Shetphal: The village where snakes live with humans in their homes

About 200 km from Pune, there is a village where snakes live with humans in their homes and are worshipped. Shetphal, popular as the snake village, is in the Solapur district of Maharashtra.

Shetphal is a living example of living in harmony with nature and biodiversity conservation. The village is home to king cobras, vipers, kraters, racers and other types of snakes.

Also Read: Agumbe: The village of King Cobras

Snakes, worshipped in India in various forms, hold special significance in Shetphal, where villagers revere them as gods and goddesses. 

Each house, regardless of its size or simplicity, is built with a designated hollow space known as a “Devasthan.” This special niche is meant for the snakes, particularly cobras, to visit, rest, and, as per local beliefs, bless the family. 

This practice reflects a deep cultural and spiritual connection with the reptiles, regarded as sacred beings. 

The sight of children playing near or even with snakes is a common and accepted part of life in Shetpal, reflecting the harmonious relationship between humans and reptiles.

Also Read: Vanita Borade: Maharashtra’s ‘snake friend’ who has rescued 75,000 snakes

Spiritual blessings

Snakes are worshipped in Shetphal because of their spiritual significance and the villagers' belief that respecting them brings well-being. They are believed to bring blessings.

Snakes are such an integral part of the village that they freely roam on the streets, in schools, shops and just about everywhere. Even children play with them and show no fear of the reptiles.

Also Read: Meet Aaliya Mir: Kashmir's math teacher-turned wildlife rescuer

Most importantly, there has never been any snake bite in Shetphal.

Shetpal is also home to the Siddheshwar temple, which holds a special place in local folklore and practices. The temple is known for its association with snakebite treatment. 

According to records from the Gazetteers Department of Maharashtra, in 1974, the temple reportedly witnessed as many as 100 cases of snakebite victims brought in for treatment and subsequently cured. 

However, it remains unclear whether the snakes involved were venomous or non-venomous. This temple serves as a symbol of the villagers’ deep-seated faith and their resilience in living alongside some of nature’s most enigmatic creatures.

The villagers believe that respecting snakes prevents human-reptile conflicts. While snakes are worshipped throughout the year, festivities reach a new scale on Nag Panchami, associated with the snake god Shesha Nag. The festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan (July or August). People offer milk, sweets and flowers to snakes and snake idols. 

As per the 2011 Census, the Shetphal village has a population of 5772 of which 3055 are males while 2717 are females. However, snakes outnumber human beings. 

Also Read: This Bengaluru animal lover quit job to rescue snakes, has saved 7000 so far

Look up our YouTube Channel