Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is one of the most ancient, sacred, and unique temples in Kerala, renowned worldwide as a powerful center of serpent (Naga) worship. Located near Haripad in Alappuzha district, the temple is set within a dense, serene forest grove that preserves a rare ecosystem, symbolizing harmony between spirituality and nature. The entire temple complex is considered holy, and even fallen leaves or soil are traditionally not removed, reflecting deep ecological reverence rooted in ancient beliefs.
The presiding deity of the temple is Nagaraja (King of Serpents), accompanied by Nagayakshi, and the shrine houses more than 30,000 serpent idols, making it one of the largest serpent groves in India. According to legend, the temple was consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the mythical creator of Kerala. Mannarasala holds a distinctive tradition where rituals are led by a Brahmin woman known as the Valia Amma, believed to be divinely chosen, which is exceptionally rare in Hindu temple practices.
Mannarasala is especially revered by devotees seeking blessings for fertility, childbirth, marital harmony, and relief from Sarpa Dosha (serpent-related astrological afflictions). Thousands of couples from across India visit the temple to perform offerings such as Uruli Kamazhthal (placing a bell-metal vessel upside down) and Ashta Nagapooja, praying for progeny and family well-being. The belief in the temple’s spiritual power has been sustained through centuries of faith and tradition.
One of the most important events at Mannarasala is the annual Ayilyam Festival, held during the Malayalam month of Kanni (September–October). On this auspicious day, elaborate poojas, rituals, and special offerings are conducted, attracting a massive gathering of devotees. The atmosphere during the festival is deeply spiritual, with chants, oil lamps, and the sacred forest resonating with devotion and tranquility.
Architecturally, the temple follows traditional Kerala style, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The absence of grand structures emphasizes humility, purity, and closeness to nature, reinforcing the belief that the serpent gods reside within the living forest itself. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple stands not just as a place of worship, but as a timeless symbol of Kerala’s spiritual heritage, ancient ecology, and enduring faith.