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Noorum Palum in Kerala Snake Temples – Noorum Palum Ritual

Noorum Palum is a unique ritual dedicated to Nagaraja and Nagayakshi Temples in Kerala. It is one of the most important rituals in temples dedicated to serpents in Kerala. In the ritual special offerings are made to Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. The main ritual involves bathing the naga murtis with milk mixed with rice powder. After this turmeric powder is scattered on the naga murtis.

For the ritual, two Swastika Padmas are drawn on the ground. One drawing is for Nagaraja and another is for Nagayakshi. The drawing is made parallel to each other.

Two thandulas or symbolic representations of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are placed in front of the drawings. Pujas are performed to the accompaniment of traditional music instruments.

During the puja, banana leaves are placed near the drawings. On it cherukuttu pala, thanniplavila and areca nut flower are placed. Milk mixed with rice flour, flowers, leaves and areca nut flower is prepared and offered to Naga murtis on the day.

The entire ceremony ends with Tharpana, Pushpanjali and Deeparadhana.

It must be noted here that the ritual varies from region to region.