Mannarasala Ayilyam

About this place

Mannarasala Ayilyam is the principal annual festival of Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple at Haripad in Alappuzha district, a renowned centre of serpent worship set within a densely wooded sacred grove. Dedicated to Nagaraja and associated serpent deities, the temple is distinctive for its forest-like setting, numerous serpent images placed along pathways and beneath trees, and the traditional role of a Brahmin woman of the Mannarasala Illam as the chief priestess. The major Ayilyam festival is observed on the Ayilyam asterism during the Malayalam month of Thulam, generally corresponding to October and November. The festival's central ritual feature is the ceremonial procession in which serpent idols from the temple and sacred grove are carried to the ancestral Mannarasala Illam. The Valiya Amma, the senior priestess, traditionally carries the idol of Nagaraja at the head of the procession, followed by other important serpent deities. At the Illam, special prayers and offerings are performed, making the procession and associated rituals a major part of the day's observances. Among the temple's important offerings and rituals are Noorum Palum, involving rice flour and milk, and other traditional forms of serpent worship. Devotees visit Mannarasala throughout the year and particularly during Ayilyam to offer prayers and seek blessings according to their religious beliefs. The temple is especially associated with prayers connected with fertility and family well-being, while turmeric is an important traditional offering at the shrine. Mannarasala's traditions are rooted in Kerala's long-established practice of preserving serpent groves, or sarpa kavu, where snakes and serpent deities are venerated within protected natural settings. The wooded environment surrounding the temple is therefore an important part of its cultural character, reflecting the close relationship between religious practice and the preservation of sacred vegetation in Kerala. The festival attracts large numbers of devotees and visitors and offers an opportunity to observe a living tradition in its customary religious setting. Visitors should remember that Ayilyam is a sacred temple observance rather than a conventional cultural spectacle and should respect temple customs, ritual spaces and instructions from the authorities. The 2026 Mannarasala Ayilyam is scheduled for November 2, according to Kerala Tourism's current festival calendar. As festival timings and ritual arrangements are governed by temple traditions, visitors should confirm the latest programme before travelling

🚆 Railway: Haripad Railway Station is the nearest railway station, approximately 4 km from Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 100–103 km from the temple.

🚌 Bus: Haripad KSRTC Bus Stand is approximately 2.4 km from the temple, with local road transport available for the onward journey.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, lodges and homestays are available in Haripad and surrounding areas. During the Ayilyam festival, advance accommodation arrangements are advisable because of the large pilgrim turnout.

✅ Notes: The 2026 Mannarasala Ayilyam is listed for November 2, 2026 in Kerala Tourism's current festival calendar. The main festival is held during Thulam on the Ayilyam asterism. Visitors should follow temple dress and conduct requirements and respect restrictions around ritual areas.