Ayilyam rituals at Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple | Photo: Jackson AraatukulamKochi: The annual Ayilyam rituals at Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, known for its unique worship of serpent gods which has the distinction of having a woman as chief priestess got under way with the ezhunallathu of the Nagaraja Thirumukham and Nagaphanam by Mannarasala Amma Umadevi Antharjanam and the thattinmel noorum palum ritual by the male head or the karanavar of the Mannarasala illam.
More than lakh devotees from various parts of the state thronged the temple near Haripad in Alappuzha district to witness the holy rituals.
The ayilyam rituals started Tuesday with the opening of the temple for Nirmalyadarsanam at 3.30 am which was followed by special poojas administered by the karanavar.
From 8 am onwards the Amma gave darsan to devotees near the nilavara in the illam.
After the nivedyam, prasadamoottu took place at 10 am. This was followed by the Nagakkalam rituals administered by the karanavar.
At 1 pm the ezhunallathu, with the Mannarasala Amma carrying the Nagaraja thirumukham and Nagaphanam, the elayamma carrying the idol of the Sarpayakshiyamma and the karanavars carrying the idols of Nagachamundiyamma and Nagayakshiyamma took place.
As the ezhunallathu reached the illam, the Amma performed the usual poojas which was followed by the Thattil Noorumpalum ritual conducted by the karanavar, which marked the end of the Ayilyam Mahotsavam.
(With agency inputs)
