History
Mannarasala Temple, located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India, is an ancient and revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Nagaraja (the serpent king). Steeped in over 3,000 years of legend, the temple is believed to have been established by Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, to appease the serpent gods and restore ecological balance after reclaiming land from the sea. The temple is unique in its matriarchal traditions, with the chief priestess, known as the "Valiyamma," playing a central role in rituals. Devotees, especially childless couples, visit Mannarasala seeking blessings for fertility, often offering serpent idols upon fulfillment of their wishes. The temple is nestled in a forest grove, housing over 30,000 serpent idols and exudes a serene, mystical ambiance. The annual festival, Mannarasala Ayilyam, draws thousands of devotees and is marked by grand rituals and a ceremonial serpent dance led by the Valiyamma.
Greatness:
Mannarasala Temple is renowned for its spiritual and mystical significance, standing as one of the most prominent serpent worship centers in India. Unlike typical temples, Mannarasala follows a unique matriarchal tradition, where the senior-most woman of the Brahmin family, known as the Valiyamma, serves as the chief priestess. The temple is believed to have been blessed by Nagaraja himself, who resides in spiritual form and grants fertility, protection, and healing to devotees. Childless couples, in particular, seek blessings here, offering serpent idols upon the fulfillment of their prayers. Nestled in a lush forest grove, the temple holds an atmosphere of divine serenity, housing thousands of snake idols placed by generations of worshippers. The annual Mannarasala Ayilyam festival attracts thousands of devotees and is marked by sacred rituals and the revered serpent procession. The temple’s tranquil setting and powerful legacy make it a beacon of divine grace and timeless tradition.
Specialities:
Mannarasala Temple is distinguished by several unique features that set it apart from other Hindu temples. Dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent king, it is one of the largest and most sacred serpent worship centers in India. The temple is deeply rooted in matriarchal tradition, where the spiritual leadership lies with a woman priestess, known as the Valiyamma,
who performs key rituals—an exceptional practice in Hinduism. Another remarkable aspect is the presence of over 30,000 serpent idols, placed by devotees over centuries as offerings for fulfilled wishes, especially for fertility and health. The temple is surrounded by a tranquil forest, enhancing its mystic charm and aligning with the serpent gods’ association with nature. The annual Mannarasala Ayilyam festival, featuring rituals, processions, and dances, draws thousands of devotees. The temple’s sanctity, healing power, and fertility blessings make it a spiritual haven, especially for those seeking divine intervention and inner peace.
Festivals:
- Mannarasala Ayilyam
- Regular Ayilyam Days
Timings:
- 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Monday-Saturday)
- 7:00 AM-12:00 PM (Sunday)
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
FAQs
It is a major center for serpent worship in Kerala and is believed to bless childless couples with children and cure various ailments.
Unlike most temples, it is traditionally headed by a woman priestess known as the Valiyamma. The temple also houses over 30,000 serpent idols.
It is the annual festival celebrated on the Ayilyam star in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October–November), marked by special rituals and processions.
Yes, but decorum and respect for the temple's customs must be maintained.
