Sree Nagaraja Temple – Mannarasala

About and History

Parashurama wanted to release himself from the sin of killing the Kshatriyas, for which he approached the holy rishis who suggested that he should gift a land of his own to the Brahmins. Parasurama asked Varuna the lord of the seas to give him some land. He threw his ax into the sea and thus raised the land from the sea and gifted it to the Brahmins, this land came to be known as Kerala. The land was not habitable due to its salinity. Parashurama was deeply pained by this and undertook a penance to please Lord Shiva who said to him that the salinity can be removed only by the flaming poison of the serpents. Parashurama began to perform penance to please the Snake god, along with his disciples set out into a deserted jungle to please Nagaraja who was inaccessible beyond anybody’s understanding. He found a suitable place close to the seashore and constructed a Thirthasthala and began his penance.

Nagaraja who was pleased appeared before Parashurama, willing to grant him his desire. The sage prostrated at the feet of Nagaraja and offered his prayers to realize his objective. Nagaraja granted his request and the ferocious serpents arrived at the spot and began to spread the flaming Kalakda poison. After which the land of Kerala became habitable and green. Parashurama requested the Lord to stay in this land forever and bless the residents of this land, which was accepted by Nagaraja.

Parashurama conducted the installation ceremonies as per the Vedic rites and Nagaraja chose to reside in the Mandara trees nearby and the place was called Mandarasala. As time passed, Mandarasala became Mannarasala. Here, the installed deity represents Anantha, who is seen as Lord Vishnu himself, and Vasuki, who is worshiped as Shiva in spirit. Parasurama appointed Brahmins, Tantric experts for performing the poojas, and nominated Kshatriyas, peasants, and the Ashtavaidyas who were supreme amongst the physicians and just brought Kerala into greenery and prosperity. He also gave instructions to be followed to preserve the sanctity of the place and left.

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