Vetticode Nagaraja Temple Darshan Timings History Entry Fees Cost

Vetticode Nagaraja Temple Darshan is one of the most revered serpent god pilgrimages in Kerala, attracting devotees from across India to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual wellbeing. Situated near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district, this temple’s unique traditions and serene environment make it a must-visit for spiritual travelers. In this travel guide, I cover everything from exact Vetticode Nagaraja Temple Darshan timings to how to reach, entry fees, booking steps, insider tips from my personal visit, nearby attractions and more. For official information, visit official TTD portal.

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Temple Name	Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple
Location	Vetticode Temple Road, Pallickal, Bharanikkavu, Alappuzha, Kerala 690503, India
Darshan / Visiting Timings	Mon–Sat: 6:00 AM–11:30 AM & 5:00 PM–7:30 PM Sun & Ayilyam: 5:00 AM–1:00 PM & 5:00 PM–7:30 PM
Main Offerings / Fees	Ashtanaga Pooja: ₹1,000 Sarpa Bali: ₹5,000 Chuttuvilakku: ₹2,000 Muzhukkappu: ₹10,000 (approx)
Entry Fee	Free (Darshan is free; offerings/poojas have charges)
Contact	📞 +91-0479-2339933 📧 info@sreenagarajaswamitemple.in
Official Site	Vetticode Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple

History Of Vetticode Nagaraja Temple

The origins of Vetticode Nagaraja Temple are rooted deep in Kerala mythology. According to legend, this was the first place where serpent worship was consecrated in this land by Lord Parasurama, the warrior-sage credited with creating Kerala. Parasurama is said to have used his battle-axe to pile up land and invoked Lord Ananta Bhagavan, the chief of serpent gods. This act gave rise to the name “Vetticode,” meaning the land (code) he piled up with his axe (vetti).

Moreover, over centuries, the temple became a principal site for the worship of Nagaraja (King of Serpents) and Nagayakshi. It is believed to be the only site on the Kerala coast where Lord Ananta is worshiped in this unique form, combining elements of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva worship. Understanding Vetticode Nagaraja Temple Darshan is essential.

Temple Architecture And Significance

Set in six acres of lush greenery, the temple combines simple traditional Kerala architecture with a sacred serpentine grove (Sarppakkavu). The atmosphere feels serene and ancient the moment you enter. When I visited, what surprised me most was the sense of peace — even amidst devotees offering intense prayers for dosha (spiritual affliction) remedies.

How To Reach

By Air

The nearest major airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), approximately 100 km from Vetticode. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus towards Kayamkulam and then a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple.

By Train

Kayamkulam Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead, about 9–10 km from the temple. Frequent trains connect Kayamkulam to major cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai. From the station, you can take an auto or taxi to reach the temple in roughly 20 minutes. This relates to Vetticode Nagaraja Temple Darshan.

By Road

Vetticode has good road connectivity with buses and taxis from nearby towns like Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. If you’re driving from Kochi, the trip is about 140 km via NH66. My road process early in the morning was smooth, with ample scenic views of Kerala’s backwaters.

Darshan Timings And Schedule

Temple darshan timings are relatively fixed, but can vary slightly on special festival days and Ayilyam star days. The official timings are:

• Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Sunday & Ayilyam Days: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Ayilyam, a special day in the Malayalam calendar associated with snake worship, sees expanded darshan hours and special poojas. Learn more about Vetticode Nagaraja Temple Darshan.

On the other hand, when I visited on an Ayilyam day, the morning darshan began as early as 5:00 AM and the temple was bustling with devotees eager for poojas and offerings.

Booking And Ticket Information

There is no general entry fee for darshan at Vetticode Nagaraja Temple — you can enter the temple and participate in the basic darshan without paying. However, specific offerings and special poojas have charges and often require booking. These offerings are optional but can be deeply meaningful for devotees looking for specific blessings or spiritual remedies.

Step-By-Step Booking For Poojas

1. Visit the official temple website at Vetticode Nagaraja Poojas & Offerings.
2. Review the list of available poojas such as Ashtanaga Pooja, Sarpa Bali, Chuttuvilakku, Muzhukkappu etc.
3. Note the fee for the offering (for example, Sarpa Bali approx ₹5,000; Ashtanaga Pooja ₹1,000).
4. Contact the temple office via phone or email to confirm the date and availability:
   📞 +91-0479-2339933
   📧 info@sreenagarajaswamitemple.in
5. Complete any required payment as directed by the temple office and confirm your booking.
6. Arrive at the temple before the scheduled pooja time on the chosen day.

Offerings And Entry Fees

While entry is free, here are some common offerings and their approximate costs (subject to temple notification and updates):

• Ashtanaga Pooja – ₹1,000 (fulfill wishes & dosha remedies)
• Sarpa Bali – ₹5,000 (special worship for serpents)
• Chuttuvilakku – ₹2,000 (lamp offering)
• Muzhukkappu – ₹10,000 (deity adornment)

I personally recommend booking offerings in advance during peak festival seasons to avoid long waits or sold-out slots.

Best Time To Visit

The most spiritually rewarding period to visit is during the Malayalam months of Kanni (around September–October) and Thulam (October–November), when festivals like Ayilyam and Pooyam Thozhal take place.

Additionally, the weather in Kerala is generally pleasant from October to March, making it comfortable for travel and darshan. If you prefer quieter darshan, plan your visit on weekdays outside main festival days.

Insider Tips From My Visit

• Arrive early (before 7 AM) to experience the serene morning rituals and avoid crowded queues.
• Wear traditional attire to respect temple customs and blend with local devotees.
• Carry offerings like coconuts and flowers if you plan to participate in special rituals; local stalls near the temple sell these if you forget.
• Photography inside the temple sanctum is prohibited — focus on the experience rather than photos.
• Ask the temple volunteers for explanations of rituals; they are friendly and informative.

When I visited during an Ayilyam festival, witnessing the deepa aradhana (lamp ceremony) at dusk was unforgettable — thousands of lamps lit in devotion created an atmosphere of pure spiritual energy.

Nearby Attractions And Distances

• Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple – ~45 km (famous serpent temple with matrilineal traditions)
• Kayamkulam Backwaters – ~10 km (scenic houseboat rides)
• Alappuzha Beach – ~60 km (sunset views and promenade)
• Krishna Canal – ~12 km (peaceful walks & local life)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an entry fee for Vetticode Nagaraja Temple?

No, general darshan is free. Pay only for optional poojas/offerings.

Can I do online booking?

There isn’t a full online booking system yet. You must contact the temple office by phone or email to schedule poojas.

What festivals are celebrated here?

Major festivals include Ayilyam Mahotsavam, Pooyam Thozhal, Sivarathri and Balabhadra Jayanthi.

Are offerings separate from darshan?

Yes. Offerings are optional and come with charges, while darshan is free.

Is there accommodation near the temple?

There are small lodges and guesthouses in Kayamkulam and Pallickal; for more comfort, stay in Alappuzha or Kollam and commute. Personal recommendation: book in advance during festivals.

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