Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple in Haripad is a very ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods (Nagaraja). The famous Nagaraja temple “Mannarasala” in Haripad is nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples.
The Mannarasala Temple has over 100,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple in Kerala, India. Couples seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies here, often bringing new snake images as offerings. A special turmeric paste which is available at the temple is credited with curative powers.
The temple is located about 3 kilometers to the north-east of the bus station along NH66 at Haripad, in Alappuzha district of Kerala. Though the legends related to the origin of a place cannot be deemed as its history, the story on the evolution of Mannarasala as one
of the foremost places of worship of the Serpent Gods is associated with Lord Parashurama who is widely believed to be the creator of Kerala. This history of Mannarasala has been mentioned in the ‘Mandara Salodyam’, a Sanskrit poem written by Mannarasala
M.G. Narayanan Namboothiri of the sacred family based on the accounts and legends handed down and old scriptures and books available with the temple.
Mannarasala Ayilyam is the main Temple festival. On the day of Ayilyam asterism in the months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpentine idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to the Brahmin illom, 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 matriarch of Mannarasala Illom carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp and rejoicing.
How to reach
Nearest bus stand: 3 km (1.9 mi) from Haripad KSRTC bus stand
Nearest railway station: Haripad (3 km [1.9 mi]), Mavelikkara (16 km [9.9 mi]), Kayamkulam (18 km [11 mi])
Airport: 115 km (71 mi) from Cochin International Airport, 125 km (78 mi) from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
