I left the serpents lair, killed the priestess, etc. etc. I then realized I hadn't figured out how to get into the locked chamber with a chest just outside of the naga's chamber, before the lifts - later learning that it held one of the tomb's of the elements (is this true??) I wanted to know how to get back in... the lift doesn't work, and the back gate by the original entrance to the temple isn't open. Other than the original fall into the pit, and the one way elevator, I don't know how to get back in..... Help!!! =)

It's back to the serpent head and down the hatch again. I think that's the only way back to where you want to be. Fortunately, it's very easy back out from there.

Don't feel badly. I think most of us missed or forgot about that room the first time through.

Sazerac

Tip: mark locked doors etc. on your map with e.g. red flags, so you can check later whether you've been everywhere.

actually I HAD been everywhere, at least twice... then I noticed those damned 2 levers on the other side of the room from the serpents head, and magically the drop back to the naga room worked again. Heh, that'll teach me... literally 2 minutes after I posted I figured that one out. Doh =)