Snake Temples & Snake Worship : » Is
Snake Worship still continuing in India?» What
are the related important places and events ?» What
are the other places of interest ?Is Snake Worship still continuing in India? It is
in India, where a long tradition of revering life in all forms, forms a part of
the culture & tradition. The origin of snake worship goes back to remote
antiquity but in no part of the world, is snake worship still such a live
tradition as it is India. There are two temples, which are noteworthy for such
incredible scenes, where the deadly snakes turn docile and live most peacefully,
obeying & respecting the commands of the priests.
What are the related important
places and events ?There is an ancient Naga (Snake) Temple in
South India, where thousands go to pray and which is headed by, the eldest lady
of a particular family of Brahmin priests. The priestess called Valiamma, the
eldest female member is considered to be the bride of Nagaraja (King of
Cobras/Snakes) from the day she assumes office. She is vowed to chastity and
must cease relations with her husband. She has compulsorily to stay in the house
in the grove. She hardly goes out & when occasionally she does, she must
return to her house before sunset. Her house is considered a temple and should
under no circumstances be polluted. She alone has the right to the cellar in the
house, where the guardian serpent dwells. The present Valiamma is an old &
saintly woman and exudes piety & inspires awe among innumerable devotees who
daily visit the temple. This temple is famous for it’s special powers to grant
children to the childless couples.
What are the other places of interest ? Another
place, which is famous for serpent worship, is the house of a particular Brahmin
priest. This Brahmin is the high priest of serpent worship and his household is
full of cobras, which find their abode in every corner of it. The inmates of the
house cannot move about without placing their feet upon the serpents. Such is
the influence of the family that, the serpents never injure or attack them. They
are said to be at the beck & call of the members of the family and render
unquestionable obedience to their commands. They zealously watch and protect the
interests of the family. This is undoubtedly an amazing sight to see.
