Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil

One of the most significant temples in Kanyakumari district, the Nagaraja Temple in Nagercoil is dedicated to the five-headed serpent king Nagaraja. The town itself takes its name from this temple, with Nagercoil meaning temple of the Nagas. Likely pre-12th century in origin, it originally functioned as a Jain shrine, as evidenced by Tirthankara images still visible on the mandapam pillars. The sanctum retains its distinctive thatched roof and sand floor. The sand offered as prasadam is believed to cure skin ailments.