5/5 Akhil A. L. 2 years ago on Google
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.
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.
History
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.
Festival
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.
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