December 20, 2025 
Important Days and Dates
- Ayilyam Festival: The most important festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October–November). Thousands of devotees visit for special rituals and serpent worship.
- Annual Poornam Festival: Special poojas, rituals, and offerings are performed.
- Shivaratri and other local temple festivals also see increased footfall.
How to Reach
Delhi to Mannarasala Temple:
- By Air: Fly from Delhi to Kochi International Airport. From Kochi Airport, the temple is around 110 km away.
- By Train: Take a train from New Delhi to Haripad Railway Station (nearest station to the temple, approx. 3 km).
- By Road: Drive or take a taxi from Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram via NH 66.
Ahmedabad to Mannarasala Temple:
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad to Kochi International Airport. Travel by road to the temple (110 km approx.).
- By Train: Trains are available from Ahmedabad to Haripad with connecting routes.
- By Road: Long-distance road journey, not recommended compared to air travel.
History of the Temple
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, located near Haripad in Kerala, is one of the most famous temples dedicated to serpent worship. The temple is traditionally associated with the legend of Lord Ananta (the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests). According to mythology, the temple was created after Parasurama reclaimed land from the sea. The serpents, suffering from the heat of the newly formed land, were pacified by special rituals performed by sages.
Another key legend states that the first priestess (Mannarasala Amma) received divine blessings from the serpent gods, and even today, the temple is managed traditionally with a woman as the chief priest—an uncommon feature in Kerala temples.
The temple contains over 30,000 serpent idols placed in the sacred grove (Kavu). Devotees come here seeking blessings for fertility, health, protection, prosperity, and removal of serpent-related doshas.
Description
Important Days and Dates
- Ayilyam Festival: The most important festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October–November). Thousands of devotees visit for special rituals and serpent worship.
- Annual Poornam Festival: Special poojas, rituals, and offerings are performed.
- Shivaratri and other local temple festivals also see increased footfall.
How to Reach
Delhi to Mannarasala Temple:
- By Air: Fly from Delhi to Kochi International Airport. From Kochi Airport, the temple is around 110 km away.
- By Train: Take a train from New Delhi to Haripad Railway Station (nearest station to the temple, approx. 3 km).
- By Road: Drive or take a taxi from Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram via NH 66.
Ahmedabad to Mannarasala Temple:
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad to Kochi International Airport. Travel by road to the temple (110 km approx.).
- By Train: Trains are available from Ahmedabad to Haripad with connecting routes.
- By Road: Long-distance road journey, not recommended compared to air travel.
History of the Temple
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, located near Haripad in Kerala, is one of the most famous temples dedicated to serpent worship. The temple is traditionally associated with the legend of Lord Ananta (the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests). According to mythology, the temple was created after Parasurama reclaimed land from the sea. The serpents, suffering from the heat of the newly formed land, were pacified by special rituals performed by sages.
Another key legend states that the first priestess (Mannarasala Amma) received divine blessings from the serpent gods, and even today, the temple is managed traditionally with a woman as the chief priest—an uncommon feature in Kerala temples.
The temple contains over 30,000 serpent idols placed in the sacred grove (Kavu). Devotees come here seeking blessings for fertility, health, protection, prosperity, and removal of serpent-related doshas.
