Nagula Chavithi 2025 in Tamil Nadu: Complete Guide to Date, Sacred Temples, Rituals & Regional Traditions

Introduction: Tamil Nadu’s Sacred Serpent Worship Tradition

Tamil Nadu, with its ancient Dravidian heritage and profound reverence for nature spirits, celebrates Nagula Chavithi as an integral part of its rich spiritual tapestry. While this festival is predominantly celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu’s unique serpent worship traditions add distinctive regional flavors to the observance, making it a culturally significant event in the state’s religious calendar.

In 2025, devotees across Tamil Nadu will observe Nagula Chavithi on Saturday, October 25, 2025, honoring the powerful Naga Devatas (serpent deities) who are deeply embedded in Tamil culture, mythology, and temple traditions.

Nagula Chavithi 2025: Date and Auspicious Timings for Tamil Nadu

Festival Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Chavithi Tithi Begins: 01:19 AM on October 25, 2025
Chavithi Tithi Ends: 03:48 AM on October 26, 2025
Puja Muhurat (Most Auspicious Time): 10:58 AM to 01:12 PM

Special Note for Tamil Nadu: The midday timing coincides with the traditional belief that serpents are most active during these hours, making it the most propitious time for worship.

Understanding Nagula Chavithi in Tamil Context

The Festival’s Significance

Nagula Chavithi, also known as Naga Chaturthi in Tamil regions, is celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) after Deepavali Amavasya during the Tamil month of Karthigai (கார்த்திகை மாதம்). The name derives from:

Nagula = Snakes/Nagas (நாகம்)
Chavithi = Fourth day (சதுர்த்தி)

This festival is primarily observed by married women who fast and perform elaborate rituals for:

Children’s welfare and longevity (குழந்தைகள் நலன்)
Family prosperity (குடும்ப வளம்)
Protection from snake bites (பாம்பு கடியிலிருந்து பாதுகாப்பு)
Removal of Naga Dosha (நாக தோஷம் நீக்கம்)
Fertility blessings (குழந்தை பாக்கியம்)

Tamil Nadu’s Unique Serpent Worship Heritage

Ancient Naga Cult in Tamil Culture

Snake worship in Tamil Nadu represents a beautiful confluence of animistic beliefs and Hindu religious practices that has thrived for millennia. The Tamil tradition of serpent veneration is particularly pronounced in South India, where snakes are revered not merely as reptiles but as divine beings with the power to bless or curse.

Key Aspects of Tamil Naga Worship:

Nāgakal Tradition (நாகக்கல்)
- Votive stone tablets or sculptures dedicated to snake divinities
- Found in temple complexes, near ponds, under Peepal trees (Arasa Maram – அரச மரம்)
- Often placed in groups outside main shrines
- Devotees offer prayers to prevent barrenness, blindness, and skin diseases
Anthill Worship (புற்று வழிபாடு – Putru Vazhipadu)
- Anthills are considered sacred entrances to the Naga-loka (serpent underworld)
- Women perform special rituals at anthills seeking fertility
- The practice of Naga-pratishta involves:
  - Submersing a snake stone in a spring or pond to absorb mystical power
  - Circumambulating the Ashvattha tree (Sacred Fig/Peepal)
  - Installing the stone under the tree or in temple precincts
Connection to Tamil Goddesses
- Many Amman temples in Tamil Nadu feature snake goddess worship
- Local neighborhood goddesses previously known for curing pox-related illnesses now expand their repertoire to include serpent worship
- Growing annual festival traditions with patronage from diverse caste backgrounds

Sacred Snake Temples of Tamil Nadu for Nagula Chavithi

1. Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil (நாகர்கோயில் நாகராஜா கோயில்)

Location: Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District
Deity: Five-headed Nagaraja (Serpent King)

Historical Significance:

One of the oldest snake temples in Tamil Nadu (likely pre-12th century)
The city name “Nagercoil” (Nagar-kōyil) means “Temple of the Cobra”
Originally a Jain shrine later Hinduized, featuring both traditions
Main sanctum houses the original five-headed Nagaraja idol

