Mannarasala Ayilyam is a famous festival celebrated at the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple in Kerala, India. This temple is dedicated to Nagaraja, the King of Serpents, and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of snake worship. The festival takes place annually during the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November) on the Ayilyam asterism, which is considered sacred for serpent worship.
Mannarasala Ayilyam is a grand event, attracting thousands of devotees from all over the country. It is believed that participating in this festival brings blessings and protection from snake-related fears and ailments. The main highlight of the festival is a special pooja (ritual) and procession led by the temple’s head priestess, known as the “Valiyamma”. This is unique because Mannarasala Temple is one of the few temples where the chief priest is a woman.
During the celebrations, devotees offer turmeric, milk, and other items to the serpent idols in the temple. They also visit the sacred groves (Sarpa Kavu) surrounding the temple, where they perform rituals to seek the deity’s blessings. The air is filled with the sound of traditional music and the aroma of incense, creating a divine atmosphere.
Mannarasala Ayilyam is not just a religious event but also a cultural gathering, symbolizing the deep-rooted beliefs and traditions of Kerala. It reflects the people’s respect for nature and reverence for the serpent gods, making it a significant festival in the region.
Mannarasala Ayilyam Festival Dates & Venue
The Ayilyam festival is celebrated annually in the month of Thulam (month as per the local calendar of Malayalam), which generally falls in October or November. In 2024 Ayilyam festival will be held on October 26 at Sree Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala. The temple attracts a huge footfall on this day, which includes tourists and devotees alike. The temple holds immense significance for the couples dealing with fertility issues. Devotees believe that the turmeric paste available at the temple has curative powers. Local administration often declares an off so that people can celebrate and take part in the festivities of this religious festival.
History Of Mannarasala Ayilyam
The festival has been a part of the local culture of Mannarasala for ages now. According to the legends, Shree Nagaraja Temple is believed to have been built by Lord Parshurama. Initially, Lord Parshuram appointed a local priest from Irinjalakuda Gramam to conduct day-to-day ceremonies and perform holy rituals. He devoted his life to the service of a serpent lord; however, after several years, a fire broke out in the forest surrounding the temple. During this crisis, many snakes in the forest succumbed to the heat, and many got injured. The priest's wife took care of the remaining snakes of the forest like a mother. Lord Nagaraja, pleased with her devotion, told her in the dream that he would take birth from her womb.
After a few years, she gave birth to twins, one of whom was Lord Nagaraja himself. Both the brothers grew up together, but Lord Nagaraja later attained samadhi. Before disappearing into the underground cellar of the Illom, he appointed his mother as the priest of the temple and advised her about all the rituals to be executed in the temple. Since then, only a Brahmin lady has been appointed to this position to perform all the sacred ceremonies. Locals believe that praying to Lord Nagaraja on this day removes Sarp Dosha and blesses childless couples with children.
Major Attractions Of Mannarasala Ayilyam Festival, Alappuzha
The Mannarasala Ayilyam Festival in Alappuzha, Kerala, is a grand celebration dedicated to the serpent deities. This annual festival, held at the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, is filled with vibrant rituals and unique traditions. Here are some of the major attractions of the festival:
1. Special Poojas and Rituals
During the Ayilyam day, the temple conducts various special poojas and rituals to honor the serpent deities. The rituals are led by the chief priestess, known as the "Valiyamma." Devotees believe that these offerings help in removing doshas (curses) and bring blessings of fertility and prosperity.
2. Procession Led by the Priestess
One of the key highlights is the grand procession led by the Valiyamma. She carries the sacred idols of the serpent gods from the temple to the sacred grove (Sarpa Kavu) within the temple premises. The procession is accompanied by traditional music, chants, and the rhythmic beats of temple drums, creating a divine and festive atmosphere.
3. Offerings to Serpent Idols
Devotees offer items like turmeric, milk, and rice to the serpent idols as a symbol of devotion and gratitude. Many also offer special food items and light lamps to seek the blessings of the serpent gods for protection from ailments and fulfillment of wishes.
4. Traditional Music and Dance Performances
The festival includes various cultural performances such as traditional music and dance forms, adding to the festive mood. These performances reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and keep the devotees entertained throughout the celebrations.
