MANNARSALA NAGARAJA TEMPLE

MANNARSALA NAGARAJA TEMPLE PART 1 

Dear friends,

Today I was surfing the net to get the postal address of Mannarsala temple and its contact number to make some offerings. Mannarsala temple is about 40 KMs from Pandalam, my home .  I could get a lot of information about the temple from their webs comparing to  what I knew from childhood . I thought of sharing the same with you all. Some deletion here and there is done from the web site information   to limit the length of posting. This is part 1 of the posting.

Even during my college days we had to walk from Haripad to Mannarsala Nagarajatemple  along the mud-road. Now we have a bus terminal at Mannarsala before the temple and always 3-5 buses wait  for the devotees to go to different destinations. 

Necessarily one has to pass by the side of Haripad Murugan temple to reach Mannarsala. There are Sign-boards from the beginning from the NH to the side-road leading to the temple . After crossing Murugan temple one can see the groves of Mannarsala. Suddam[ ritual cleanliness] is required to visit the temple by devotees.

On those days if we saw  a ratsnake in our compound, we used to make an offering to Mannarsala. While we go once a year or so, we would take all the cash offerings to the temple. Even in my boyhood days Mannarsala was a crowded temple. Now we can imagine the crowd on Ayilyam day in which NoorumPalum is performed. Suddam is required for Mannarsala.

 It is a private temple and the chief priest is a Nampoothiri women, and she would not lead  a family life after accepting the priest hood. She is assisted by Nampoothiries as priests and some elderly Brahmins as her assistants.

If there is not much crowd , lucky Brahmins  could get entrance through Lefthand side door  to sanctum and worship close Nagaraja and Nagayakshi.

Sincerely,

Gopala Krishnan Dated 3-9-09

Reposted on 23-08-2020 after editing, updating the information. R. Gopala Krishnan

1.Temple website, phone number and address 

The website is www.mannarsala.org. Their phone number is 0479-2413214. After 10..00 AM you will get the phone answered in the for-noon. 

The Postal address is given below.The manager, Mannarsala temple, MANNARSALA P.O.Haripad, Kerala state.PIN 690550

2.Location

Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods.

The temple is located about three kilometres from the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala. Proper signboards are available from the N.H.47 to the temple.

Since the temple is very renowned, accessibility to the temple may not be a problem for the devotees. From many nearby places buses are available to Mannarsala temple itself. Various cabs and auto rickshaws are available near the Haripad bus station and Railway station to reach Mannarassala at nominal fare. 

Since located near the highway almost equidistant between the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi (approx.113 kms and 103 kms respectively), it is easy to reach Haripad via bus and train.                     

3.Poojas 

Poojas and worship patterns at Mannarasala, the abode of serpent Gods, are different from most other temples. It is important to visit and worship the main deities as well as the Upadevathas, Chitrakudas, ValiaAmma at the Illam etc. Purity is required during visit.

4 .MannarsalaIllam

On the way to the temple premises, there is an ancient Namboodiri household (Illam) now built on modern lines. This house is known as Eringadappally, the 'Moolakudumbam' or the main ancestral house sanctified as the residence of the great Brahmin appointed by Parasurama for poojas in Mannarasala temple. 

Legends say that when Kerala became habitable, a large number of Brahmins came as followers of Parasurama. He proposed his chief disciple to be in charge of worship to the serpent god and instructed him to follow various Pooja patterns to maintain the sanctity of the place. 

The residents of the Mannarasala Illam are the descendents of that great Saint appointed by Parasurama.

5.Serpent groves and deities 

The village of Mannarasala is located amidst the cool shades of coconut groves, paddy fields and lush greenery. Adjoining to the temple premises, dense jungles full of creepers and trees are still maintained. These groves are sacred and are abode to numerous divine serpents. Many rows of stone images of serpents on either side of the pathway lend a mystic and worshipful atmosphere to the devotees reaching the temple. The sacred temple of Mannarasala is located amidst the shade of ancient trees entangled by many kinds of creepers, foliage and thick growth of cane and groves, exclusively dedicated as the habitat of divine serpents.  

6Nagaraja

The presiding deity at Mannarasala temple is Nagaraja. Hence the temple is called Mannarsala Nagaraja temple.  He is Anantha (Vishnu) and Sarparaja is Vasuki (Siva).It is believed that Nagaraja, as the installed deity, is endowed with the form of Vishnu and the spirit of Siva.     

7. Family details of Nagaraja

Sarpayakshi and Nagayakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. The main temple premise has two separate sanctum sanctorums, one devoted to Sarpayakshi and the other for Nagaraja. Sarpayakshi enjoys special privileges like offering daily poojas, and is housed in the Sanctum Sanctorum. In front of the shrine of Sarpayakshi, there is an Ilanji tree (SPANISH CHERRY) surrounded by serpent images and with numerous pits for serpents. 

The quiet shrines of Nagachamundi and Nagayakshi are to the southwest of the temple and housed in Chitrakudas[ in the style of  aerial chariots ] . Nagachamundi is Nagaraja's sister.

