Naag Mandir (Korotari Hindu Temple) | Labasa

The Korotari Hindu Temple, officially known as the Naag Mandir (Snake Temple), is a significant religious site located in the Korotari valley, approximately 10km southeast of Labasa, Vanua Levu.

Visual Characteristics

The temple is defined by a central, naturally occurring rock formation shaped like a cobra's head, which serves as the primary object of veneration. This "Snake Rock" is housed within a brightly painted concrete temple structure featuring traditional Dravidian architectural elements and a vibrant gopuram (entrance tower). The rock is frequently draped with ceremonial garlands, silks, and hibiscus flowers. The surrounding grounds are situated in a rural, hilly landscape dominated by tropical vegetation and small-scale farming plots.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at the terminus of Korotari Road.

Access: The temple is open to the public; visitors are required to remove footwear before entering the sanctum. Photography of the central deity may be restricted during certain rituals.

Transit: Accessible from Labasa Town via a 20-minute drive on mostly paved roads, with the final stretch being gravel. Taxis from Labasa are the primary mode of transport for visitors; local buses serve the Korotari area but with limited frequency.

Address: Korotari, Labasa, Vanua Levu.

Historical & Theological Origin

The temple is centered on the belief that the rock formation is a manifestation of the Hindu serpent deity, Lord Naag. Local oral history and tradition state that the rock has grown in size over the decades. It became a formal place of worship for the Girmitya (indentured laborers) and their descendants who settled in the northern cane-growing regions. The temple serves as a focal point for the annual Naag Panchami festival, attracting thousands of devotees from across Fiji.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: The complex includes a communal hall for gatherings, basic restroom facilities, and areas for preparing ritual offerings.

Environment: A freshwater stream runs adjacent to the temple property, often used for ritual ablutions.

Connectivity: 4G cellular signal is intermittent due to the valley topography but generally available at the temple entrance.

Nearby Landmarks

Labasa Town: 10km Northwest

Labasa Sugar Mill: 11km Northwest

Wasavulu Ceremonial Site: 8km North

Korotari River: Adjacent (East)