Publication

Abstract : We explore how the cultural practices of Nāgarāja (serpent-king deity) worship—performed at Mannarasala temple in Kerala, India—shape human-nature connectedness (HNC) and how these insights expand a broader framework linking temple traditions to ecological sustainability. Using a qualitative approach, our research combines observations from the temple environment with in-depth interviews of key stakeholders and visitors. Reflexive thematic analysis of participant responses reveals four main themes: (1) Ritual Temporalities and Engagement with Nature, (2) Community Cohesion and Shared Ecological Responsibility, (3) Cultural Narratives and the Transmission of Ecological Knowledge, and (4) Sacred Natural Sites and Environmental Identity. We emphasize the importance of the deity within sacred spaces and propose a deity-centered model to improve understanding of HNC within Indian spiritual traditions.