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Nagas (Serpents):
The origin of snake worship goes back to remote
antiquity. But in no part of the world is snake worship still such
a live tradition as in kerala. In almost every house in the corner
of the
compount is set apart for a snake shrine called SARPAKAVU.
The propitiation of the serpent god is considered essential to the
well-being
and prosperity of the family. Incidently, with snake worship came also
the principle that what is feared is respected.
MANNARASALA
In Kerala the most important serpent worship centre
is at Mannarasala which is located 3 kms to the north-west of Haripad
in Allappy District. The temple is situated in the midst of a magnificent
grove covering an area of 16 acres. There are thousands of snakes of
granite in this area covered with dense thickets. In the main temple
there are two idols. One of them is NAGARAJA (King)
and the other is NAGAYAKSHI (Queen).
According to legent the Mannarasala grove is the property of a family
whose ancestors are said to have been spread when the Khandava forest
of Punjab was burnt by Loard Krishna and Arjuna. The annual UTSAVAM
at this temple is celibrated on Ayilyam of Thulam (OCT-NOV) when a
large
number of people visit it and make offerings of gold, silver, salt
etc. on this day the serpent gods are taken in procession to the illam
of
Valiamma-the bride of Nagaraja and the eldest female of the family
and offerings of neerum palum (milk & water), flour,turmeric and
boiled rice are made. A unique offering here is offering of uruli,
a small bell
metal vessel, by childless couple. In this manner many couples are
believed to have been blessed with children.
PAMBUMEKKAT
The important serpent worship centre in Trichur
District is situated at Vadama near Mala the south end of the district.
It is known as Pambumekkat under a Nambudiri family. Their household
is full of cobras which find their abode in every cornerof it. Owing
to the magic influence of the family, the serpents will not injure them.
They are said to beck and call of the members of the family and render
unquestionable obedience to their commands. They watch and protect the
family in the utmost zealous spirit.
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