(My note- Information about Nagachamundi sister and 2^nd wife   and Nagayakshi is new to me)

8.     AppooppanKavu (Grandfather's Grove)

'Grandfather (Appoppan) here is the five headed Anantha who assumed the form of a baby serpent and was born as the holy child of the Brahmin couple of the family, Vasudeva and Sridevi. (See history). The Grandfather's Grove is the favourite haunt of Muthassan or Appooppan. Strangely enough only yellow snakes are seen at this grove.

 In the divine presence of this holy image, the Valiamma offers 'NurumPalum'[ AN OBLATION PREPARED with cow'smilk, turmeric powder and rice] on every Ayilyam day. 

9 Dharma sastha and Bhadrakali temples

Next to this grove, one can see the temples of Dharmasastha and Bhadrakali. These deities are installed in isolated corners and daily worships are offered.  At the time of reconstruction of the Chitrakuda in the Grandfather's Grove, the presence of the Lord was visible in the form of a serpent on the Sathavari creeper (Asparagus Racemosus; family: Liliaceae) in a Koovalam tree (Aegle Marmelos; family: Rutaceae), now located to the northern side of the temple pond. The temple has published in their website the image of the serpent visible on the Koovalam tree during renovation -photo taken during 1970

10.The Thevaram[ puja to god] chamber & Great Mother

The Thevaram Chamber is to the southwest of the Sanctum Sanctorum ofNagaraja. It is a very small room built in olden times in accordance to the Sastras. There the Great Mother, who is the eternal lamp of Mannarasala, offers worship to Nagaraja.      

11Pulluvanpattu

On the eastern side of the temple, songs are recited to please the serpents. The magical, sweetness of the Pulluvan song accompanied by the sounds from the little Veenas and the special music of the Pulluva women playing on Kudam are a familiar sight at Mannarasala. Interestingly, this near extinct musical form is still being practiced in Kerala, thanks only to the patronage offered by Mannarasala and other few serpent worship temples in Kerala. Pulluva is a community of the Hindu religion, and they traditionally follow this musical form as their vocation. It is believed that the songs, recited by the Pulluva praising the Nagaraja and his consorts, the sound of the musical instrument PulluvaVeena (an instrument of the violin family), and Kudam (an expertly covered earthen pot connected with strings, when hit by hand or metal piece produces exquisite and enchanting music), have the divine power to appease and attract divine serpents and earn their blessings.

12 Descriptions about Chitrakudas

On either side of the pathway from the temple premises to Nilavara, there are many big and small Chitrakudas encircled by images of serpents, standing upright, and arranged so close to one another in unbroken rows inside the groves on either side. Inside those Chitrakudas are the innocent and helpless followers of Nagaraja. Until a few decades ago, almost all Hindu households in Kerala had their own serpent groves and ponds as part of their idol worship, also lending a perfect balance to the ecology of the region. Once the population grew manifolds, many serpent groves were removed, and most of the presiding serpent deities were relocated to divine serpent lands like Mannarasala. These strange rows of Chitrakudas are the miniature establishments of the serpents who from their groves in other places and have been brought over and installed here by the blessed priests of Mannarasala Illam.

13. Legends about Mannarsala

In the light of experience, many devotees who have experienced and heard about the miraculous powers of the serpents and the presiding deities here tell many stories about Mannarasala temple. 

13.1  The divine serpents

It is not a rare thing to see the same serpent appear in the same location for a number of days in the temple premises. On the steps of the gatehouse, on the hedgerows, among the creepers, those who perform bhajanam in the temple can stand very close at any time and pray.                    

13.2 Yellow snakes

On one occasion, about six decades ago, a fierce yellow serpent started dancing on the eastern bank of the holy pond near the Appooppan Kavu carrying an evil snake in its mouth. Then it vomited the evil snake and released it. The serpent spread its hood either out of fear or out of a desire of revenge. The fierce snake with a sense of humour swallowed that cobra again. The late ValiaAmma came to know about it. She came to the spot with tears in her eyes and first spoke a few words. The serpent did not budge. This drama lasted for half an hour. Amma became sad. With the chanting of manthras, she prayed for the release of the cobra. No more delay, the serpent left the cobra, bent down its head and went straight into the AppooppanKavu, as if nothing had happened. The nature of the yellow snakes of AppoppanKavu is beyond description, and is wonderful. 

(My note- our elder ladies could easily call on the Late Valiamma on my younger days. My mother used to discuss problems with her. I heard from my  mother  that  in the bed of Valiyamma serpents  lay along with Valiyamma and when she asked them to give space for her  they  obeyed. I too have a vague memory that I saw her once in the 1960. I think, on those days we had to walk to Mannarsala from Haripad along the mud-road and temple itself had sandy grounds!!!) There are many more stories that  I  read from the Mannarsala temple website. 

MANNARSALA NAGARAJA TEMPLE 2

Continued from part 1

Originally posted on Dated 3-9-09. Reposted on 24-8-2020 after editing and updating- Gopala Krishnan

14. The story of a Tahsildar who opened the cellar

When Sri ChitraThirunal was ruling over Travancore owing to the destruction caused by World War II, the people were oppressed by poverty and there was famine everywhere. Sir.C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer was the Diwan, a man of great intellect and formidable prowess. Orders were issued to take over foodstuff from any household, even if they are in the custody of the great ones, and to introduce rationing. 

