Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple(Malayalam: മണ്ണാറശാല ശ്രീ നാഗരാജാക്ഷേത്രം) in Haripad is a totally ancient and the world over recognised centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods (Nagaraja). The well-known Nagaraja temple “Mannarasala” in Haripad is nestled in a woodland glade, like most snake temples. The Mannarasala Temple has over 100,000 images of snakes along the paths and many of the bushes, and is the biggest such temple in Kerala. Couples searching for fertility come to worship here, and upon the start of their infant come to maintain thanksgiving ceremonies right here, regularly bringing new snake images as services. A unique turmeric paste which is available on the temple is credited with curative powers.

Even though the legends related to the origin of an area cannot be deemed as its records, the story on the evolution of Mannarasala as one of the primary places of worship of the Serpent Gods is associated with Lord Parashurama who is extensively believed to be the creator of Kerala. This history of Mannarasala has been referred to inside the ‘Mandara Salodyam’, a Sanskrit poem written by means of Mannarasala M.G. Narayanan Namboothiri of the sacred circle of relatives based totally at the money owed and legends surpassed down and vintage scriptures and books to be had with the temple.

Lord Parashurama to be able to release himself from the sin of killing Kshatriyas approached the holy Rishis. They suggested that he have to make a gift of a land of his very own to the Brahmins. Parashurama, the son of jamadagni, propitiated Varuna to get a few land for himself. He threw into sea the awl which Lord Shiva had given him along with his benefits. For that reason he reclaimed the land from the sea and gave it as a present to the Brahmins in line with the rites. This land got here to be referred to as Kerala. This piece of land, however turned into no longer liveable because of the salinity of the soil and as a end result humans commenced to leave the vicinity. Any other cause for the Brahmins leaving the land became because Kerala, complete of forests, became heavily infested with extraordinarily poisonous snakes. To get protection from the snakes Snake worship become initiated. Bharghavarama became pained at this. He undertook a penance to delight Lord Shiva, who suggested him that the goal could be realized most effective if the flaming poison of the serpents turned into unfold into the soil and that the best method of doing that was the worship of Nagaraja. Parashurama set out together with his disciples looking for a abandoned jungle with a view to please Nagaraja. He located a appropriate location close to the beach within the southern a part of Kerala. Happy with having determined a proper location for the conclusion of his cherished dream, the extremely good Rishi constructed a Theerthasthala for the overall performance of the penance.

A pleased Nagaraja, appeared earlier than Parashurama, willing to grant him his choice. Consistent with the poem with the aid of Mannarasala M.G.Narayanan Namboothiri, the Nagaraja made his appearance as though : ” The unspeakable beauty of thousands and thousands of moons! The bright magnificence of emeralds caught to the hoods. Golden jewels made attractive with the aid of unbelievable embroidery! Lotus feet worshiped by means of crowds of Gods! Incredible splendor of shape, full of youthfulness!”. Parasurama prostrated on the lotus feet of Nagaraja and prayed to recognize his objective. Nagaraja granted his request with tremendous pleasure. Ferocious serpents arrived at the spot right away to unfold the flaming Kalakuda poison. Due to the percolation of poison, the land of Kerala was desalinated, to grow to be liveable with resentful greenery. Parasurama then asked the Lord to bless the land all the time with his everlasting presence which turned into additionally conventional by means of the kindly-disposed Nagaraja.