The convictions and customs connected with the Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple are not the same as most different Temples, and this is one uncommon temple where the puja example is going by a Brahmin woman.
Legends say that when the Muthassan left for the Cellar (More points of interest ever), he had given certain rights and directions to his mom.
He trained that ‘Mother herself must offer me love. On certain exceptional days men might be allowed to revere. After Mother’s chance, the senior-most Brahmin woman in the family will have the status of the Mother.
From the time the mother expect this high position Mother ought to live as a brahmacharini and watch retribution.
The individuals who venerate me with dedication will have youngsters, will be cured of ailments, will have long life and wellbeing and riches; the men of the family will have the title of ‘Vasukisridevi”.
He reminded that the ceremonies and traditions proposed by Parasurama are sacred.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is a Temple dedicated to serpent revere. Serpent love is a piece of the Hindu religious practices and Kerala is a place where one would run over temple committed to serpent divine beings.
Serpent love is polished in a few genealogical homes, which have uncommon love places called Kaavu (serpent forest). It is situated close Haripad, 32 km south of Alappuzha,14km from kayamkulam.
This temple is overseen by a Brahmin family headed by a priestess. According to conviction, the main priestess of Mannarasala brought forth a five-headed snake, which is accepted to live in the hereditary house to protect the family.
Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the dearest consorts of Nagaraja. It is trusted that Nagaraja as the introduced god is invested with the type of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the soul of Lord Shiva.
Numerous aficionados underline the marvelous changes which were acquainted with their life in the wake of appealing to serpent divine beings.
Additionally the turmeric glue accessible in the Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple too holds an uncommon refinement of being viewed as an exceptionally corrective drug.
The serpent divine beings welcome huge number of female devotees, who need ripeness and wish to have youngsters.
Such women come back to the temple once their desire got satisfied and would make offerings, for example, conveying back their kids to direct thanksgiving services.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple History
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The story on the evolution of Mannarasala as the supreme place of worship of the serpent Gods is associated with Parasurama, the creator of Kerala.
Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the family.
Though a land area has formed, the place remains as a piece of land with high concentration of salt, which prompted the people to leave the place in hurry.
Saddened by this, Parasuraman decided to start a penance in order to please lord Siva, who ordered him to worship Nagaraja.
After another rigorous penance, finally Parasurama became able to satisfy Nagaraja who blessed him with a desalinated land and also granted the eternal presence in Kerala.
Thus as per the wish of Parasurama, Nagaraja decided to reside at a place selected by Parasurama. The selected place – Thirthasthala (Hall of Pilgrimage) was filled with Mandara trees, over the years gained the name of ‘Mannarasala’.
It is to be noted that the deities installed here represents ‘Anantha’ and ‘Vasuki’. Later Parasurama brought knowledgeable personalities from other places and installed other deities.
The vault in which Nagaraja is believed to be staying is seen with utmost respect by the members of the household. They admire him with great respect and acknowledge with the name ‘Muthassan’ and ‘Appooppan’.The forest nearby is called ‘Appooppan Kavu’ or ‘Grandfathers’ grove’.
Significance of the Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple
In Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, the rites are presided over by a priestess. The temple covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest grove. The two main idols are Nagaraja or the serpent king and his consort, Sarpayakshini.
The most popular offering of this temple is ‘Uruli Kamazhthal’, the placing of a bell metal vessel upside down in front of the deity, which is believed to restore fertility to childless couples.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple helps clear all problems associated with sins related to snakes etc. The location is very calm, serene and feel of freshness is good because of the trees.
This temple helps clear all problems associated with sins related to snakes etc. The location is very calm, serene and feel of freshness is good because of the trees and the location.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple Timings
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple remains open from 5 AM to 12 PM in the morning and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the evening.
During weekend and Sundays large number of devotees visit the Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple and it remains open till 1 PM during the day.
Rules to follow in Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple
One needs to be in traditional attire to visit. Though there is no fee for darshan but some special poojas which you perform based on your birth star or your astrological requirements require you to pay.
Festivals celebrated at Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple
The Ayilyam day in Tulam, Kanni and Kumbham months in the Malayalam calendar and the Mahasivarathri are celebrated here with great pomp.
The Ayilyam in Kanni is the birthday of Nagaraja and that in Kumbham is the birthday of Anantha, the Muthassan of Nilavara (cellar).
Mannarasala Festival (utsavam)
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.
Annual pooja in Nilavara
On the fifth day after Sivaratri, the Mother comes to the Illam after the daily pooja in the temple, and opens the cellar.
The prasadam of the Nurum Palum is distributed among the members of the family by the Mother. After the pooja in Nilavara, Nurum Palum and other poojas are performed in Appooppan Kavu ( Grandfather’s Grove), which is the abode of “Muthassan”.
Mahasivaratri celebration at Mannarasala Temple
The idol of the Nagaraja is in accordance with the concept of Shiva. The poojas are also on the Saivite model. Thus Sivaratri assumed special importance among the annual festivities.
The festivities on Mahashivratri day at Mannarasala are also associated with Vasuki, the King of Serpents.
Legends say that once Vasuki went round the gigantic Thanni tree in front of the temple in a sportive mood and stretched his hoods shining with jewels towards the east; opened his mouth and hissed; all the sands in that place flew away and a little pond came into being.
How to reach Mannarasala Temple : Road, Rail and Air
By Air: The nearest airports are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is at a distance of 121 kms and Nedumbassery International Airport which is at a distance of 132 kms.Cochin International Airport, about 115 kms from Alappuzha
By Train: It takes 3 minutes to travel from Haripad Railway Station to Mannarasala Shri Nagaraja Temple. Approximate driving distance between Haripad Railway Station and Mannarasala Shri Nagaraja Temple is 3 kms or 1.9 miles.
Travel time refers to the time taken if the distance is covered by a car.
By Road: The Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is located about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala.
Various cabs and auto rickshaws are available near the Haripad bus station. Since located near the highway almost equidistant between the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi (approx.113 kms and 103 kms respectively), it is easy to reach Haripad via bus.