Unique feature : Rites Presided Over By Priestess
Significance : The Largest Snake Temple in Kerala
Important Offering : Uruli Kamazhthal
Mannarasala covers a district of 16 acres of thick green forest grove dedicated to serpent worship. The temple here is special in that the holy rites are presided over by a priestess.
The grove is spotted with the granite idols of serpents. There are 2 main idols: 'Nagaraja'
or the serpent king and his consort, Sarpayakshini.
The priestess lives in the 'Illam' on the north side of the temple. 'Uruli Kamazhthal' or the placing of a bell metal vessel upside down in front of the deity is the most popular offering believed to restore fertility to childless couples.
On the day of 'Ayilliam' asterism in the Malayalam months of Kanni and ThulamMannarshala Temple, Mannarshala Temple tours, Visit Mannarshala Temple of Kerala, Temple tour of Mannarshala Temple (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to illam ( the house connected with the temple) where 'Nurum Palum' (rice flour and milk), 'Kuruthi' (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime), offerings are made.
The procession is conducted with great pomp and gaiety in which the oldest female member of the family carries the Nagaraja idol. During the festival days, thousands throng the temple to worship the hooded gods.
The offerings include coins and snake effigies made of gold, silver and copper, grains of all kinds, pepper, tender coconuts, plantains, melons and sandalwood.
Mannarasala Festival (utsavam)
In olden time every Hindu family in Kerala has a serpent-grove. Mannarsala, situated to the north-west of Sri. Subramanyaswamy temple, Haripad, is the seat of the famous temple of Nagaraja (God of serpents), the largest of its kind in Kerala. Built in a grove the temple is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-Gods. On the day of Ayilliam asterism in the months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to the illam (family connected with the temple) where the offerings of Nurum Palum (rice flour and milk), kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime) and cooked rice are made. The oldest female member of the family carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp and rejoicing. Even if married, the eldest female member of the illam, is expected to lead a life of abstinence when she becomes the oldest female in the family. During the festival days thousands of people assemble at Mannarasala to worship and propitiate the serpent gods. The offerings include coins and effigies made of gold, silver and copper, grains of all kinds, pepper, tender coconuts, plantains, melons, sandalwood etc. On Ayilliam days the Pulluvans sing and dance either on their own or for payment. Mannarasala became the pilgrim attractio
How to reach
Nearest bus station :1.5 kms from Haripad KSRTC bus stand
Nearest railway station :Haripad (3 kms), Mavelikkara (10 kms), Kayamkulam (11 kms)
Airport :115 km from Cochin International Airport,125 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
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