The Tahsildar of Karthikappally at that time was a Tamil Brahmin; a native of Haripad; his house was very close to his office; a gentleman who knew exactly the income of each individual and family in the locality. He was waiting for an opportunity to please the Diwan. He got ready to display his skill to the maximum.Among the list of landlords the Mannarasala Illam was included. One day very early in the morning the Tahsildar and his associates came to the Illam along with a batch of policemen. They took away every grain of rice and paddy, even what was meant for Nivedyam. Everything was heaped in the court yard.

 He was disappointed at not being able to collect as much rice and paddy as he had expected and it made him indiscrete. He knew very well that no one would enter the Nilavara of Mannarasala temple. He issued orders to open the doors of Nilavara[ cellar] on the suspicion that foodstuff had been illegally stocked there, without heeding to the requests of the family members not to open the Nilavara. No one came forward to do so, including the accompanied policemen. The infuriated Tahsildar under a false sense of prestige opened the cellar. But he could not enter inside and had to retreat.

(With in a short period he lost his eyesight and his family, which had been rich, was reduced to penury and destroyed. He was completely broken and had to sell off whatever left and had to leave the place forever).

My note- one of my periyamma was from Haripad and I knew from her that there were a number  of Brahmin Households in Haripad. So in every probability the Brahmin mentioned in the story can be a Kerala iyer. 

In all the surrounding placesof Mannarsala if we see a snake mostly we see only Yellow rat-snake.we never used to disturb it other than making some sound and drive it away if it is close to the house. In the compounds  it was not strange for us to see snakes. If we found snakes very frequently, it was a customary practice to visit Mannarsalai .I recollect  after the our visit to Mannarsalai the snakes were not found. If it was not immediately possible to go over, we use to send money through others who visited Mannarsalai or dedicated some money  in a kizhi[pouch made of cloth] 

The officers came with their men to take away the rice that had been heaped in the courtyard. On the top of that heap, a serpent was seen and the policemen were frightened. They approached the head of the family for help. He advised them to take away everything leaving behind what was meant for nivedyam[oblation] in the temple. They were ready to do so and the serpent slowly crept away and disappeared into the jungle nearby.                     

15 Tale of a tresspasser into the Nilavara[ cellar]

There is a tale that has been well known from ancient times depicting about the consequences for trying to enter the Nilavara, except by the Great Mothers from time to time. 

A few days after Anantha the 'Muthassan' disappeared in the Nilavara, his younger brother wished to meet his brother. When he insisted obstinately, the mother said, " Then, enter the Nilavara and close your left eye and look at the south-west corner with your right eye…" The son followed it and saw a brilliant light. The eye that saw it lost the power of sight!

It is interpreted that the main characters in this tale, the Mother and the younger brother could have been the ValiaAmma and son of a later generation. That mother by divine insight must have realized that he might lose eyesight because of the halo of light; hence she may have advised him to close one eye and look with the other eye. And in this way he might have lost the sight of one of his eyes because of the flaming brightness of the light.                     

16 The mother and the serpent-child

Legends say that Anantha was born as a five-hooded serpent-child to Vasudeva and Sreedevi of the Illam. Once the aims of his incarnation were fulfilled, he informed his mother that he would remain in the Nilavara in Samadhi[ a state of deep meditative contemplation] forever, blessing the devotees. (More details in History – Muthassan, AppoppanKavu).

The Mother who was so full of affection could not put up with that separation. Human weakness pained the Holy Mother. She rushed into the cellar herself; there shone only a halo of light…. The beloved son consoled the Mother. 

Only the Mother was granted the opportunity and authority to see the Lord face to face; he gave his full consent to be satisfied with the Mother's offering of worship just once a year. (Still Nurum Palum is offered only once  a year, the day next to Sivaratri by the Great Mother).

17. Worship in the temple will go to the cellar

He also revealed the secret truth that the worship in the cellar need be offered only by the Mother and the worship offered in the temple will reach him without any loss of time, with the same force. Thus he gave his beloved mother the unusual permission to offer worship in the temple as well as the rare opportunity ever granted to an Antarjanam ( woman) priestess.

18 .History of Mannarsala temple

Though the legends related to the origin of a place cannot be deemed as its history, the story on the evolution of Mannarasala as the supreme place of worship of the serpent Gods is associated with Parasurama, the creator of Kerala. 

19.1 Sanskrit poem by Mannarsala Namboothiri

The history of Mannarasala has been mentioned in the 'MandaraSalodayam' Sanskrit poem written by Mannarasala M.G.Narayanan Nampoodiri of the sacred family, who wrote it on the basis of reliable accounts and legends traditionally handed down and in the light of old books available with the temple. 

19.2 History in Malayalam by Sri N Jeyadevan and translated by Dr Ayyappa Panicker

Since the poem was incomplete, the history narrated here is from the book 'The Serpent Temple Mannarasala', published by Mr.N.Jayadevan of Manasa Publications (Translated to English by the renowned scholar Dr.Ayyappa Panikkar). This book is based on the advice and instructions received from the former Great Mother, and in accordance with the other members of the family as well as the old records examined for the purpose. 