Temple Complex:

First Shrine: Five-headed Nagaraja (primary deity)
Second Shrine: Ananthakrishna (baby Krishna dancing on coiled snake) with Rukmini and Satyabhama
Third Shrine: Shiva and related deities

Architecture:

Ancient mandapa features Jain Tirthankaras (Mahavira, Parsvanatha) prominently
Inscriptions date to Kollam era 697 (16th century CE)
Two pre-14th century brass images – male and female deities with five and three-headed Naga hoods

Nagula Chavithi Celebrations:

Grand abhishekam ceremonies with milk, turmeric, kumkum
Special darshan from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Community prasad distribution
Traditional South Indian puja with Tamil hymns

How to Reach:

By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (70 km)
By Train: Nagercoil Junction Railway Station (2 km)
By Road: Well-connected by bus from Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, Madurai

Contact: Temple Office +91-4652-232223

2. Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam (திருநாகேஸ்வரம்)

Location: Thirunageswaram village (outskirts of Kumbakonam), Thanjavur District
Deities: Naganatha Swamy (Lord Shiva), Rahu (Planet)

Special Significance:

Famous as Rahu Stalam – one of the nine Navagraha temples
Mythological snakes Sheesha, Kaarkotakan, and Dakshan worshipped Lord Shiva here
The only temple where Rahu has a separate shrine with consort Nagavalli

Unique Miracle:

During Rahu Kalam (inauspicious time), milk poured over Rahu’s idol turns blue
This phenomenon attracts devotees from across India
Considered highly auspicious for removing Rahu-Ketu doshas

Temple Timings:

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:45 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Six daily rituals: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Annual Festivals: 12 yearly celebrations

Nagula Chavithi Special Puja:

Rahu abhishekam during Rahu Kalam
Combined worship of Naga Devatas and planetary deities
Special rituals for Sarpa Dosha and Kaal Sarpa Dosha removal
Tamil Vedic chants and Naga Ashtothram

How to Reach:

By Air: Trichy Airport (109 km)
By Train: Thirunageswaram Station or Kumbakonam Station (6 km)
By Road: Regular buses from Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Chennai

3. Adi Sesha Temple, Tamil Nadu (ஆதிசேஷ கோயில்)

Location: Various locations across Tamil Nadu
Deity: Adi Sesha (King of all Nagas, divine serpent of Lord Vishnu)

Mythological Importance:

Adi Sesha symbolizes the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction
Lord Vishnu rests on the thousand-headed serpent Shesha (Shesha Shayanam – சேஷ சயனம்)
Represents cosmic balance and divine protection

Unique Architecture:

Temple design mirrors the coiled form of a serpent
Sanctum shaped like Adi Sesha’s majestic coils
Visual representation of the deity’s protective nature

Nagula Chavithi Observances:

Vishnu Sahasranamam recitation
Naga Ashtothram chanting
Milk abhishekam to serpent idols
Offering of fruits, flowers, and traditional naivedyam

4. Neighborhood Anthill Shrines in Chennai & Urban Tamil Nadu

Locations: Mylapore, T. Nagar, Adyar, and various Chennai neighborhoods

Characteristics:

Small local snake goddess and anthill temples
Form an urban network of sites known for countering dosham
Previously known for curing pox-related illnesses
Now feature expanded ritual repertoire including Naga worship

Common Practices:

Daily worship by local women
Special ceremonies during Aadi month and Nagula Chavithi
Offerings of milk, eggs, turmeric, kumkum
Kolam (rangoli) with snake patterns

Accessibility:

Community-based, easily accessible
No special permissions required
Ideal for working women and families
Priests available for guidance

5. Serpent Shrines Under Peepal Trees (அரச மர நாக சன்னதி)

Found Throughout Tamil Nadu:

Rural villages, temple precincts, roadside shrines
Under sacred fig trees (Ficus religiosa – Arasa Maram)
Near water bodies, ponds, and lakes

Traditional Beliefs:

Snake dwellings are situated beneath tree roots
Trees provide shade and protection to serpent deities
Combined worship of tree spirit and Naga Devatas

