Mannarasala Ayillyam.

Mannarasala is a renowned snake temple in Kerala, located near the towns of Alleppey and Harippad. It is believed to have been established by Sage Parasurama.

This area was once the Gandeeva forest from the Mahabharata, where Arjuna set a fire. The villagers who lived here worked tirelessly to save several snakes by continuously pouring water and soaking the land. Initially named "Man aariya Salai," this place later became known as "Mannarasalai" because it was a location where "the mud became cold."

Lord Parasurama built a temple at this location and brought several Brahmins to live there. However, the Brahmins eventually left due to the presence of numerous snakes and the saline water. In response, Lord Parasurama performed penance to Lord Shiva, who advised him that if he requested the help of Vasuki, the king of snakes, everything would be resolved. Following this advice, Parasurama approached Vasuki, who was pleased with his request.

Vasuki assured him, “These snakes will stay here but will not harm anyone in this village. The people of this village must build a snake temple in their homes and light a lamp in front of it at dusk. I will personally remove the salt from this village and mix it into the sea.”

With this assurance, Parasurama was pleased and returned with the Brahmins. They were all Namboodiri Brahmins who settled in the village and lived happily. Parasurama then built a temple dedicated to Naga Raja and Naga Yakshi in that location. He designated one family, known as Irinada Palli, to reside in the temple compound. The first residents of this house were Vasudevan Namboodiri and his wife, Sridevi Andarjanam.

The family continued to care for the temple. Over time, the only surviving couple did not have any children. They prayed at the temple, and as a result, they were blessed with two sons. One of these sons was a five-headed snake, born under the Aslesha (Ayilyam) star in the month of Kumbha (February-March).

As soon as the snake's son was born, he spoke to his mother, saying, “We, the snakes, are very happy with your family. We would like the eldest female member of your family to conduct the ceremonial worship in our temple. Since you are the eldest, I will teach you all the rituals that must be followed.”

He taught his mother the rituals, and from that day onward, the worship in the temple has been performed by the eldest woman of the family, known as Mannarsala Amma (Mother).

The snake's son entered a dark storeroom in the house, cautioning that no one should enter. However, the room is opened once a day for worship by the Amma of the temple. She usually places a cup of milk inside and then closes the door. The next day, she discovers the cup is empty.

The snake in the store is known as "Grandfather" by everyone and is revered by all. The son born from this snake established two temples in Mannarsala: one dedicated to Naga Raja and the other to Naga Yakshi. One of the snakes at the temple was given as a dowry for a girl who married into a Brahmin family in Kayamkulam. This snake later entered the storeroom of their house, which led to the construction of a similar temple to Mannarsala, called Meypalli, located near Kayamkulam. The most important offering in the temple is “noorum palaum,” a mixture of rice powder, turmeric powder, and milk that is placed outside the temple at night.

In the morning, the contents of the vessel are poured into the ground. The Noorum Palum is also given to the grandfather in the storehouse. However, when the store is opened the next day, the contents of the vessel have vanished. It is well known that the snakes of the temple do not bite anyone; even if they do bite, it has no harmful effects on the person. Additionally, it is widely accepted that nothing is stolen from the temple, as the snakes are believed to protect the property.

A significant festival is celebrated in this temple during the Ashlesha (Ayilyam) star, which falls in the month of Thula (October-November). One of the most popular offerings at Mannarasala is the Uruli Kamazhthu, which involves offering a traditional bronze vessel. This temple is well-known for helping couples conceive children, and thousands of people visit to perform this sacred and unique offering to Nagaraja.

Individuals who wish to have children and those affected by Sarpa dosha visit this temple in the hope that their issues will be resolved. A special turmeric paste available at the shrine is believed to have the power to cure leprosy.

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