19.3The Raising of Kerala:

SreeParasurama decided to seek release from the sin of killing the Kshathrias. He approached the sages. They suggested that he should make a gift of a land of his own to the Brahmins. Parasurama, the son of Jamadagni in the lineage of sage Bhrigu, propitiated Varuna Deva (the Lord of the Seas) to get some land for himself. He threw into the sea the axe, which Paramasiva had given him with his blessings. Thus he raised the land from the sea and gave it as a gift to the Brahmins according to the rules. This land came to be known as Kerala. That piece of land was not habitable because of the salinity. Not even vegetables grew there. People began to leave the place.

Parasurama was pained at this. He undertook penance to please Lord Siva, who advised him that the objective could be realized only if the flaming poison of the serpents was spread everywhere and that the only means of doing that was the worship of Nagaraja.

19.4 Parasu Rama do penance to please Nagaraja

Parasurama decided that he would take no rest until he saw Kerala come up as a land of evergreen beauty full of trees and plants, prosperous in every way. He set out with his disciples in search of a deserted jungle in order to please Nagarajawho was inaccessible and beyond anybody's understanding. He found a suitable place near the seashore in the southern part of Kerala. Satisfied with having found a proper place for the realization of his cherished dream, the great sage constructed a Thirthasthala for the performance of penance.

19.5 Nagaraja makes his appearance

Nagaraja, who was pleased, appeared before Parasurama, willing to grant him his wish. According to the poem by Mannarasala M.G.Narayanan Namboodiri, the Nagaraja made his appearance as if:

" The unspeakable splendour of millions of moons! The bright magnificence of emeralds stuck to the hoods. Golden jewels made attractive by miraculous embroidery! Lotus feet worshipped by crowds of Gods! Brilliant beauty of form, full of youthfulness!" 

Parasurama prostrated at the lotus feet of Nagaraja and prayed to realize his objective. Nagaraja granted his request with great pleasure. Parasurama then requested the Lord to bless the land forever with his eternal presence, and that was also accepted by the kindly disposed Nagaraja. (My note- Mannarsala is a coastal  area and so are   Kayamkualm,Haripad, Ambalappuzha and Alleppy  NH.In my younger days we said a driver could take hands off the steering all the way from Haripad  toAlleppy-Straight road  )

20 Installation

At a very auspicious moment Parasurama, the supreme devotee, installed, according to Vedic rites, Nagaraja, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in one in the 'Thirthasthala' (Hall of pilgrimage) filled with Mandara trees, the place now known as Mannarasala. (The installed deity here represents Anantha (Vishnuswaroopa) and Vasuki (Siva in spirit). The installations of Sarpayakshi, Nagayakshi and Nagachamundi, the Naga deities, as well as of their associates were conducted in the proper places with the proper rituals. 

Parasurama performed to the accompaniment of Vedic recitation and singing of Sama, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Neivedya samarpanam, Neeranjanam, Sarpabali and other rites pleasing to the serpentsand thereby made all the serpents happy. 

Parasurama brought learned people from other regions; installed Durga and other deities in different places; appointed Brahmins who were Thanthric experts for performing poojas. After giving important instructions to be followed to preserve the sanctity of the place, Parasurama left to do tapas on Mahendra Mountains.

MANNARSALA NAGARAJA TEMPLE PART 3

Continued from part 2

17.Story of  Vasudeva &Sreedevi

Many generations passed. The family fell into the grief of childlessness. Vasudeva and Sreedevi were the sad couple that had to bear the brunt  of sorrow. They  resolutely worshipped Nagaraja to allay their grief. 

It was about this time that unexpectedly fire broke out in the jungle around the dwelling place of Nagaraja and burnt down the jungle. The serpents were tortured by the flames, forcing them to stay in their pits with great difficulty. 

Vasudeva and Sreedevi looked after the serpents, which had their hoods charred, bodies half-burnt, and fainting from time to time, falling down and crawling along.. They gently fanned them with fans made of sweet-scented grass and poured ghee mixed with honey and oil on the wounds; cooled their burnt bodies with sandalwood paste; and comforted them. They put them at the foot of banyan trees. They performed purification ceremonies and consecrated the pits; and were put up in special places under the shade of deodar trees and in Chitrakudas.

18. Origin of NoorumPalum

The couple performed abhisheka with thirtha like Panchagavya (a holy mixture of five items from the cow's milk, curd, butter, urine and dung); observed elaborate poojas according to rules with areca nut flower bunches, fragrant flowers and water, incense etc., Nivedyam with melted butter (ghee), milk, payasam with molasses, rice powder, turmeric powder, coconut juice, Kadali fruit, cow's milk, all mixed together in the proper form as NURUM PALUM,equivalent to the elixir of life. They offered serpent deities with great devotion, appam, aval (rice-flakes), tender coconut etc. They chanted Vedic mantras, performed circumambulation and performed all kinds of poojasto restore those crowds of serpents to full health.

( My note- In fact though I have performed NoorumPalum at Mannarsala temple, now only I read legend behind it. Probably for every thing there is a time.)

19. Birth of Nagaraja as the son of Vasudeva and Sreedevi

The omnipresent and omnipotent Nagaraja was greatly pleased with their continuous penance and the love shown to his associates; Nagaraja made himself visible to the couple and blessed them that he would incarnate on the Earth as their beloved son. He said " I shall assume the form of a serpent and stay here (in Mannarasala) permanently, AS LONG AS THE SUN AND THE MOON EXIST, showering prosperity on your family and granting protection to all the devotees who visit here …". 