Nagula Chavithi Rituals:

Women circumambulate the tree 108 times
Pour milk at tree base and anthill openings
Tie sacred threads around tree trunk
Light oil lamps and offer prayers

Tamil Traditions and Regional Variations

Unique Tamil Customs

1. Kolam with Snake Patterns (நாக கோலம் – Naga Kolam)

Tamil women create intricate serpent designs using rice flour during Nagula Chavithi:

Design Elements:

Single or multiple gracefully coiled serpents
Tails entwined in continuous maze patterns (resembles Sikku Kolam – சிக்கு கோலம்)
Elaborate geometric patterns representing cosmic serpent energy
Drawn at house entrances, puja rooms, and temple courtyards

Symbolism:

Welcomes Naga Devatas into the home
Protects against evil and negativity
Represents the interconnectedness of life

Special Consideration:

Some women avoid drawing snake kolams on main pavements
Believed inauspicious to trample snake representations
Reserved for sacred spaces and festival days

2. Naga Pratishta Ceremony (நாக பிரதிஷ்டை)

A unique Tamil custom for barren women seeking fertility:

Procedure:

Stone snake image submersed in sacred spring/pond
Left to absorb mystical serpent power (21-48 days)
Woman observes fasting and prayers during this period
Retrieval ceremony with priest blessing
Circumambulation of Ashvattha tree 108 times
Stone established under tree or in temple compound
Regular worship and offerings thereafter

Modern Adaptations:

Conducted at established temples with priest guidance
Combined with medical fertility treatments
Psychological support through community participation
Follow-up rituals on auspicious days

3. Temple Festival Integration

Panguni Festival Connection:

Naga chariot processions in Mylapore, Chennai
Snake pattern kolams welcoming the chariot
Community celebrations with music and dance
Distribution of prasad and charitable activities

Aadi Month Observances:

Naga Panchami celebrated in Aadi month (July-August)
Continuation of serpent worship traditions
Women’s special Friday worship at Amman temples
Offerings to snake goddesses for family welfare

Regional Food Offerings in Tamil Nadu

Traditional Naivedyam (நைவேத்தியம்)

Essential Offerings:

Paal (Milk – பால்)
- Primary offering for all Naga worship
- Poured over snake idols and into anthills
- Symbolizes purity and nourishment
Nei (Ghee – நெய்)
- Clarified butter lamps
- Mixed with rice for special offerings
Fresh Fruits:
- Vazhai Pazham (Bananas – வாழைப்பழம்) – most common
- Thengai (Coconuts – தேங்காய்) – essential
- Mathulai (Pomegranates – மாதுளை) – seasonal
- Mangoes, apples, grapes – as available
Manjal & Kumkumam (Turmeric & Vermillion – மஞ்சள் & குங்குமம்)
- Applied to snake idols and nagakal
- Used in rangoli designs
- Symbolizes auspiciousness
Malar (Flowers – மலர்)
- Mullai (Jasmine – முல்லை) – most sacred
- Sevvanthi (Chrysanthemum – செவ்வந்தி)
- Kanakambaram (Firecracker flower)
- Lotus, hibiscus, marigold

Special Tamil Festival Foods:

1. Sakkarai Pongal (சக்கரை பொங்கல்)

Sweet rice dish with jaggery and moong dal
Flavored with cardamom, ghee, cashews, raisins
Traditional offering for all auspicious occasions
Must-have for Nagula Chavithi naivedyam

Recipe Basics:

Raw rice + moong dal + jaggery + milk + ghee
Cooked until creamy consistency
Garnished with fried cashews and raisins
Offered hot to deities

2. Ellu Urundai (எள்ளு உருண்டை – Sesame Balls)

Made with roasted sesame seeds and jaggery
Sometimes includes peanuts, coconut
Symbolizes prosperity and unity
Traditional offering for snake worship

3. Adhirasam (அதிரசம்)

Sweet deep-fried rice flour cake
Made with jaggery and flavored with cardamom
Prepared for major festivals
Considered highly auspicious offering

