Mannarsala Ayiliyam 2013 Date - Mannarshala Sree Nagaraja Temple Aayilyam Festival

Mannarsala Sree Nagaraja Temple located at Mannarsala near Harippad in Alappuzha district is a unique temple dedicated to the snake gods or Nagas in Hinduism. Mannarsala Ayiliyam 2013 date is October 28 and it is one of the most important festivals in this temple which attracts devotees from all around the world. The temple is dedicated to Sree Nagaraja and is believed to have been built by Lord Parashurama and the main priest in this temple is always a female.

Legend has it that Lord Parashurama had appointed a priest from the Mannarasala Illam (a Brahmin home is referred to as illam in Kerala) at Sree Nagaraja Temple. The family still continues to look after the temple. Once a major fire broke out in a forest near Mannarsala village and several snakes were hurt. A childless couple in the family looked after the snakes and took care of them. Pleased with their devotion, Sree Nagaraja blessed them with twins. One child was Sree Nagaraja himself – a five hooded snake. After few years He took Samadhi. It is believed that He still lives in the cellar in Mannarasala Illam.

Before disappearing, Sree Nagaraja gave advice regarding the pujas and rituals to be followed at the temple to His mother and appointed her the priest of the temple. The main priest in the family is known as Valliamma.

Mannarsala Ayiliyam is observed in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October – November). The festival is associated with the visit of the erstwhile Travancore Royal family to the Temple. It is believed that worshiping on the day will help in removing all sorts of Sarpadoshas and childless couples will be blessed with children.

Ayiliyam is one of the nakshatras, or stars, and it is believed that the ideal day to propitiate nagas or snakes is the Ayiliyam nakshatram day.

You can find more information and pictures about this unique temple here at the official website of Mannarshala Sree Nagaraja Temple.