Thus Mandarasala, the place filled with Mandara trees[ white bauhinia], the holy spot where the serpents got shelter, where the Earth was fully cooled, became Mandarasala.

( My note- this is from the temple website. In the course of time Mandarasala must have got abbreviated  to Mannarsala)

The boon came true. The Brahmin lady became pregnant and gave birth to five-hooded serpent-child as well as a human child. The two brothers grew up together. Initiation ceremonies and Vedic education were carried out at the proper time in the traditional style. Nagaraja instructed the younger brother to enter into matrimony for the perpetual preservation of the holy family and he obeyed it. When the five-hooded Nagaraja realized that the objectives of his incarnation were realized, he informed the Holy Mother that henceforth he would live in this Illam by entering into Samadhi to bless the devotees. Then he suggested certain inviolable rituals and rules for offering worship and then went into the immaculate cellar and vanished.

(It is believed that even today that five-hooded Nagaraja stays in the cellar doing Tapas for the abound prosperity of his dependents. The members of the household always refer to him with great respect and devotion as "Muthassan' and "Appoppan" (Grand father).The jungle close by is the exclusive preserve for his unobstructed locomotion (AppoppanKavu - Grandfathers' Grove).

20 Anniversary celebrations-Ayilyams in Tulam and Kumbha months

Nagaraja  is specially decorated for Ayilyam puja. The Ayilyam day in Tulam, Kanni and Kumbham months in the Malayalam  calendar and the Maha sivarathri are celebrated in Mannarsala  with great pomp. The Ayilyam in Kanni is the birthday of Nagaraja and that in Kumbham is the birthday of Anantha, the Muthassan of Nilavara (cellar).

21.Mannarassala Ayilyam

The most celebrated festival at Mannarasala is the Ayilyam of Thulam. In the beginning, the Ayilyam of Thulam had no speciality or significance. It was a regular custom for the Maharaja of Travancore to visit this temple on Ayilyam day in Kanni. On one occasion, the Maharaja could not reach the temple as usual and had to postpone the visit to the Ayilyam day in Thulam. The royal palace met all the expenses for the celebrations of that Ayilyam.Several landed properties were given away to the temple free of land tax in order to make the festival more attractive, as an expression of repentance. Thus the Ayilyam of Thulam came to secure a royal splendour and official glamour without difficulty. The Ayilyam days of Kanni and Kumbham are still celebrated with befitting grandeur.

22.  Mahasivaratri at Mannarsala

Sivarathri, the day of the great festival in Siva temples, is given an outstanding importance in this temple of Nagaraja. Celebrations are also held accordingly this however  is not very widely known even today like Ayilya pooja. The installation of the Nagaraja is in accordance with the concept of Siva. The poojas also are on the Saivite model. Thus Sivaratri assumed special importance among the annual festivities.

The festivities on Sivarathri day at Mannarasala are also associated with Vasuki, the King of Serpents. Legends say that once Vasuki went round the gigantic Thanni tree[ bahera tree] in front of the temple in a sportive mood and spread his hoods shining with jewels towards the east; opened his mouth and hissed; all the sands in that place flew away; and a little pond came into being. This is Karoli pond (KaroliKulam). On Sivarathri day, it is believed, he goes in procession in that direction to have a glimpse of his playful creation.

( My note:-  Importance of Sivarathri in  Mannarsala temple was not known to me earlier at all .)

23 Annual pooja in Nilavara

Only once a year NoorumPalum is offered and performed in the cellar (Nilavara): THAT IS ON THE FIFTH DAY AFTER SIVARATRI. 

On the fifth day after Sivaratri, the Mother comes to the Illam after the daily pooja in the temple, and opens the cellar. The prasadam of the NurumPalum is distributed among the members of the family by the Mother. After the pooja in Nilavara, NurumPalum and other poojas are performed in AppooppanKavu( Grandfather's Grove), which is the abode of "Muthassan".                      

24 Mannarsala Deeparadhana

Only for Sivarathri in  the evening ceremony for lights held in this temple. After the meal, there is no Pooja in the sanctum sanctorum. It may be that Sivarathri was chosen for the ceremony of lights because fasting is compulsory on that particular day. All Poojas including the 'Athazhapuja (evening worship) are performed on that day. The main items of that day are Sarpabali and Ezhunnallethu (procession).

25. Sarpa Bali at Mannarsala temple

The Poojas for Sarpabali are performed by ValiaAmma herself on the platforms in front of Nagaraja and Sarpayakshi. The members of the Illam pound rice in the mortar for the NurumPalum of the Sarpabali on Sivarathri day.The Sarpabali is the offering made by the Illam.Hence, pounding  rice is a voluntary sacred offering by the members in the family.