4. Payasam/Kheer (பாயாசம்)

Rice or vermicelli cooked in sweetened milk
Flavored with saffron, cardamom, nuts
Multiple varieties: Paal Payasam, Semiya Payasam, Paruppu Payasam
Essential prasad for temple offerings

5. Puliyodharai (புளியோதரை – Tamarind Rice)

Tangy rice with tamarind, spices, peanuts, curry leaves
Traditional temple prasad
Long shelf life, ideal for distribution
Balances sweet offerings

6. Vella Seedai (வெல்லசீடை)

Small round sweet balls made from rice flour and jaggery
Offered during Karthigai month festivals
Symbol of devotion and humility
Traditional snack offering

7. Thengai Burfi (தேங்காய் புர்ஃபி – Coconut Fudge)

Made with fresh coconut, sugar/jaggery, ghee
Easy to prepare, stores well
Popular prasad for all occasions
Children’s favorite

8. Paruppu Vadai (பருப்பு வடை – Lentil Fritters)

Deep-fried lentil (chana dal) savory snack
Offered with coconut chutney
Traditional addition to sweet prasad
Made fresh on festival day

9. Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam – தயிர் சாதம்)

Comfort food offered to deities
Rice mixed with yogurt, tempered with mustard, curry leaves
Cooling and soothing offering
Symbolizes peace and contentment

10. Muttai (Eggs – முட்டை)

Controversial but Traditional: Some Tamil communities offer raw eggs at snake pits
Believed to be favored by serpents
Modern urban areas discourage this practice
Alternative: Coconut offerings symbolizing fertility

Complete Puja Vidhi for Tamil Nadu Devotees

Pre-Puja Preparations (முன் தயாரிப்புகள்)

1. Early Morning Rituals:

Wake up during Brahma Muhurtam (4:00-5:30 AM)
Take ritual head bath (தலை முழுக்கு – Thalai Muzhukku)
Wear clean or new clothes (preferably yellow, green, or white)
Apply Vibhuti (sacred ash) or Kumkum

2. House Preparation:

Clean house thoroughly, especially puja room
Draw Naga Kolam at entrance and puja area
Light traditional oil lamps (விளக்கு – Vilakku)
Arrange flowers, fruits, puja materials

3. Setting Up Puja Space:

Traditional Tamil Setup:
1. Clean wooden platform or brass plate (பீடம் - Peedam)
2. Spread banana leaves or silk cloth
3. Place snake idol/image centrally
4. Arrange kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood paste
5. Keep milk vessel, flowers, fruits ready
6. Light ghee lamp and incense sticks
7. Keep bell (மணி - Mani) for aarti

Main Puja Procedure (முக்கிய பூஜை முறை)

1. Sankalpa (சங்கல்பம் – Sacred Resolution)

Sit facing east, take water in right palm, recite:

"Today, on Karthigai month Shukla Paksha Chaturthi,
I [name], perform this Naga Puja for the welfare of my family,
especially for the health and longevity of my children.
May the blessings of Naga Devatas protect us."

2. Ganesh Puja (கணேச பூஜை)

Always begin with Lord Ganesha worship
Chant: “ஓம் கணேசாய நமஹ (Om Ganeshaya Namaha)”
Seek blessings for obstacle-free puja

3. Kalasha Sthapana (கலச ஸ்தாபனம் – Water Pot Installation)

Fill copper/brass pot with water
Add mango leaves around rim
Place coconut on top
Apply kumkum and turmeric
Represents divine presence

4. Naga Devata Invocation (நாக தேவதா ஆவாஹனம்)

Chant the names of eight primary Nagas:

1. Ananta (அனந்தன்)
2. Vasuki (வாசுகி)
3. Shesha (சேஷன்)
4. Padma (பத்மன்)
5. Kambala (கம்பலன்)
6. Karkotaka (கார்க்கோடகன்)
7. Ashvatara (அஸ்வதாரன்)
8. Dhritarashtra (திருதராஷ்டிரன்)

Invocation Mantra:

"ஓம் நாகேப்யோ நமஹ (Om Nagebhyo Namaha)
ஓம் சர்ப்பேப்யோ நமஹ (Om Sarpebhyo Namaha)
Please grace this humble worship with your divine presence."

