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.
Additional Inputs:
"Nooru" means rice powder.
The "Noorum Palum" ritual is the offering ("tharpanam") of rice powder, milk, Kadali plantain, and ghee first, and then turmeric powder, tender coconut, Kadali plantain, and ghee later, on a plantain leaf.
This is performed in the center of the "Naga Padmam" (serpent design/pattern) on the floor.
The "Ayilyam Pooja" and "Noorum Palum" are held on every "Ayilyam" nakshatra (Ashlesha Nakshatra) or birtstar day in Kerala temples which has significant Naga Pratishta.