Uruli Kamazhthal is a unique ritual performed in temples
dedicated to serpents in Kerala. It is only performed in Nagaraja Temples. It
is considered as a remedy for couples without children. The main ritual
involves offering an uruli, a traditional cooking vessel in Kerala. Uruli Kamuzhthu
means offering the vessel inverted or mouth of the vessel facing down.
The couple along with the priest or administration of the
temple decides on the day to perform the ritual.
During the ritual, couples who do not have children, perform
pradakshina or circumambulation of the temple by chanting prayers. The couple
carries the uruli. Panchavadyam – music created by five instruments famous in
Kerala, accompanies them.
The uruli contains red colored pattu or silk cloth. They
first come to the shrine of Nagayakshi and offer prayers. After seeking her
permission, they come before Nagaraja and offer prayers. Here they perform the
ritual of Uruli Kamizhthu – inverting the vessel.
Special offering of banana and milk are offered to Nagaraja
and Nagayakshi on the occasion.
When the couples have a children, they return to perform Uruli
Nivarthu. The uruli is kept back in its normal usual position.
Please note that in the famous Mannarshala temple, the act
of Uruli Kamizhthu is done by the chief priest or Valiamma. She does it in the nilavara.
She turns it up when the couple offers prayers after having a child.