5. Abhishekam (அபிஷேகம் – Ritual Bath)

Pour offerings over snake idol in this order:

Water (தண்ணீர்) – for purity
Milk (பால்) – primary offering
Yogurt (தயிர்) – for prosperity
Honey (தேன்) – for sweetness in life
Ghee (நெய்) – for illumination
Panchamritam (பஞ்சாமிர்தம்) – five nectars mixture
Water (final purification)

6. Alankara (அலங்காரம் – Decoration)

Wipe idol dry with clean cloth
Apply sandalwood paste (சந்தனம்)
Mark with turmeric (மஞ்சள்)
Apply kumkum (குங்குமம்)
Decorate with flowers

7. Dhupa Deepa (தூப தீபம் – Incense and Lamp)

Light incense sticks (அகர்பத்தி)
Wave around deity in clockwise circles
Light camphor or ghee lamp
Perform aarti with bell ringing

8. Naivedyam (நைவேத்தியம் – Food Offering)

Arrange prepared prasad items
Sprinkle water for purification
Offer each item with mantras
Chant: “ஓம் நாக தேவதாய நைவேத்யம் சமர்ப்பயாமி (Om Naga Devataya Naivedyam Samarpayami)”

Special Tradition: After offering naivedyam, leave the puja room for 5-10 minutes, allowing Naga Devatas to accept offerings in privacy. This demonstrates deep respect and mystical reverence.

9. Mantra Chanting (மந்திர ஜபம்)

Primary Naga Mantra:

ஓம் நமோ பகவதே வாசுதேவாய
(Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)
- Chant 108 times

Naga Gayatri Mantra:

ஓம் நவகுல தேவதாயை வித்மஹே
விஷ தந்த்ராய தீமஹி
தந்நோ சர்ப்ப ப்ரசோதயாத்

(Om Navakuladevataayai Vidmahe
Vishadantraaya Dheemahi
Tanno Sarpa Prachodayaat)

10. Naga Devata Ashtothram (108 Names) Recite the 108 names of serpent deities in Tamil or Sanskrit. Available in printed booklets at temple shops.

11. Vratam Katha (விரத கதை – Sacred Story) Narrate or read the Nagula Chavithi legend:

Story of Lord Shiva drinking Halahala poison
Serpent Vasuki’s sacrifice during Samudra Manthan
Importance of protecting snakes in nature
Benefits of sincere worship

12. Aarti (ஆரத்தி – Final Offering of Light)

Light camphor in brass plate
Wave in circular motion before deity
Ring bell continuously
Family members join in devotion
Sing traditional Tamil bhajans or Naga stotrams

13. Pushpanjali (புஷ்பாஞ்சலி – Flower Offering)

Hold flowers in joined palms
Chant Naga mantras
Offer flowers at deity’s feet
Bow in reverence (சாஷ்டாங்க நமஸ்காரம்)

14. Pradakshina (பிரதக்ஷிணம் – Circumambulation)

Walk around puja space clockwise (if space permits)
Or perform mental circumambulation
Chant “ஓம் நாக தேவதாய நமஹ” continuously

15. Prasad Distribution (பிரசாத விநியோகம்)

Distribute blessed food to all family members
Share with neighbors and community
Offer to cows, birds, and needy
Symbolizes divine grace sharing

Post-Puja Practices (பூஜைக்குப் பிறகு)

Traditional Customs:

Visit nearby snake temple if possible
Pour milk at anthill locations
Avoid digging earth or disturbing snake habitats
Refrain from wearing leather footwear during the day
Read scriptures related to Naga worship
Maintain vegetarian diet

Fasting Rules for Tamil Women (விரத நியதிகள்)

Complete Fast (உப்பவாசம் – Upvaasam)

For Strict Observers:

No food from sunrise to sunset
Water and tender coconut water allowed
Break fast only after evening puja
Suitable for those in good health

Partial Fast (பால் உணவு – Paal Unavu)

For Working Women/Moderate Observers:

