Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

Nestled in a forest glade near Haripad, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja temple is dedicated to the snake god- Nagaraja. Nagaraja is considered to be a form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Flocked by pilgrims and devotees who believe in serpent worshipping, the temple is marked with over thirty thousand paintings and drawings of snakes along the path and over the trees in the surrounding grove. The unique temple is known to have umpteen snakes crawl all over the place at all times- on the steps, in the hedges, on the creepers etc. The majestic shrine is internationally known and is mostly visited by women seeking fertility. And when their prayers are heard, they come here to conduct thanksgiving ceremonies and most of the times bring along more snake paintings to adorn the spot.

The temple has a special turmeric paste offered to the devotees which is believed to possess curative powers. Devotees throng the place in huge numbers to avail this paste which supposedly is capable of curing skin diseases like leprosy. The venerated temple sprawling over an area of 16 acres is managed by a Brahmin family and is headed by a priestess, unlike the generic priest. Besides, the temple has picturesque surroundings to accentuate the charm of the bounteous nature; the premises also house a small quaint pond and an open courtyard blessed with numerous green trees.