Kundah Manjakombai Nagaraja Temple, Nilgiris

Address

Kundah Manjakombai Nagaraja Temple, Manihada – Manjakombai, Kundah Taluk, Nilgiris District – 643221 Phone: +91 423 228 6258 Mobile: +91 94869 04422

Diety

Nagaraja Amman: Manjakombai

Introduction

The Nagaraja Temple in Manjakombai Village, situated in the serene Nilgiris Hills near Ooty, Tamil Nadu, is a place of great spiritual significance.

Location: The Nagaraja Temple is located in Manjakombai Village, Kundah Taluk, near the popular hill station of Ooty in the Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and pristine air, providing an ideal environment for worship and meditation.

Construction of the Temple: The temple’s history is unique. The people of Manjakombai initially began digging the ground to collect sand for temple construction. During the excavation, they made a surprising discovery – an idol of Nagaraja (the serpent god) and a couple of caves underground. It’s believed that the construction was obstructed by a large rock, which was eventually removed, revealing a live snake. This temple was subsequently built in honor of Nagaraja, and the snake is said to still reside underground.

Underground Tunnel: Another distinctive feature of this temple is the belief in an underground tunnel connecting the Nagaraja shrine to the Heddhai Amman Temple. Devotees believe that Nagaraja uses this tunnel to commute between the two shrines.

Lord Rama’s Visit: According to local legends, Lord Rama left his footprint on a rock at this temple during his 14 years of forest life. A footprint symbol is present on a rock to confirm this story. This temple is often visited by devotees of Lord Rama, and the presence of a large population of monkeys in the area adds to the connection with the Ramayana.

Worship Practices: Devotees who visit the Nagaraja shrine usually take a piece of white cloth and a lime to the shrine of Goddess Santhanalakshmi. They tie a tiny toy cradle with the white cloth to a tree in the temple, seeking blessings for a child. It’s believed that prayers offered here can also help individuals overcome addictions to alcohol and tobacco. Childless couples who are blessed with children often walk on a fire pit as an act of devotion and gratitude.

Relief from Naga Doshas: People affected by Naga Doshas (adverse astrological aspects related to snakes) offer milk to the anthill, which is considered sacred. This ritual, performed on all new moon days (Amavasya), is believed to relieve individuals of Naga Doshas.

Deities: The presiding deities of the Nagaraja Temple are Lord Nagaraja and Goddess Heddhai Amman. A separate shrine dedicated to Goddess Santhanalakshmi can also be found within the temple complex.

Unique Hero Stones: The area around the Manjakombai Nagaraja Temple is known for its rare hero stones and dolmens. These ancient monolithic structures date back to the 2nd to 14th centuries and tell stories of valor, particularly of those who protected their people and cattle from wild animals such as tigers and leopards. The Kurumbar tribes, renowned for their stone-carving skills, have a historical link to this site.

Annual Fire Pit Festival: The temple hosts an annual fire pit festival on May 1st and 2nd. Devotees fast on these days, wearing yellow or red-colored clothing with sacred garlands. Walking on the fire pit during fasting is believed to bestow immense blessings and fulfill devotees’ wishes and desires. This festival attracts a crowd of over fifty thousand people.

The Nagaraja Temple in Manjakombai is a place of spiritual significance, rich in history, legends, and unique practices, attracting devotees seeking blessings, protection, and the fulfillment of their wishes.