Mukthi Naga Temple

Introduction to Mukthi Naga Temple

Mukthi Naga Temple is one of the most popular Naga temples at Ramohalli, Mysore Road, Bengaluru. Mukthi Naga Kshetra is another name for it. The temple is dedicated to the serpent deity Naga Devata. In Hinduism, the deity Subramanya (Muruga) is said to be the deity of serpents. So, devotees also believe that Subramanya is the main deity here.

Legend of Mukthi Naga Temple

The temple legend says that Subramanya once appeared in the dreams of Shastri. He followed the dream and reached Ramohalli. He saw a cobra around 25 feet in length moving along the roadside. Nagabhushana came to consult Shastri and said he had never seen such a huge snake in that region.
Both entered the farmland to search for the serpent. They found a snake with a hood moving fast, as he dreamt. Shastri was very happy and excited to see the cobra. Sensing the potential of the place, he further got permission from Nagabhushana for the appeasement rituals.

Following this, Shastri again dreamt that the deity Subramanya asked him to build a temple with the idol of Nagaraja at the same height as the snake he dreamt of. Abiding by his words, Shastri raised funds and built the temple within three years.

Trucks carried the huge idol to the entitled place. The day saw heavy showers and deafening thunder. Thus, rain showered on the deity and welcomed him grandly to Ramohalli. Commoners, too, witnessed the miracle, which is mentioned in the pages describing the temple's legend.

The Architecture of Mukthi Naga Temple

The temple has one of the largest monolithic statues of the Naga, which is its main attraction. It is 16 feet in height and 36 tons in weight. It has been standing erect for the last 200 years. People strongly believe that this Naga has been guarding the region.

Devotees can see the diverse types of temples and deities here. Renuka Yellamma is the main subsidiary deity in this place. Devotees worship her at the entrance. Adi Mukthi Naga and Patalamma shrines are at the entrance of the complex. Sri Karya Siddhi Vinayaga shrine is dedicated to Ganesha. Next to the Mukthi Naga Temple, Muruga blesses devotees in the Naga avatar. On the left side of the Ganesha shrine, people find a huge monolithic statue of Shakthi Dhara Subramanya - the veil-holding Subramanya. It is 21 feet tall and weighs 56 tons.

Devotees can find around 107 Naga sculptures in the temple complex in a covered passage. A giant seven-hooded Naga is at the center of the sculptures.

Even today, devotees first do Pradakshina around the anthill. Only then do they go to the Sri Karya Siddhi Vinayaga temple.

Special Poojas at Mukthi Naga Temple

On Sundays and Tuesdays, priests perform Special Mukthi Naga Temple Poojas. Saparivara Seva, Ksheerabisheka, Mahabisheka, and Sarpa Samskara are the special Poojas successfully performed at the specified time inside the temple.

Festivals in Mukthi Naga Temple

Vijaya Dashami Utsava, Tulava Shashti Utsava, Kathika Deepotsava, Brahma Rathotsavam, and Nagara Panchami are the important festivals celebrated here.

Benefits of Worshipping at Mukthi Naga Temple

Traditionally, devotees perform nine Pradakshinas around the anthill. They firmly believe that performing it can fulfill their wishes. Devotees perform Sarpa Dosha Parihara Pooja to gain relief from the curses of serpents and planetary afflictions.