed on the day of Ashlesha Nakshatra (One of the 27 star as per vedic astrology). This is a unique ritual offering food to Sarpa devatas (Serpent Deities) and one of the Vedic solutions. It is a combination of Puja, Homa and Bali (food offering). Sarpa Devatas are invoked, worshipped and Bali is offered to each one of them. Sarpa Sooktha Japam is done. This is one of the ritual to appease the sarpa devatas and getting their blessings.

	The ritual, centered on the serpent design, continues ~~till~~ early in the morning. A similar ritual is found in Kerala and is known as [[Sarpam Thullal]] and Sarpam Kali. All communities of [[Tulu Nadu]] revere snakes.{{citation needed\|date=December 2014}}		The ritual, centered on the serpent design, continues until early in the morning. A similar ritual is found in Kerala and is known as [[Sarpam Thullal]] and Sarpam Kali. All communities of [[Tulu Nadu]] revere snakes.{{citation needed\|date=December 2014}}

	== Significance of Nagabanas ==		== Significance of Nagabanas ==
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	== See also ==		== See also ==
	* [[~~Nair~~]]		* [[Billava]]
	* [[Naga]]		* [[Nāga\|Naga]]
	* [[Yakshagana]]		* [[Yakshagana]]
	* [[Theyyam]]		* [[Theyyam]]

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{~~citationstyle~~\|date=July 2018}}		{{citation style\|date=July 2018}}
	* http://www.udupipages.com/art-culture/nagamandala.php		* {{usurped\|1=[https://archive.today/20130205152120/http://www.udupipages.com/art-culture/nagamandala.php Article title]}}
	* http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/snake_worship.htm		* http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/snake_worship.htm

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	[[Category:Hindu snake worship]]		[[Category:Hindu snake worship]]
	[[Category:Tuluva]]		[[Category:Tuluva]]
	~~[[Category:Culture of Karnataka]]~~
	[[Category:Culture of Tulu Nadu]]		[[Category:Culture of Tulu Nadu]]

2405:201:D005:F089:1C27:9FAE:D670:636: /* Origin of Nagaradhane */

2021-08-27T09:58:45Z

Origin of Nagaradhane

New page

{{short description|Form of cobra worship in Karnataka and Kerala, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{no footnotes|date=August 2012}}
[[File:Nagapatri.JPG|thumb|right|Nagapatri at belle brahmastana]]
[[File:Nagabana.jpg|thumb|right|Nagabana at Belle Badagumane, [[Moodubelle]], Udupi]]
[[File:nagamandala.jpg|thumb|right|Union of nagabrahma and nagakannike at a mandala held in Belle Brahmastana, Udupi]]
[[File:MundkurNagaMandala.JPG|thumb|right|A Mandala drawn during nagamandala]]

'''Nagaradhane''' is a form of cobra worship which, along with [[Bhuta Kola]], is one of the unique traditions prevalent in coastal districts of [[Dakshina Kannada]], [[Udupi]] and [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]] alternatively known as [[Tulu Nadu]], practiced by [[Tuluva]] community members. Cobras are not just seen as deities, but as an animal species which should be respected, appeased and protected for multiple social, religious and ecological reasons.

== Origin of Nagaradhane ==
Cobras have been associated with power, awe and respect in India. According to Hindu culture, Lord Vishnu takes rest under the shade of the giant snake, [[Adisesha]]. Lord Shiva wears a cobra [[Vasuki (snake)|vasuki]] around his neck.

It is difficult to trace the origin of Nagaradhane, though some clans among [[Tulu people]] of [[Nāga|Nagavanshi]] descent, thus maybe snake worship was popularised by them. Though most rituals of snake worship are done by Brahmins, there is not a single [[Tuluva]] family that does not have Nagabana, Where [[Nāga|Nagadevatha]] is worshiped according to [[Aliyasantana]] Lineage among Tuluva's. Nagamandala, Ashlesha Bali, Dakke Bali are different types of pooja done for snakes to appease them.
All Tuluvas families: Mogaveera, Billava, Bunts, Maliyali Billava, Tuluva Brahmins, Sapaliga/Sapalya, Madivala, Devadiga, Ganiga, Aachari, Parava / Nalkedaye, Koraga-Harijan, Tulu and Arebhashe Gowdas do worship Naga from ancient times in their respective Nagabana and Moolastanas.