Only on Sivarathri day, the Sarpabali, which is pleasing to Nagaraja, offered on behalf of the Mannarasala family because of the special attachment to Siva, the Sarpabhushana (one who wear serpents as ornaments). In the last quarter of the night - the images of Nagaraja and Sarpayakshi from the temple are carried on head - the senior and the junior are taken out in ceremonial procession towards the due east of the temple and placed at the foot of a divine tree about half a kilometre away.The journey is around the Illam;when the procession returns to the sanctum sanctorum by the southern side of the temple, the scarlet glow of the rising sun appears in the sky. The bright light of the traditional torches (theevettis), silver umbrellas, pea-cock feather  fans[alavattam]and flowing tufts of yalk's hair[ Venchamaram), all accompanied by musical instruments add to the grandeur of the celebrations. Sarpabali is more of a ritual of the members of the Illam, when compared to other festivities where devotees are offered to take part and share the devotion of the festival. 

There are long lasting and varied Poojas and rituals for Sarpabali. The Sarpabali that begins after sunset will come to an end only during the last quarter of the night.

CheriaAmma pounds the rice for NurumPalum. The head of the family often goes to perform Sarpabali in other places.

Re posted by R. Gopala Krishnan after editing and updating on 25-8-2020 Originally posted on 3-9-09

MannarsalaNagaraja temple Part 4

Continued from part 3

26 SarpamPattu (Serpent song)

Though a very rare and hilarious process in terms of the poojas and execution, Sarpam Pattu is most pleasing of all Poojas to the serpents. This holy ceremony is to be conducted once every forty-one years.There are records of SarpamPattu held several times, After 1073 M.E. it has been continual except for once. The details of the Sarpam Pattu of 1074 have been recorded clearly. Thereafter in 1151 (1976) M.E. this ceremony attracted public attention. 

The conducting  of Sarppam Pattu requires a lot of expenditure  and manpower for many months. Six to Seven Kanyakas (virgin Brahmin girls), Amma and ValiaAmma participate in the Poojas that may last for many weeks, until the Amma realises in her trance that Nagaraja is satisfied with the Pooja. Separate poojas are offered to the nine Nagas namely Nagaraja, SarppaYakshi, Naga Yakshi, Naga Chamundi, NilavaraMuthassan, Kuzhinagam, Kari Nagam, Mani Nagam and Para Nagam during these days. The women of the family who partake in this festivity avoid rice meals during these days, as part of the rituals. 

( My note- this also is entirely new information since it is performed once every  41 years. This means in our lifetime  we can witness  maximum  two )

The Yajnavedi (the venue of Yajna) is in the yard south of the cellar. When floor decorations, songs, serpent dance, and sacrifice for serpents as well as NurumPalum are performed in the presence of ValiaAmma, the place around the fire-lab becomes a fantasy world of devotion, thanks to the songs of Poojas and dances, the many types of musical performances, the decorations, the accompaniments etc. At such times the temple gates are not closed. The rituals that go for days and nights last until the day when Amma becomes divinely possessed and makes prophetic announcements. 

27 Pallippana and Gandharva Song

 Pallippana[ divine song ] is celebrated the year after the Sarpam Pattu. It is the 'pana' performed by the Velan tribe. Gandharva song is held during the year after Pallippana. The 'Kurups'[ an Ambalavasi community] draw the figures on the ground known as Kalam[something like sand-mandala], ValiaAmma performs the Pooja; and this is known as GandharvanPattu. 

( My note- This also is entirely new information since it is performed once every 41 years. This means in our  lifetime we can witness maximum  two )

28.PulasarpamPattu

PulasarppamPattu is an annual offering in Pulakkavu, situated to the northeast of Illam. The main Pooja here is NurumPalum. ValiaAmma has the right to offer pooja. (NurumPalum is offered here regularly on Ayilyam Day in Kumbham or on any other Ayilyam coming thereafter). Normally the Noorumpalum Pooja is conducted by senior priest

29 .Kavumattam and Sarpabali

Families without serpent groves are rare in Kerala. It is believed that several hardships arise from the anger of serpents when people encroach or clear these holy small jungles. Kavumattam is a traditional ritual performed to shift the serpents from their place of permanent residence to a place that they deserve which pleases them and honours them.Kavumattam is done with the blessings and instructions from ValiaAmma. There are rituals concerning the installations of Chitrakudas. The serpent deities that are brought over through invocation are installed in Chitrakudas and propitiated with special Poojas. Rows of Chitrakudas installed in this way can be seen in the jungle to the northwest of the temple. 

30. Bhajanam at Mannarasala

Those who suffer from incurable diseases, those possessed by fear as a result of the anger of serpents and thereby find life unendurable - all of them visit there  to stay and pray (bhajanam) and go back with their wishes fulfilled. There are some special ritual practices and regulations for this bhajana. 

My note- In recent years I have not seen bhaganam in the temple.

30a UruliKamizthal [ inversion of the circular shallow bronze vessel]

In recent times, the fame of this temple has been spread far and wide for the prayers granted to childless couples. The 'UruliKamazhthal' offering with devotion and prayers, has helped numerous devotees to bear  children  

There is a  pond on southern side of the temple. Devotees have to wash their feet and enter the temple. A water tap is also provided to wash the feet for those not familiar with ponds. 

31. Offerings

Mannarasala is a place where prayers have been granted, where Serpent-worship has been sanctified for ages. we don't have to worry about what can be dedicated to propitiate the Lord Nagaraja and the serpent gods. One may offer anything he/she can afford, such as things, which will make the serpents happy (articles that can be used in Abhisheka and Alankara; incense, flowers, lamp etc., which can be used for worship.)                

