Mannarasala
Sree Nagraja Temple
32 km south of Alappuzha
Situated
near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahman family,
headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim
centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are
the beloved consorts of Nagaraja.
It is believed that Nagaraja as the
installed diety is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit
of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth
to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to
safeguard the family.
At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed
with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited
with powers to cure even leprosy
