Devotees to the Bangalore Adiyogi, often skip the Naga mandapam temple in their hurry to see (and click pictures with) the Adiyogi statue. Here’s a detailed blog post for those of you who are genuinely interested in this beautiful Naga mandapam temple. Afterall, this was the first temple consecrated in this Bangalore Adiyogi center AND this was also the first full consecration of the Naga deity by Sadhguru.

In my view, this temple is UNMISSABLE. So, do read through this blog and when you visit, spend at least a few deep moments in this naga shrine. 

For a complete guide to the Bangalore Adiyogi, please visit this blog. 

Snake Worship in India

Snake veneration is an unmissable aspect of Indian culture and religions. Hindu culture is replete with exalted snakes – Vasuki on Shiva’s throat and Shesh naga on which Vishnu reclines are two major examples. Even other religions that stemmed in this region have the unmissable depictions of snakes as positive, protective forces – from the serpent hoods for Parshwanath, the 23rd Jain tirthankar to snakes being one of the three animals used to identify the Sikh Khalsa.

In Jain temples, there is usually a kshetrapaal (guardian deity) tree shrine in some corner. Usually, the kshetrapaal deity are snake yakshas. They are called ‘yakshas’, though if an actual snake is spotted here, then they are considered similarly as venerated beings. 

In Gujarat, there are naga devta shrines scattered across the land – I wrote a blog post on this – read here. These shrines are set up as protective forces for the area.

Serolsar lake, I visited in Himachal Pradesh has an ancient temple to the Budhi Naagin or mother of all Nagas. A mysterious place and important ritual place for the local communities.

Snake worship is a fascinating subject with many little pieces of information that intrigue us. Take for example, the many international symbols of the snake. The medical staff – two intertwined snakes. “The staff with the snake has long been a symbol of medicine and the medical profession. It originates from the story of Asclepius, who was revered by the ancient Greeks as a god of healing and whose cult involved the use of snakes.” (source)

The mathematically accepted symbol of infinity is a form of the Ouroboros or the snake eating its own tail. And this symbol finds its place in this Naga temple.

How many more such references to snakes are scattered in plain sight of the modern world, I wonder. Unless we delve into this or someone like Sadhguru highlights them for us, we would miss them.

Anyway, coming back to this Naga mandapam temple at the Bangalore Adiyogi, 

The Ouroboros Infinity Symbol & Naga Temple Aarti

The aarti happens 3 times a day in this Naga temple: 6.20 am, 12.20pm and 6.20 pm. It lasts only a few minutes as of now. Will it get more elaborate over time? I hope so! Even in these few minutes the intriguing aspect is that the aarti fire by the brahmacharini maa is not moved in the usual clockwise circle. Rather it is in the infinity symbol. The infinity symbol finds a prominent place in this Naga shrine.

On one side of the Naga deity statue, there is the Anantha naga with his raised hood and tail coiled in the infinity symbol. On the floor right by the deity stone are metal engravings of the infinity symbol with some mantras inscribed in them.

Actually, this isn’t entirely new in Isha temples. Even in the Linga Bhairavi temple, the aarti fire is moved in the infinity symbol – but I didn’t think much of it. At the Naga pratishtha event that I attended in October 2022, Sadhguru spoke about this. And that’s when I connected the two – the infinity symbol & the aarti movement.

I find it immensely curious. 

Sadhguru’s Naga Pratishtha: Consecration After 800 Years

Sadguru mentioned that a full-blown naga consecration has happened after 800 years! Unsurprisingly, all the major Naga worship hot spots in the country are ancient ones. 

This was the first temple consecration event I attended at Isha (and also elsewhere). It was a blast. I share my consecration experience in this video:

Modern Mandapa Temple Design with A Magnificent View & Adiyogi! 

The “Mandapa” is common in almost all ancient Indian temples. Temples were often centers of many events and social gatherings and these mandapas provide large sheltered space. Great spots to meditate (when they are clean), but these mandapas are often dark places with no light filtering through. Well, Naga mandapa is a modern design and situated on a hillock. Not only is it very well-lighted and airy but it also has a magnificent view. 

Exotic Naga Poojas: Ashleshbali & Naga Aradhane by Udupi Vaidyas

The daily aarti at the shrine may be a little lackluster at this time, however, the Naga Panchami event 2023 was a total dazzle. Historic lineage of Udupi Vaidyas came down and performed the Ashleshbali pooja followed by a much grander and unfathomable Nagamandala Pooja also referred to as ‘Naga Aradhane’ or ‘Dakkebali’ by online sources. The day was filled with colorful rangolis, music, exotic dance, mantras and zest. Here is my sharing of this event – overwhelming but intriguing experience.

Major Naga Temples of the Region

Intrigued by these exotic Naga rituals from Karnataka, I read up a bit more on this culture. There are a few major Naga temples in this region. Subramanya or Karthikeya (as he is known in the North) is considered the lord of serpents. So, some of the major temples of Subramanya are also hot spots for snake worship. 

Kukke Subramanya: Ancient temple right by the Kumaraparvatha trek where Skanda (Subramanya) took his samadhi. Would love to visit some day! map location

Ghati Subramanya: Very close to Adiyogi Chikkaballapur, situated close to the town called Doddaballapur (the older brother of Chikka… 😉 ) map location

Nagulamadaka Subramanya: This temple with the above two, form a set of three Subramanya temples which are considered powerful. And many communities go to them for snake worship rituals. map location

Agasanahalli Nagappa: Can’t recall how I found this temple, but seems ancient. And some online sources suggest Agastya muni himself spent time here. map location

Sri Khadgeshwari Brahmasthana, Padubidre (this is potentially the place to see the Nagamandala type of rituals. But I need to get more information on this) map location

Naga Mandapam Temple Rituals:

This naga temple has many rituals for devotees,

Sarpa Seva: on the Northern and Southern sides of the Naga deity stone, there are 112 smaller snakes in metal. Sarpa seva refers to an activity with these 112 snakes. I know a few friends who have done it, and found it a sublime experience. One needs to sign up for this process well in advance.

Naga Raksha: for vehicles, this temple offers some pooja rituals

Naga Dosha Nivarana: this is basically an offering that is always available at this temple.

Benne Seva: This was possible during the Naga Panchami 2023 only. Let’s see whether it becomes open for public on specific days.

Adiyogi Naga Temple, Travel Information

Location: Adiyogi Chikkaballapur statue is 10 kms from the small town of Chikkaballapur and 70 kms from Bangalore city. 

Transport: Daily buses every 30 minutes or so from Chikkaballapur bus stand. Auto-rickshaws from Chikkaballpur will take about 250 – 300 INR. Private taxis from Bangalore Airport will cost about 3000 INR 2-way fare. You may need to bargain a bit. 

From Bangalore city you can take a bus to Chikkaballapur and then transfer to the Adiyogi bus. Or opt for a private taxi or self-driving all the way. For self-driving you can book a car on any of the car rental services like hertz etc… 

Food: Good eatery at the Adiyogi entrance. There is a restaurant called Chandramukhi which serves rice plates, dosas, tea/coffee and more. Plus, a lot of stalls serving various snacks like samosas, ice-creams, corn cobs, fresh fruits and more. 

Stay: If you want to stay close to Adiyogi then opt for hotels in Chikkaballapur like Sri Sierra. There are also a few Airbnb options in the surroundings, but they will require your own transport. Nisarga farms, a rare coffee estate at Mudenahalli is 30 mins from Adiyogi. 

You can also opt for a hotel near the Bangalore airport – there are many more options here with better comfort levels and access to amenities. Or stay in Bangalore city and do a day trip the Adiyogi.