Last month, on 17th October, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s ashram (formally called the Sadhguru Sannidhi) near Bangalore saw the 2nd consecration anniversary of Naga, its kshetrapal deity. It was the Sharad Pournima day, with a special Benne Seva where devotees can register to apply specially-prepared butter to the Naga idol.
It is an intriguing temple especially the uncommon but impressive structure of the central Naga idol. A larger-than-life Naga is carved out on a cubical stone. On the adjacent two sides of the stone, are two yantras with 112 serpents each. This is where a sacred process called Sarpa Seva is done by devotees to alleviate naga dosha, kula dosha and gain many other benefits like good health and family well-being. On the fourth side of the cubical stone is a yantra with Anantha snake with its tail coiled in the ouroboros or infinity form. There are also metal infinity symbols with mantras inlaid into the base of this shrine.
““In yoga, the word Naga and the word Kala are used synonymously. Both mean the same thing in a way. The cobra or the snake represents the aspect of Time. You have heard of a certain snake called Anantha. Anantha means eternal. There is one snake which represents eternity. This is why the Kala Sarpa (Anantha) is in the form of an infinity symbol representing eternal.” ~Sadhguru (Source)
Today, 2 years after the consecration of this powerful Naga deity, this ashram is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Bangalore. The main attraction being the 112 ft Adiyogi statue that was unveiled a few months after the Naga consecration.
This region has a traditional culture of Naga worship. With Sadhguru Sannidhi seeing monthly footfall numbers of a few lakhs, I feel Sadhguru’s Naga consecration has given this region a further boost towards strengthening its Naga worship roots.
Naga Temples of Karnataka
When we consider Naga temples in Karnataka, Kukke Subramanya is the first name that comes to mind. Located at the foot of Kumara Parvata, this temple is well known for Naga related processes like Nagaradhne, Ashleshbali, Kaal Sarpa Dosha and many more. Vasuki, the serpent king, is considered to be present at this kshetra along with its presiding deity Subramanya (Kartikeya) to fulfill the devotees wishes.
While Kukke Subramanya is very well known and popular amongst many different communities, there are 2 other temples associated with it, which are also powerful Naga spots. Ghati Subramanya temple is located about 1 hour from Sadhguru Sannidhi Bangalore. It is also popular for Naga related rituals including kuja dosha, sarpa dosha and so on. Apart from devotees looking for health, family well-being and alleviating naga dosha, we also see childless couples frequenting these naga temples in hopes for an offspring.
Interestingly, here the presiding deity Subramanya is found together with Narasimha. It is unique not only because both the deities are distinct but more importantly, Subramanya being Shiva’s son and Narasimha being Vishnu’s avatar. Is this a place where the two different communities harmonized? Much to explore here.
Nagalamadike temple is the third Naga worship spot in this triad, located close to Pavagada. Located on the banks of the Pinakini river, this is a smaller temple than the other two. Most of the processes like Ashleshbali pooja, navagraha pooja, ashtottara and more are also performed here.
These three temples create a triangle in Karnataka state. Kukke Subramanya is close to coastal Karnataka (Tulunadu) where Naga worship is still very deep-rooted; each household has a family naga devta, every temple has a naga shrine and everyone frequently participate in various Naga rituals like Nagamandala, Ashleshbali Pooja and more.
The other two temples – Ghati Subramanya is in south-eastern Karnataka while Nagalamadike is in the central-eastern part of the state. The different locations make it easier for devotees from different areas to travel for worship rituals. It is interesting to note that, the presiding deity in all these 3 temples is Subramanya, who is considered the Lord of Serpents.
Another Naga worship spot close to the Sadhguru Sannidhi Bangalore is Vidurashwatha. Interestingly, it is also located on the banks of the Pinakini river, as is the Nagalamadike temple, but a few 100 kms downstream.
Vidhurashwatha has an ancient banyan tree surrounded by 1000s of Naga shrines creating a surreal feel. The banyan tree is said to be planted by Vidura of Mahabharat. It is considered sacred and worshipped as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Now, there is a small temple there with shrines for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Surrounding it, devotees are encouraged to install snake shrines as part of the Nagaprathisthe ritual.
Village Culture of Naga Worship
These Nagaprathisthe set below Banyan trees with sitting parapets are a common sight in the villages of this region. Here are a couple of images of some of these Naga shrines in local villages around Sadhguru Sannidhi.
Ant-hills are often part of the Naga worship culture. Once the ants leave them, they become mounds of soft mud with tunnels where snakes can live. They are venerated as the abode of Nagas. But, there is also an element of Earth worship involved. Anthill mud is given as prasadam in Kukke Subramanya and maybe other Naga worship spots as well.
One of my Kanandiga friends from Belgaum mentioned, “I know of Kukke Subramanya temple, but we don’t usually go there. We have Naga rituals in our village which we do at home itself. We make the snake using dough or mud and then we offer many substances like milk and jaggery to it”
Thus, apart from the temples, the rituals within villages seem to be a big part of the Naga worship culture. I am glad to have understood and experienced a little of Naga through this temple in Sadhguru’s ashram.
Sadhguru says, “Naga is not just a form but a sacred connection with the deeper dimensions of Creation, a link to know and explore the Mysteries of Existence”
Priyanka Dalal is a prolific writer, traveller and yoga practitioner from 20+ years. She is a student of Ayurveda and has written for many publications like OpenMag, Swarajya, Deccan Herald, Outlook Traveller and more. Currently, she is volunteering at Sadhguru Bangalore ashram. Follow her on YouTube channel @InSpirituality
Dr Dinesh Soni