Things you should absolutely not do while at Python temple Ouidah

Adaobi Onyeakagbu 17:00 - 02 October 2018

Things you should absolutely not do while at the Python temple

Did you really go to Benin Republic if you didn't visit the Python temple in Ouidah?

Being one of the top tourist attractions for

Ouidah is one of the towns in Benin Republic. In this town, pythons aren't feared but rather reverred and worshiped. While Porto-novo is regarded as the country's economic capital, Ouidah is recognised as the country's spiritual capital.

The town houses the 'Temple des Pythons' which is historical and modern symbolism and spiritual practice in Benin republic. It also acts as a basilica for voodoo worshippers in West Africa and all over the world.

This temple is sacred with different sections — some accessible to public and some not. It also has a small room of twelve square meters that houses 50 adult royal pythons.

Visiting the temple is very common for tourists as it is along the "Route Des Esclaves" or "Slave Route" and close to the Door Of No Return. However, if you are visiting, obey all these rules.

1. Do not be mentally unprepared

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You are going to see (and probably touch) A LOT OF SNAKES, so it's good to be mentally prepared for that. The snakes do not bite so do not be scared. Also, be prepared financially as there's a gatefee and lots of artefacts to be bought at the temple.

2. Do not kill any snake

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At monthly intervals, the snakes are released into the town to go and feed. They only feed on animals and are harmless to humans. However, IT IS COMPLETELY FORBIDDEN TO KILL A PYTHON IN OUIDAH. If you do, you have to bring the body back to the temple for a series of cleansing ceremonies to be performed and the burial of the python in the temple graveyard. If you leave without these rites, it is said that something bad will happen to you.

3. Do not touch/enter the shrines

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The shrine in the temple is hundreds of years old and is only accessible to the priest and devotees (the initiated).

4. Do not enter the graveyard

Entering the graveyard is completely forbidden for visitors. Only devotees and priests are allowed.

5. Don't let religious bias cloud your mind

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The Python temple is not a do or die affair. It's completely harmless as the people of Ouidah (and generally Benin Republic) do not see Voodoo as evil. According to the temple guides, if you harm a python and claim religion or non-belief as your reason for avoiding the proper rites, something bad will happen to you.