Mannarasala Ayilyam 2023: Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple Ayilyam festival

Mannarasala Ayilyam 2023: There is an unique Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple in the Alappuzha district is situated close to Haripad that is dedicated to worship the snake gods. Mannarasala Ayilyam Day is falling today i.e., on November 6, 2023. This is one of the most most significant festival, which attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

Mannarsala Nagraja Temple is believed to have been constructed by Lord Parashurama and the priest in the temple is always a woman. The temple's priest, is believed to receive darshan from Sree Nagaraja, who resides in the nilavara of the illam, on the day of Mannarasala Ayilyam nakshatra.

The ezhunnallathu, which takes place after the ucha pooja, is the most significant event on Mannarasala Ayilyam. Processions are carried out and the Nagraja Nagyakashi and other Naga deities are taken to the Thekke Thalam in the Illam.

The Nagaraja worshipped in the temple is in Vasuki Sankalpam. The shrine of Nagayakshi Amma is located on the north side of Nagaraja shrine. On the day of Ayilyam nakshatra, the temple opens at 4:00 AM. Nirmalyam and abhishekam are the main rituals performed during this time.

Special pujas are offered to Sarpa Yakshi and Nagaraja, who are then decorated with Thiruvabharanam or other priceless gold jewellery. The temple's pujas are Shaiva in origin, and Nagraja uses Vasuki as his sankalpam.

According to legend, at Sree Nagaraja Temple, Lord Parashurama appointed a priest from the Mannarasala Illam, a Brahmin home known as an illam in Kerala. The temple is still maintained by the family. A large fire once started in a forest close to the village of Mannarasala, injuring multiple snakes. There was a childless couple who took care of the snakes and the wife smeared turmeric, cocnutwater and honey on their bodies for the comfort. Sree Nagaraja bestowed them with the twins and pleased with their devotion. One of the snake child was Sree Nagaraja, a five-hooded snake. A few years later, he took Samadhi. He is believed to still reside in cellar in Mannarasala Illam.

Sree Nagaraja explained his mother about all the rituals and tradition and appointed her the priest of the temple. The main priest is called as Valliamma.

In the month of Thulam, Mannarasala Ayilyam is celebrated. The royal family visit this temple and start the puja rituals. It is believed that people who have Srapa Dosha, get rid of that by visiting this temple. Childless families get blessed with the child.