31.1 Main offerings:

a)For wealth and prosperity: A pot filled with gold or a golden pot filled with other things.

b)For education, prosperity and fame:    Silk, grains, divine ornaments. 

c)For recovering health: Salt

d)For protection from poison:       Turmeric

e)For curing diseases:      Pepper, mustard, green peas etc. 

f)For protection from damage:       Serpent cave made of gold etc., images of serpents' eggs, tree, earth etc., 

g)For long life     Melted butter (ghee)

h) For getting whatever one wishes:        Milk, ripe kadalai fruit, and nilavara payasam.

g)For bearing children    a vessel named Uruli made of brass, bronze etc. for   performing 'NurumPalum'.  

32. The rates for different offerings can be referred  from temple website www. Mannarsala.org

The current rate for NoorumPalum is Rs 101-00. and for one-day poojaRs 751-00  We has to book in advance  for them. It is performed on every Ayilyam day of the month.  I performed Noorumpalum in Mannarsala temple in 1997 for my daughter. At that time they desired our presence before the altar during the pooja.

Urulikamizthu is charged Rs 25-00 and Nimazthu too Rs25-00. It is  advised to source pooja materials like salt, turmeric, puttu (abode of serpents), Sarppavigraham, Uruli etc. from the outlet of Devaswom. Sarppavigraham, Mutta( egg), Puttu etc. should be made only of any four metals like Gold, Silver, Iron or brass.

D.D./ or Money Order  for any offering should be addressed as -   THE MANAGER

Mannarassala Temple, Mannarassala P.O.

Harippad, Kerala India Pin : 690550.

33. UruliKamizhthal Details

Since many members may be interested about UruliKamizthal offering I am reproducing the procedure told in the website

UruliKamazhthu in Nilavara (offering of traditional bronze vessel) is one of the most popular devotees offering in Mannarasala. Known for begetting children to couples, thousands of people visit  to carry out this sacred and rare offering to Nagaraja. 

According to temple sources, there are certain strict rituals to be followed for this offering. This offering is advised only for married couples that have not been able t bear  children for years, since their marriage.                                    The couple should come to the temple and pray to the God for his blessings. Receipts for the offering have to be taken from the administration office. Offering includes a bronze Uruli that can be used to cook at least a score of rice, a Nilavilakku (bronze lamp), garland etc. In the presence of the temple authorities, the couples should offer the Uruli with its mouth upwards in front of the Nagaraja shrine after three circumambulation of the  temple with due prayers. 

An offering has to be given to Sarpayakshi as well. After Pooja, Valiamma will take the Uruli to Nilavara and it will be kept upside down, which will be opened only after the couples get a child. Expenses for this offering are charted in a way to offer at least two Kadali fruits every day to Nagaraja, for about one year.

Once the couples are blessed with child, they should visit  the temple along with the child for prayers. They should submit either silver cradle or a miniature baby in gold or a miniature divine serpent in gold to the Nagaraja, in accordance to their financial abilities. Then Valiamma will open their Uruli kept in the Nilavara after due prayers. 

According to temple sources, devotees can source all that are required for this offering from the temple administration office at nominal costs. Normally more than 5000 Urulis are offered in a year at this temple.

MANNARSALA NAGARAJA TEMPLE 5

Continued from part 4

34. About Valiyamma and pooja in Mannarsala

The beliefs and rituals associated with the Mannarasala temple are different from most other temples, and this is a peculiar temple where the puja pattern is headed by a Brahmin lady (Nampoothiri). Legends say that when the Muthassan left for the Cellar (More details in History), he had given certain rights and instructions to his mother. He instructed that 'Mother herself must offer his worship. On certain special days men may be given a chance to worship.

After Mother's time, the senior-most Brahmin lady in the family will have the status of the Mother. From the time the mother assumes this high position Mother should live as a brahmacharini and observe penance.Those who worship me with devotion will bear  children, will be cured of diseases, will have long life, health and wealth; the men of the family will have the title of 'Vasukisridevi''. He reminded that the rituals and customs suggested by Parasurama are inviolable. 

ValiaAmma is the heart and soul of Mannarasala. The resplendent brightness of ValiaAmma who has turned into a symbol of Naga deities through fasting and other austerities has not dimmed in the least by now as a result of the performance of rituals and poojas. Pilgrims cannot leave Mannarasala without seeing that fascinating divine glow with their own eyes and feeling contended. The sight of faithful devotees, who come here to seek the blessings of Nagaraja, waiting for long to see the flicker of the eyes of the great mother, so serene and compassionate and filled with blessings, continues even today. The Valiyamma can be met at the illam and in temple when she is free. She hears the sufferings, thinks and offer Bhasmam after chanting mantras. 