Morning: Milk with banana or dates
Midday: Fresh fruit juice, tender coconut
Afternoon: Milk-based payasam or kheer
Evening: After puja, light satvik meal

Satvik Diet Guidelines (சாத்விக உணவு)

Allowed:

All fruits (பழங்கள்)
Milk and milk products (பால் பொருட்கள்)
Nuts and dry fruits (காய்கனிகள்)
Coconut water (இளநீர்)
Sabudana, sama rice dishes

Strictly Avoided:

Onion (வெங்காயம்) and garlic (பூண்டு)
Non-vegetarian food (அசைவ உணவு)
Tamarind in excess (புளி)
Spicy or fried foods
Alcohol and intoxicants
Consuming food from outside

Breaking the Fast (விரதம் முடிப்பு)

Evening Ritual:

Complete puja before breaking fast
Offer food to deity first
Take prasad as first food
Eat light, satvik meal
Thank Naga Devatas for blessings

Astrological Significance and Benefits

Naga Dosha in Tamil Astrology (நாக தோஷம்)

Naga Dosha (நாக தோஷம்) is a significant astrological affliction in Tamil astrology, believed to result from:

Harming or killing snakes in this or previous lives
Disturbing snake habitats (anthills, burrows)
Disrespecting nature and serpent deities
Karmic debt related to ancestral actions

Manifestations of Naga Dosha:

Delayed Marriage (திருமண தாமதம் – Thirumaṇa Tāmatam)
Infertility/Childlessness (மலட்டுத்தன்மை – Malattuṭtaṉmai)
Recurring Miscarriages (கருச்சிதைவு – Karuccitaivu)
Skin Diseases (தோல் நோய்கள் – Tōl Nōykaḷ)
Mental Health Issues (மன அழுத்தம் – Maṉa Aḻuttam)
Financial Instability (பொருளாதார பிரச்சினைகள்)
Children with Developmental Issues (குழந்தைகளுக்கு வளர்ச்சி குறைபாடு)

Rahu-Ketu Connection (ராகு-கேது தொடர்பு)

In Tamil/Vedic astrology:

Rahu (ராகு) = Serpent’s head
Ketu (கேது) = Serpent’s tail
Both are shadow planets represented by the cosmic serpent

Kaal Sarpa Dosha (கால சர்ப்ப தோஷம்):

All seven planets positioned between Rahu and Ketu
Creates obstacles in various life areas
Remedied through Naga worship, especially on Nagula Chavithi

Benefits of Observing Nagula Chavithi (நன்மைகள்)

Spiritual Benefits:

Removal of Naga Dosha and Sarpa Dosha
Mitigation of Rahu-Ketu malefic effects
Reduction of Pitra Dosha (ancestral karma)
Spiritual cleansing and inner peace
Enhanced meditation and concentration

Material Benefits:

Family Welfare: Protection for children and spouse
Fertility Blessings: For couples seeking children
Financial Prosperity: Wealth and abundance
Agricultural Success: Good harvest and crop protection
Health: Protection from snake bites and skin ailments
Career: Removal of obstacles in profession

Social Benefits:

Marital harmony and happiness
Resolution of family conflicts
Community bonding through shared traditions
Cultural preservation for future generations

Environmental and Ecological Significance

Snakes in Tamil Ecosystem (சூழல் முக்கியத்துவம்)

Tamil Nadu’s agricultural society has always recognized serpents as:

1. Agricultural Guardians (விவசாய காவலர்கள்)

Control rodent populations that destroy crops
Protect grain storage from rats and mice
Maintain ecological balance in paddy fields
Symbolic protectors of farmers’ livelihoods

2. Soil Fertility Indicators (மண் வளத்தின் அடையாளம்)

Presence of snakes indicates healthy soil
Their burrows aerate the ground
Associated with water sources and moisture
Respected as earth spirits in folk traditions

3. Biodiversity Markers (உயிர் பன்மை குறிப்பான்கள்)

Indicator species for ecosystem health
Presence shows balanced food chain
Protectors of native biodiversity
Essential for Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats ecology