Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple – Kerala

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a renowned and ancient pilgrimage center located in the verdant town of Haripad in Alappuzha district, Kerala. It is one of the most famous serpent temples in India, deeply rooted in the traditions of serpent worship. With a serene forest-like environment and thousands of serpent idols lining its paths, this temple stands as a unique spiritual and cultural landmark. The temple attracts devotees from across the country, especially those seeking blessings for fertility, prosperity, and relief from Sarpa Dosha.

Temple About

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is an ancient and revered shrine dedicated to Nagaraja (King of Serpents). It is a significant center for serpent worship in Kerala, believed to have divine powers to bless devotees with children and cure ailments caused by snake curses.

Temple Description

The temple complex is set in a lush, tranquil forest area, with more than 30,000 serpent idols placed under trees and along the temple paths. The rituals are uniquely led by Mannarasala Amma, the senior-most woman of the temple’s Brahmin family. This matriarchal system and the mystical ambiance give the temple a rare and sacred atmosphere.

Temple Specialty

Presiding Deity: Nagaraja, with Naga Yakshi and other serpents

Famous for fulfilling wishes of childless couples

Ritual: Uruli Kamazhthal for fertility

Main festival: Mannarasala Ayilyam

Temple rituals led by a woman priestess, which is rare in Hindu temples

Temple Address

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple,

Mannarasala PO, Haripad,

Alappuzha District, Kerala – 690514, India

Temple Location (Latitude & Longitude)

9.2846° N, 76.4755° E

Temple Timings

Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

May vary during festivals

Temple Sevas

Uruli Kamazhthal

Noorum Palum

Sarpabali

Naga Pattu

Annadanam

Traveling Facilities

Well-connected by road

Taxis, buses, and autos available from Haripad

Easy access from nearby cities

Food Facilities

Free prasadam on festival days

Restaurants and local eateries in Haripad

Stay Facilities

Temple guest house (limited)

Hotels and lodges in Haripad and Alappuzha

Nearby Railway Station

Haripad Station – 3.5 km

Alappuzha Station – 30 km

Nearby Airport

Cochin Intl. Airport – 115 km

Trivandrum Intl. Airport – 125 km

Nearby Bus Station

Haripad KSRTC Bus Stand – 3 km

Bus Routes to Temple

KSRTC and private buses from Kochi, Trivandrum, Alappuzha, Kottayam to Haripad

Train Routes to Temple

Trains from major cities stop at Haripad Railway Station

Airways to Temple

From Cochin or Trivandrum Airports → taxi or bus to Haripad

Nearby Cities to Temple

Alappuzha (30 km)

Kottayam (55 km)

Kollam (65 km)

Kochi (105 km)

Trivandrum (125 km)

Nearby Visiting Temples & Attractions

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Chettikulangara Devi Temple

Aranmula Temple

Alappuzha Backwaters & Houseboats

Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom

Preferable Visiting Season

October to March (cool and pleasant)

Especially during Ayilyam festival in Thulam month (Oct-Nov)

Shopping Famous For

Serpent idols, brass items

Ayurvedic products

Kerala snacks, banana chips

Handicrafts & textiles

Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is not just a place of devotion but a cultural treasure that blends myth, tradition, and nature. It is particularly revered by devotees seeking fertility and protection from serpent-related afflictions. With its spiritual significance, natural serenity, and unique rituals led by a woman priest, it offers a deeply enriching experience for pilgrims and tourists alike. A visit here is a journey into the mystical traditions of Kerala and the powerful faith of serpent worship.