Nagaradhane

Nagaradhane is a form of serpent worship which, along with Bhuta Kola, is one of the unique traditions prevalent in coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod collectively known as Tulu Nadu, practiced by Tuluva community members.

Cobras are not just seen as deities, but as an animal species which should be respected, appeased and protected for multiple social, religious and ecological reasons.

It is difficult to trace the origin of Nagaradhane, though some clans among Tulu people of Nagavanshi descent, thus maybe snake worship was popularised by them.

All Tuluvas families: Bunts, Kulala, Moolya, Mogaveera, Billava, Malayali Billava, Tuluva Brahmins, Sapaliga/Sapalya, Madivala, Devadiga, Ganiga, Aachari, Parava / Nalkedaye, Koraga-Harijan, Tulu and Arebhashe Gowdas do worship Naga from ancient times in their respective Nagabana and Moolastanas.

Concept of Moolastana among communities have been majorly focussed on worshipping Naga related to their Aliyasantana Lineage based families.

It can also be noted that in Tulu Nadu or the South Canara region in Karnataka, agriculture is predominant that to paddy is the main crop.

The second priest, called Nagakannika or the female snake dances and swings around an elaborate serpent design drawn with natural colours on the sacred ground.

This is a unique ritual offering food to Sarpa devatas (Serpent Deities) and one of the Vedic solutions.