The Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple in Haripad is an ancient and well-known pilgrimage destination for followers of snake gods (Nagaraja). Like most snake temples, the famed Nagaraja temple “Mannarasala” at Haripad is in a wooded glade. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple’s timings are from 7 AM to 7 PM.
The Mannarasala Temple is the largest in Kerala, India. It has over 100,000 pictures of snakes along the walkways and among the trees.
Couples wanting conception come here to worship, and after their kid is born, they come here to hold gratitude rituals, frequently bringing fresh snake representations as offerings. A particular turmeric paste sold at the shrine has healing properties.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple History:
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Parasurama, the son of Jamadagini and a descendant of Bhrigu, is the reason behind the development of Mannarasala Nagaraja temple as the supreme seat of worship for the snake Gods.
When Parasurama resolved to beg forgiveness for killing the Kshatriyas, he went to the holy Rishis. They proposed that he give the Brahmins a piece of land of his own.
Parasurama bribed Varuna Deva (the Lord of the Seas) to obtain land. Varuna appeared before him and instructed him to reclaim ground by throwing his Parasu, the axe, into the sea.
Lord Siva gave him the axe. Hence, he tosses it and raises a piece of land from the water, which he delivers to the Brahmins as a gift. So, people believe it is present-day Kerala.
Significance of the Temple:
The Kerala state was a place of salinity. No plants grew here in the past. Parasurama decided to find a solution to this problem.
Lord Shiva advised him to spread the poison everywhere. So, he started a tremendous penance for impressing Nagaraja. Nagaraja was pleased with his penance and appeared in front of the Parasurama.
Parasurama knelt at Nagaraja’s lotus feet and prayed to fulfil his goal. Nagaraja was delighted to approve his request. The ferocious serpents quickly arrived to distribute the burning Kalakuda venom.
The venom desalinated the soil of Kerala and made it habitable. Parasurama then prayed that the Lord bless the land with his eternal presence, likewise approved by the benevolent Nagaraja.
Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple Timings:
The following are the darshan timings of the Mannarasala Nagaraja temple.
Darshan timings:
- Monday to Saturday : 07:00 am – 11:00 pm | 05:30 pm – 07:00 pm
- Sunday : 07:00 am – 12:00 pm | 05:30 pm – 07:00 pm
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How to Reach Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple?
The following are the different transport facilities available for the devotees to reach the temple. So, have a look at the below information.
By Air:
Cochin international airport is the nearest airport to the Mannarasala Nagaraja temple. It is about 120 km from the temple. Trivandram airport is also 140 km away from the temple. You can also travel from this airport.
By Rail: Haripad railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple. It is just 2km from the temple.
By Road: Road route is available to the temple from all the nearby cities, and public transport is also available for the devotees to get to the temple.
So, you can reach the temple without difficulty from all over the State.
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Contact Details:
Nagaraja Temple Contact Number: +91 479 2413214, +91 479 2410200
Email id: info@mannarasala.org.
For the official website of the Mannarasala temple, click here.