The Cobra worship rituals practiced in Tulu Nadu are quite unique and different from the other rituals. Cobras have their own snake shrines in a sacred grove known as Nagabana. The shrines have images of cobras carved of stones. Accordingly, nobody is allowed to chop the tree near the Nagabana. It is also believed that snakes, specifically the cobras, are not to be harmed or killed by anyone. If harmed, the individual has to perform a ritual to cleanse the sin of killing or harming the snake. The belief is that the individual who refuses to perform the ritual will be cursed by the Cobra for eternity.

Concept of Moolastana among communities have been majorly focussed on worshipping Naga related to their [[Aliyasantana]] Lineage based families. These Moolastanas are located consecutively on the sea front and also they had the tradition of organizing themselves into Grama Sabhas etc. on the basis of Bali/Bari which is Tuluva community equivalent of Gotra System. There are Bari in this community, each bari has a dedicated Moolastanas and few Bari has multiple Moolastanas across the Tulunadu. Each Moolastanas having annual celebrations and also Poojas during the Nagarapanchami when each house belongs to that particular Bali has to perform Pooja and Prayer of their Moola (origin) [[Nāga|Nagadevatha]] which their ancestors were related to.

It can also be noted that in Tulu Nadu or the South Canara region in Karnataka, agriculture is predominant that too paddy is the main crop. In these fields snakes help in saving the crop from rodents. This can be a plausible reason for worship of snakes.

== The ritual ==
[[File:Ashleshabali.jpg|thumb|right|Mandala drawn during ashleshabali at Belle Badagumane [[Moodubelle]], Udupi]]
There are two distinct rituals performed in reverence to the snake; Aashleshabali and Nagamandala. Of these, Nagamandala is the longer and more colourful of the two.
Nagamandala depicts the divine union of male and female snakes. It is generally performed by two priests. The first priest, called patri, inhales the [[areca]] flower and becomes the male snake. The second priest, called Nagakannika or the female snake dances and swings around an elaborate serpent design drawn with natural colours on the sacred ground.
The ritual is supplemented by playing an hour glass shaped instrument called as Dakke. The drawings in five different colours on the sacred ground are white (white mud), red (mix of lime powder and turmeric powder), green (green leaves powder), yellow (turmeric powder) and black (roasted and powdered paddy husk).

Aashleshabali is the ritual performed on the day of Ashlesha Nakshatra (One of the 27 star as per vedic astrology). This is a unique ritual offering food to Sarpa devatas (Serpent Deities) and one of the Vedic solutions. It is a combination of Puja, Homa and Bali (food offering). Sarpa Devatas are invoked, worshipped and Bali is offered to each one of them. Sarpa Sooktha Japam is done. This is one of the ritual to appease the sarpa devatas and getting their blessings.

The ritual, centered on the serpent design, continues till early in the morning. A similar ritual is found in Kerala and is known as [[Sarpam Thullal]] and Sarpam Kali. All communities of [[Tulu Nadu]] revere snakes.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}

== Significance of Nagabanas ==
Nagabanas or the sacred groves are deemed to be the resting place of snakes. Cutting of trees or defacing the grove is considered as sacrilege. People are wary of the snake-bites and also wanted ecological preservation.

== See also ==
* [[Nair]]
* [[Naga]]
* [[Yakshagana]]
* [[Theyyam]]

== References ==
{{citationstyle|date=July 2018}}
* http://www.udupipages.com/art-culture/nagamandala.php
* http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/snake_worship.htm

== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GjvRJPVK5I Naga possession videos]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gn0Xhku2E4 naga darshana video]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ycvE8CkCQ dakke da bali video]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oppowlzfBA nagamandala with tulu explanation]

{{Worship in Hinduism}}
{{Culture of Tulunadu}}

[[Category:Dances of India]]
[[Category:Ritual dances]]
[[Category:Hindu snake worship]]
[[Category:Tuluva]]
[[Category:Culture of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Culture of Tulu Nadu]]