Haripad Naga Devata Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Haripad in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to the serpent deity, Nagaraja or Naga Devata, who is believed to be the king of all snakes in Hindu mythology.
The temple is said to have been established more than 1000 years ago, and is one of the oldest and most prominent serpent temples in Kerala. The presiding deity of the temple is Nagaraja, who is depicted in the form of a serpent. The temple also has idols of other snake deities such as Anantha and Vasuki.
The temple is renowned for its annual festival called “Nagamandala”, which is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Kanni (September-October). The festival is a grand affair that lasts for seven days, and features a colorful procession of decorated snake idols, traditional music and dance performances, and a spectacular display of fireworks.
During the festival, devotees from different parts of Kerala and beyond come to the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the serpent deity. It is believed that the deity is very powerful and grants the wishes of his devotees. Many people also offer sacrifices to the deity as part of their devotion.
The temple is also famous for its unique ritual called “Sarpabali”, which is performed by the priests of the temple. Sarpabali is a form of serpent worship where live snakes are brought to the temple and offered milk and other offerings.
Overall, Haripad Naga Devata Temple is an important religious and cultural landmark in Kerala, and is revered by millions of people for its spiritual significance and historical legacy. The temple is also considered as a center of traditional serpent worship in Kerala, and attracts many visitors who are interested in the unique customs and rituals associated with the temple.