The Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, nestled in the serene village of Mannarasala in Alappuzha, Kerala, is a unique and significant place of worship dedicated to the serpent god, Nagaraja.

Renowned for its distinctive rituals and deep-rooted traditions, the temple is a celebrated pilgrimage destination, attracting thousands of devotees seeking blessings, fertility, and protection from serpent-related ailments.

With its ancient history intertwined with local folklore, the temple stands amidst a lush forest, housing over 30,000 stone serpent idols, which are offerings from devotees.

The presiding priestess, known as the ‘Valiyamma’, is traditionally a Brahmin woman, who plays a pivotal role in the temple’s rituals, underscoring the matriarchal traditions still preserved here.

The Mannarasala Temple not only offers a spiritual sanctuary but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kerala.

Related Post: Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple

Dress Code

You are expected to adhere to a traditional dress code to maintain the sanctity of the temple. Men are required to wear mundu (a traditional white dhoti) and are not allowed to wear shirts inside the inner sanctum.

Women are encouraged to wear sarees, settu mundu (a two-piece garment), or other traditional Indian attire.

However, if you are not visiting as a devotee, but as a tourist, and just intend to walk around the temple premises, there is some leniency to the dress code. Men can wear ankle-length pants and maybe a plain t-shirt. Avoid T-shirts with fancy graphics or writings.

For female tourists not in traditional attire, it would be ideal to wear an ankle-length wrap-around skirts around yourself as a mark of modesty.

Photography Permissions

Photography is generally restricted within the inner sanctum of the Mannarasala Temple to preserve the sacredness of the rituals and the privacy of worshippers.

However, you may take photographs on your mobile phones in the outer areas and temple grounds, capturing the beauty of the temple’s architecture and its serene environment.

Videography and use of professional camera for taking photographs in Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is strictly prohibited. Use ONLY your mobile phones to take photographs.

Timings

The Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple follows a specific schedule to accommodate the daily rituals and the influx of devotees. The temple opens early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, and remains accessible until 12:00 PM.

After a brief closure in the afternoon, it reopens from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

These timings allow devotees to partake in the morning and evening poojas (prayer ceremonies), ensuring a spiritually enriching experience during their visit.

Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is one of the must-visit places in Alappuzha

Beware of Scams

I am going to share here a personal experience so that you do not fall for such scams.

When we were visiting Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, a man stopped us about 100 feet away from the temple and said we needed to park our vehicle there, by the roadside, as there was no parking space inside. We thought that he was someone from the temple committee and parked our car and got out.

He then asked us to leave our footwears there in the car and walk barefooted to the temple premises. This was very strange because no temple expects you to walk barefooted outside the temple premises, that too on the tarred main road where vehicles pass.

We felt something fishy and got out with our footwears on and told him firmly that we would leave our footwear outside the temple’s entrance.

At this point, he started selling us “vazhivad” (temple offerings) and pooja items from a cart. He was being pushy and forcing them on us. We left the place and rushed to the temple as soon as we could.

Turns out, this temple attracts a lot of visitors from across the country. This man could sense us to be not local to the town and was trying to pretend to be an authorized person from the temple just to misguide us and to get us to buy his products.

Everything you will need to visit this temple can be purchased at the counter inside the temple premises. And there is plenty of parking space inside in the temple premises, to park even buses!

Legends of Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple

The legends surrounding Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple are rich with mythology and cultural significance, deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Kerala. These stories provide a fascinating backdrop to the temple’s origin and practices.

Legend of Parasurama and the Creation of Kerala

One of the primary legends associated with Mannarasala Temple involves the sage Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

According to Hindu mythology, Parasurama reclaimed the land of Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe into the waters. This new land, however, was uninhabitable due to its saline nature.

To make it fertile and hospitable, Parasurama performed a yajna (sacrificial fire) to appease the serpent gods (Nagas), who were believed to have control over the land and water.

The Nagas, pleased with his devotion, blessed the land, making it fertile and suitable for habitation.

As a gesture of gratitude, Parasurama consecrated several temples dedicated to the Nagas, including Mannarasala, to honor their contribution and ensure their continued protection over the land.

The Story of Vasudeva and Sridevi

Another captivating legend involves a sage named Vasudeva and his wife, Sridevi. The couple, deeply devoted to Lord Nagaraja, desired a child.

They undertook rigorous penance and performed numerous rituals to please the serpent god.

Moved by their devotion, Lord Nagaraja appeared before them and granted their wish, promising that he himself would be born as their child.

Sridevi soon gave birth to a son, who exhibited divine qualities from a young age. He was none other than an incarnation of Nagaraja.

This divine child was instrumental in establishing the Mannarasala Temple and setting up the traditions and rituals that are followed to this day.

