- Location: 32 kilometers from Alappuzha, Kerala.
- Main Deity/Deities: Serpent god
- Major attraction: Snake temple
- Timings: 5.00 Am To 07.30 pm
- Entry Fee: Free of charge
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
Mannarasala Temple is located amidst dense forests and is entirely devoted to the worship of serpents. Considered as one of the strangest temple of Kerela, the place is abode of snakes of numerous varieties and forms. The temple has retained the mystic aura alive till today. The place is counted among the most visited temples of the state.
Attractions
A priestess presides over here and performs the holy rites. There are several idols of serpents that are highly revered by the devotees. The granite idols of Nagaraja and Sarpayakshini are considered most important by the devotees. You will be awestruck by this legendary and mystic place which is supposed to be blessed by Lord Parashurama.
There are about 30,000 images of the snakes that adore the passage to the temple. The paths are covered with numerous trees in whose grooves live thousands of serpents. As you stroll through the forests, you will be mesmerized by the amazing sculptures of the snakes that are placed on both side of the passage. Women worshippers offer their prayers to seek the blessings of the fertility god. They also return for thanksgiving ceremonies after child-birth.
Deities
Nagaraja or the serpent god is the main deity of Mannarasala Temple. According to local belief, this sacred idol is manifested with divine powers of both Shiva and Vishnu. The idol is placed in the sanctum. In a separate sanctorum, image of Sarpayakshini is installed, this deity is considered consort of Nagaraja. Her sanctum faces a tree which is surrounded by several images of snakes. A number of pits are also present here which are dwelled by serpents. While exploring the temple premises, you will also come across shrines of other deities like Nagayakshi and Nagachamundi.
Grandfather’s Grove
This place of Mannarasala Temple is assumed to be inhabited by Anantha, a 5-headed baby serpent who was born to Sridevi and Vasudeva. As you peep into this grove you will notice a number of yellow snakes crawling over each other. The sacred shrines of Bhadrakali and Dharmasastha are present nearby.
Thevaram Chamber
Located in the vicinity of Nagraja’s shrine, this chamber is built in the form of a room.
Pulluvan Pattu
As go to the eastern side of this sacred temple, you will come across a separate chamber where divine songs are sung in praise of Nagraja and other serpents. The melodious chanting of Pulluvan Pattu is supposed to appease the deity. The enchanting Music is played on instruments like Veena and Kudam.
Festivals
Mannarasala Temple celebrates a number of Festivals, the most important being Ayilyam. This special occasion, is celebrated in the months of Thulam and Kanni (September, October), is marked by a procession in which serpent idols are taken out. This procession ends at Illam, an old house present near the temple complex. Here several types of offerings are made in the form of Noorum Palum which is a mixture of rice and milk. This auspicious event is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees at this particular time.
Another festival of special mention is Shivrathri. Special pooja ceremonies are held on this day to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The occasion is linked with Nagraja or Vasuki. According to a legend, Vasuki, once crept over the Thanni tree which is present near the temple. Keeping his hood in the eastern direction, he hissed; this resulted in the creation of a small pond as all the sand present in that direction flew. People believe that, on Every Shivrathri, the serpent god visits the pond in order to have its glimpse.
Sarpam Pattu is yet another sacred ceremony that is observed at the premises of Mannarasala Temple. A comprehensive pooja is organized and is participated by virgin girls and Amma. A number of serpents are worshipped during the celebrations; these include Nagraja, Kuzhi Nagam, Mani Nagam, Naga Chamundi etc.
Legend of the Temple
An age old legend says that Parashurama, who was a great yogi, vowed to convert the barren island of Kerela to an evergreen beauty. In order to do so, he set out to worship Nagaraja. After finding a suitable place to conduct his prayers, he built a pilgrimage place for doing penance of his deeds. Pleased with his sheer devotion, Nagaraja made an appearance before him and granted him his wish. As a result of this divine blessing, thousands of poisonous snakes arrived at once; under the influence of their poison, the barrenness of Kerela disappeared and was replenished with everlasting greenery.
Offerings at the temple: Different types of offering have been prescribed depending upon the wish to be fulfilled. For example, devotees offer a gold pot for acquiring wealth, ghee for long life, turmeric for protection against poison.
The devotees are requested to carry out their worship with full faith and devotion. They are expected not to harm any of the serpents living in the groves; neither are they allowed to pollute these groves. It is considered that harming these serpents in any way will bring a number of curses to the devotees.
Weather
- Summer (March to June): The weather during summer in Mannarasala is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F).
- Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, contributing to the lush greenery surrounding the temple. Rainfall can be intense during this period.
- Post-Monsoon (October to November): After the monsoon, the weather becomes more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
- Winter (December to February): The winter season is relatively mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is during the post-monsoon and winter months, from October to February. This period offers pleasant weather for temple visits and exploration of the temple’s serene surroundings.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport to Mannarasala Temple is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Haripad Railway Station, which is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the temple. From there, you can easily hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.
- By Road: Mannarasala Temple is well-connected by road, and you can reach it by bus or taxi. It is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kochi, 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Thiruvananthapuram, and 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Alappuzha.