5. Decorated Temple and Sacred Groves
The entire temple and the surrounding sacred groves are beautifully decorated with flowers, lamps, and traditional art forms. The serene environment of the temple and the lush greenery of the groves enhance the spiritual experience for the devotees.
Mannarasala Ayilyam is a unique and deeply spiritual festival that not only attracts devotees but also draws tourists who are curious to witness the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Kerala.
How To Reach Haripad
Mannarasala Ayilyam Festival is held at a temple in Haripad that is located in Alappuzha district in Kerala which is also known as Alleppey. It is conveniently accessible by roadways, railways, and airways. Here, we have compiled some of the best routes that you may consider to reach Haripad.
- Nearest City. Alleppey
- Nearest Airbase. Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead. Haripad (HAD)
- Distance from Alleppey. 32.2 km via Panvel - Kochi - Kanyakumari Hwy
By Air
Cochin International Airport is the nearest to Haripad. After deboarding the flight, you may take a taxi or a bus to cover another 114km to reach Haripad, which will take nearly 3 hours via NH 66. The airport manages the arrival and departure of non-stop/connecting domestic and international flights.
- Distance from Cochin International Airport. 114 km
By Rail
Haripad railway station is where you must deboard the train to enjoy and be a part of the festivities. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or board a bus to reach your desired destination.
By Road
You can arrive here via inter-state tourist buses from nearby cities or by driving to Haripad in your vehicle. Haripad is linked to other cities via well-maintained highways, which make it easily accessible by road. Listed below are the estimated distance and the best route that you may take if you are arriving from nearby cities or all metropolitan cities in India.
- Distance from Madurai. 282km via Kollam Thirumangalam Road
- Distance from Coimbatore. 270km via NH 544
- Distance from Kozhikode. 260km via NH 66
- Distance from Thiruvananthapuram. 115km via NH 66
- Distance from Mangalore. 496km via NH 66
- Distance from Bengaluru. 627km via NH 44
- Distance from Delhi. 2700km via NH 44,
- Distance from Mumbai. 1300 km via AH 47
- Distance from Kolkata. 2300km via NH 16
Conclusion
The Maharana Pratap Museum in Udaipur offers more than a typical museum experience. It’s a gateway to the past, where visitors can immerse themselves in the life of a legendary warrior. Rather than just viewing historical artifacts, the museum provides an engaging journey through the valor and courage of Maharana Pratap. Through captivating displays and an exciting light and sound show, guests can truly experience the warrior’s story. It’s an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and those eager to explore India’s rich heritage of bravery and resilience.
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FAQs Related to Mannarasala Ayilyam Festival, Kerala
Q.1 What is the history behind the Maharana Pratap Museum?
A.1 The Maharana Pratap Museum is a prominent museum dedicated to showcasing the life and achievements of Maharana Pratap Singh (1540-1597), a legendary Rajput warrior and the 13th ruler of the Mewar Kingdom.
Q.2 Where exactly is Maharana Pratap Museum located?
A.2 The Maharana Pratap Museum is located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Q.3 What are the museum's opening and closing times?
A.3 The museum welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, operating throughout the week.
Q.4 How much does it cost to visit the museum?
A.4 The cost to visit the museum is INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for Children. The entry cost for the light and sound show is INR 35 for all age groups.
Q.5 What are some artefacts and exhibits on display at the museum?
A.5 The artefacts and exhibits on display at the museum are paintings and portraits, an impressive collection of weapons, and ancient manuscripts, letters, and documents.
Q.6 Are there any guided tours available at the museum?
A.6 Yes, there are guided tours available at the museum.
Q.7 Is photography allowed inside the museum?
A.7 Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum at no additional cost.
Q.8 Are there any restrictions on what visitors can bring inside the museum?
A.8 No, there are no restrictions on what visitors can bring inside the museum.
Q.9 Is there any parking available at the museum?
A.9 Yes, the museum offers parking facilities at an additional cost of approximately INR 150.
Q.10 Are there any nearby attractions or places to visit after visiting the Maharana Pratap Museum?
A.10 The museum is situated in proximity to several popular tourist destinations, including Lake Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Nehru Garden, Lake Palace, Sajjangarh Palace, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Sanjay Gandhi Park, and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal.
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