This legend underscores the divine origin of the temple and its association with fertility and prosperity.

The Serpent King Nagaraja’s Abode

The temple is also believed to be the abode of the serpent king, Nagaraja, who resides in the sacred grove surrounding the temple.

According to the legend, Nagaraja chose this serene and secluded forest area as his dwelling, where he could meditate and bless his devotees.

The sacred grove is considered highly sanctified, and devotees believe that the presence of Nagaraja imbues the entire area with spiritual energy and divine protection.

This belief is reinforced by numerous accounts of devotees who claim to have experienced miracles and blessings after visiting the temple and offering their prayers.

The Legend of the Mannarasala Amma

The unique tradition of the Mannarasala Amma, the temple’s chief priestess, is also rooted in legend.

It is said that when the temple was being established, a divine oracle revealed that a woman from the family of the founding sage would be endowed with the spiritual authority to perform the rituals and oversee the temple’s functioning.

This oracle was fulfilled, and since then, the eldest female member of the family has been honored with the title of Mannarasala Amma.

She is believed to possess a special spiritual connection with Nagaraja and is considered his representative on earth. Her role is central to maintaining the temple’s sanctity and continuing its ancient traditions.

The Legend of Vilwamangalam Swamiyar

Another significant legend involves Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, a revered saint and mystic known for his divine visions and spiritual powers.

According to the story, Swamiyar, while meditating in the region, had a vision of a sacred grove teeming with divine serpents.

Guided by this vision, he discovered the site of the present-day Mannarasala Temple and recognized its spiritual significance.

He consecrated the place, and it soon became a major center of serpent worship. This legend highlights the mystical and divine nature of the temple’s location and its enduring spiritual allure.

Unique Practices at Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

Mannarasala Amma

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is distinguished by several unique practices that set it apart from other Hindu temples.

One of the most notable is the tradition of having a female priestess, known as the Mannarasala Amma, who plays a central role in the temple’s rituals and administration.

This matriarchal practice is rare in Hindu temple traditions, where male priests predominantly conduct ceremonies.

The Mannarasala Amma is believed to possess divine insight and is deeply revered by the devotees.

Her responsibilities include performing the daily rituals, guiding devotees in their worship, and overseeing the temple’s operations, ensuring that the customs and practices are meticulously followed.

Important Fact: Mannarasala Amma Umadevi Antharjanam, who served the role of the Mannarasala Amma from 1993 passed away in 2023. Following this, Savithri Antharjanam became the new priestess.

Uruli Kamazhthal Ritual

Another distinctive practice at Mannarasala Temple is the ritual of ‘Uruli Kamazhthal’. This ceremony is a significant vow performed by childless couples seeking the blessings of Nagaraja for progeny.

In this ritual, a bronze vessel called an ‘uruli’ is placed upside down in the temple premises by the couple.

It symbolizes their vow to the deity, and once their wish is fulfilled, they return to the temple to offer thanks by placing the vessel right side up.

This practice is rooted in the belief that the serpent god Nagaraja has the power to grant fertility and bless couples with children.

Turmeric Paste as Prasada

At the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, a special turmeric paste, renowned for its curative powers, is distributed as prasada (sacred offering) to devotees.

This turmeric paste is believed to have healing properties, particularly for skin ailments, and is highly sought after by visitors.

Another unique practice at the temple is the offering of “Manjal Nirapara,” where devotees fill a traditional vessel (para) with turmeric as a gesture of gratitude and to fulfill their wishes.

This offering is a deeply symbolic act, reflecting the devotees’ faith in the serpent god Nagaraja and their hopes for blessings and protection.

The vibrant yellow of the turmeric, associated with purity and auspiciousness in Hindu tradition, adds to the spiritual ambiance of the temple.

Naga Statues and Offerings

Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is one of the most prominent temples in India, dedicated to the snake god. The temple is famous for its large collection of naga stones or serpent idols. Devotees offer these stone idols to the temple as a token of their gratitude or as part of their vows.

These naga stones are placed all around the temple complex, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

This practice is tied to the belief that offering a serpent idol can appease the serpent gods and bring prosperity, protection, and relief from snake-related fears.

The temple’s sacred grove, filled with these idols, contributes to its mystical and serene atmosphere, making it a unique site of serpent worship in India.

Ayilyam Festival

Mannarasala Temple’s Ayilyam festival is another unique aspect that draws thousands of devotees every year.

Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November), this festival is marked by elaborate rituals, processions, and offerings to the serpent gods.

The highlight of the festival is the ‘Ayilyam Pooja,’ a special ceremony conducted to honor Nagaraja.

Devotees believe that participating in these rituals during Ayilyam can bring immense blessings and spiritual benefits.

The festival underscores the temple’s deep connection with serpent worship and its significance in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Kerala.