Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (മണണാറശ്ശാല ശ്രീ നാഗരാജാക്ഷേത്രം)


Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (മണണാറശ്ശാല ശ്രീ നാഗരാജാക്ഷേത്രം)

Is a very ancient and internationally-known center of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods (Nagaraja) the temple is located about three kilometers to the north-east of the Haripad, in Alappuzha district of Kerala

The famous Nagaraja temple "Mannarasala" is nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple in Kerala. Women 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. 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 Namboodiri of the sacred family based on the accounts and legends handed down and old scriptures and books available with the temple.
 
 


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