ValiaAmma has a special pattern of pooja everyday, She has special pooja pathrams. She must perform pooja in the sanctum sanctorum itself on certain days viz :- 

a) On the first day of every month, Malayalam calendar

b)On the day of Pooyam star each month, Malayalam calendar.

c)From the beginning of Magha to the eve of Sivaratri. Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam.

d)From the 1st to the `12th of Karkitakam.

e)Twelve days before Ayilyam in Kanni and Tulam.

f)On the Ayilyam day of every month: the special NurumPalum in front of Nilavara at the Illam. 

g) On Sivaratri day; Sarpabali in the temple. 

h)On the day after Sivaratri: NurumPalum in Nilavara and AppooppanKavu. ( If it becomes inconvenient to perform these poojas, nobody is to do it as a substitute)

She will be assisted by other Nampoothiri  priests in poojas. Brahmins (Iyers and Tamil Brahmins) if a request is made  are permitted to go near the sanctum and offer prayers in Mannarsala

35. Valiyamma while attaining Samadhi

When the earthly life of a ValiaAmma ends, the ceremony of cremation is different from that of other family members. The dead body is placed in the four-chambered house of the illam. (The 'Samadhi' itself will be in the southern hall of the four-chambered building). The cremation is held in a particular place between the temple and the Illam. During these days, only milk and fruit will be offered in the temple ( After offering nivedyam the door will be closed immediately and will be opened the next day; on that day also it will be closed as on the day before. The mourning goes on like this for three days). 

36 About Former Valiyamma

The former ValiaAmma, who attained Samadhi on 24th October 1993, had a long and expert experience in Nagapooja, and was a great hermitess; a brahmacharini. When she attained Samadhi at the age of 91, she had completed many decades as ValiaAmma.

She, Savitri Antharjanam, was born on Anizham Star in the Month of Tulam 1079, and her wedding was on 18th of Chingam 1092. She assumed the position of ValiaAmma on 28th Tulam 1093 and started Nagarajapooja on 23rd Makaram 1094. Her Satabhishekam (Celebrations for completing 80 years of age) was celebrated with great pomp and splendour on 4th November 1986). 

When she attained Samadhi, numerous leaders and prominent personalities from different walks of life had flowed to Mannarasala to pay homage to that great spiritual hermitess.

37. About ValiaAmma of today

 

ValiaAmma of today is Uma Devi Antharjanam, and she was consecrated as the ValiaAmma on 24th October  1993, when she was 64 years old. She is also the wife of the late Shri. M.G.Narayanan Namboothiri. I had the fortune of meeting her about a year ago when I visited to the temple.

38 Instructions to devotees

Parasurama, who installed the deities at the Mannarasala temple, also had given inviolable instructions to be followed to preserve the sanctity of the place, as well as to take care of the Naga deities in the blessed land made by him.

38.1Serpent grooves

He instructed that every individual born in Kerala, without discrimination, should worship serpent gods every day and set apart, as a serpent grove, one-fourth of his compound in the south-east or south-west corner. 

He should offer worship to the serpents that live in the serpent's pits, chitrakudas etc., and who are visible deities, with fear, devotion and faith. The worship of serpents should be carried out with great respect for the good of their ancestors, as well as their family deities, and for the prosperity of their own family. 

38.2Do not harm serpents

Do not destroy the trees, the groves and the pits in the jungle; do not pollute the groves in any way; do not damage the eggs of serpents; do not do anything that might cause the destruction of serpents. 

If serpents are turned into enemies, dangers like early death, family disaster, incurable diseases, poverty, insanity, possession by devils etc. will happen inevitably.

38.3 If you err out of ignorance

You may commit mistakes unwittingly; if so, visit  Mannarasala, to the presence of Nagaraja, straightaway, feeling repentance, make offerings according to your capacity; dedicate to the Lord gifts and presents. Nagaraja, who loves those who depend on him and is devoted to his devotees, will forgive everything, and give his blessings.

39. Trustees of the temple

Mannarsala is a private temple. It is not under Travancore Devaswam Board.

Traditions are very important for the devoted sacred family of Mannarasala to maintain the sanctity of the dwelling place of Nagaraja. They observe it with inexorable commitment and worship to the deities. As a result the temple affairs are managed and monitored by a trust formulated for the purpose, which includes only members of the sacred family. 

The main reason for the prosperity and the unbroken visits of pilgrims, which are on the rise DAY BY DAY AND MINUTE BY MINUTE, is the fact that irrespective of the rising expenses for the traditional offering of worship, the members of the family are attending to them without the slight change and with complete and sincere co-operation. 

The temple trust is very strict to follow the pooja pattern and administrative affairs of the temple, in accordance to the ancient documents and instructions by the ValiaAmmas from time to time. Though it is not advised to alter the sanctum sanctorum, in order to help the millions of devotees who wish to have a darshan of the Lord and to offer worships, various infrastructures with modern day amenities have been built around the temple.

The temple trust also runs an upper primary school, renowned for many decades, to spread the light of knowledge among the rural community in and around the Mannarassala village. 

Currently, Sri.M.V.Subramanian Namboothiri is the President of the Mannarassala temple trust, and the other trustees are Sri.M.N.Narayanan Namboothiri, Sri.M.K.Parameswaran Namboothiri and Sri. M.G.Vasudevan Namboothiri. We may frequently find  them within the temple or temple premises.

40. Conclusion

I find it as a divine blessing I could make a posting about the Mannarsala temple. Finding a lot of additional information, there may be many that have even not heard of .. I pray Lord Nagaraja for HIS blessings for our well-being and giving me an opportunity to write about the temple in the groups, which would be read by many. 

(Concluded)