SALA, KIZHAKKINI PADINARE NALU ETTUKKETTU
The temple location is a forest; sarpakavu of Nagercoil and
mannarsala are similar. Why only ladies priest? All Kerala history will add
Parasurama and Kavu. But Namboodris so adamant then would not have
permitted a Nambudiri woman to rule over at all. That Sala to Mannar shows
the meaning below in the article. And women as head in that place arose,
only because of the enforcement of “MARUMAKKAT TAYAM” Kerala took to China
in their architecture according to the book written by Devu Nair in 2022.
The traditional homestead of old Tharavadu where many generations of
a matrilineal family lived. These types of buildings are typically found in
the Indian state of Kerala. The traditional architecture is typically a
rectangular structure where four halls are joined with a central courtyard,
or Nadumuttam, open to the sky. The four halls on the sides are named
Vadakkini (northern block), Padinjattini (western block), Kizhakkini
(eastern block) and Thekkini (southern block). The architecture was
especially catered to large families of the traditional tharavadu, to live
under one roof and enjoy the commonly owned facilities of the
marumakkathayam homestead.
Thachu Sastra, or the Science of Carpentry and Traditional Vasthu, was the
governing science in this architectural form. This branch of knowledge was
well developed in the traditional architecture of Kerala and has created
its own branch of literature known under the names of Tantrasamuchaya,
Vastuvidya, Manushyalaya-Chandrika, and Silparatna.
The layout of these homes is simple, and catered to the dwelling of the
large number of people usually part of a tharavaadu. Ettukettu (eight
halled with two central courtyards) or Pathinarukettu (sixteen halled with
four central courtyards) are the more elaborate forms of the same
architecture. Rarely, twelve-halled Pathrandukettu were constructed. with
three courtyards, and there is a record of a 32-halled Muppathirandukettu
being erected, although it was lost to a fire soon after construction Every
structure faces the sunlight, and in some well-designed naalukettu, there
is excellent ventilation. Temperatures, even in the heat of summer, are
markedly lower within the naalukettu.
The nalukettu and ettukettu buildings must have been inspired from the
ancient Chinese house architecture. Kerala had a long and strong history of
trade with China
Kerala’s architecture is always unique, and it emulates a very distinct
style. Their buildings display the quality of work and the skill possessed
by their ancient builders. Many ancient houses in Kerala comprise of 4
rooms joined together, forming a rectangle with a yard in the middle. This
construction is called the Nalukettu (four buildings) which prevailed
several years back when the culture of joint family was prominent. The
Nalukettu was a huge and spacious house which was built in the center of a
compound with not more than one storey.
Nalukettu can be seen in the traditional homes of the privileged class
where culture and rituals are considered significant. The interiors of the
house were decorated with a wealth of antiques made from teak, sandalwood
and mahogany.
Apart from the floor and foundation, the Nalukettu is designed of carved
and slotted wood which has a similarity to the East Asian thatched
structures. As years passed by, the coconut fronds were replaced by tiles.
The Nalukettu comprises of four blocks which are Vadakkini (northern
block), Padinjattini (western block), Kizhakkini (eastern block) and
Thekkini (southern block). This was exclusively designed for the upper
class homestead. One of the distinctive features it had was the rooms of
the ‘salas’ which formed shady verandas. This made the room cooler and
secured the rooms from direct sunlight. The southern & northern verandahs
are enclosed, whereas the eastern & western verandahs are left open.
Depending on the position of the Nalukettu, entrances to the building were
provided.
It is a traditional saying that when the rooms are designed inside a
Nalukettu, bedrooms should be in the western or southern side and the
kitchen should be placed in the northern or eastern side.‘Poomukham’ also
known as the central veranda is made more appealing by adding trellis and
architectural pillars.
It is to be noted that the Nalukettu is an expansion of the concept of
‘sala’ in the Indian Science of Architecture. A ‘sala’ refers to a
rectangular living room which consists of one or two veranda’s.
Firstly, a single unit house also called as ‘akashala’ was built for the
people in the lower caste. Another L-shaped hall was added to the
‘akashala’ which resulted in a two-structured house called ‘dwissala.’
Considering the strength of the family and economic advancement, a third
structure was added to the building. This was a three-sided open-ended
square known as the ‘thrissala.’ As time passed by, the fourth side was
also built which led to the Nalukettu.
The Thatchans were trained architect-painters who were well versed in the
science of ‘Vaastushastra’ and they were the reason behind Nalukettu being
preserved.
Interior Designing is a fascinating form of art which comprises not only
modern creativity but also traditional artistry. The Nalukettu Architecture
of Kerala is a concrete example and proves to be a unique space.
Mannarasala with four enclosures got its name where MANNAR has
the same meaning as in TALAIMANNAR”. This place had Mandara trees all
around and hence called MANDARA SALA. When Nagaraja realized that the
objectives of his incarnation were realized, he informed his mother that
henceforth he would live at this Illom by entering into Samadhi to bless
the devotees. Then he suggested certain inviolable rituals and rules for
offering worship and then went into the immaculate cellar, Nilavara and
vanished. It is believed that even today that five-hooded Nagaraja stays in
the cellar doing Tapas for the abundant prosperity of his dependents. The
members of the household always refer to him with great respect and
devotion as "Muthassan' (Grandfather). The jungle close by is the exclusive
preserve for his unobstructed peregrinations (Appoppan Kavu - Grandfathers'
Grove). MANDARA SOLODHAYAM A COMPOSITION IN Malayalam Grantham shoots the
Mandara mountains and places all around. Tunjathu Ramanuja Ezhuthachan had
glorified the place in his writing. THE BEST PART OF THIS PLACE IS, THERE
ARE 30000 SERPENT S IN STORES, BUT SERPENTS ARE UNSEEN HERE. K RAJARAM IRS
18624
On Tue, 18 Jun 2024 at 05:13, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 <
[email protected]> wrote:
> *MANNARASALA SREE NAGARAJA TEMPLE**-Part 1-Compiled*
>
> Dear friends,
>
> From my boyhood I have recollection of making an offering to Mannarasala
> Nagaraja and keep it separately and once we visit the temple the offerings
> are put in Hundiyal, ir we saw poisonous snakes in the premises of my
> native home. On those days we had to change three buses to reach Haripad
> from my native Pandalam. We had to walk 2 KM further to reach the temple in
> the fine sandy road.
>
> Now there is a bus stand itself before the temple, and buses from
> different places ply to Mannarasala and back.
>
> Before the marriage of my daughter I have conducted Noorum Palum in the
> temple on an Ayilyam day as suggested by an astrologer. After marriage, the
> Chief Lady priest had advised the couple must visit the temple and offer
> prayers. It was also done.
>
> Nowadays when I go to co- brother’s home at Cherthala, we take a taxi and
> visit Mullakkal, Ambalapuzha, Haripad and Mannarsala temples starting from
> his home in the early morning.
>
> Valiamma (Eldest Namoothiri lady) is the chief priest and she observes
> celibacy once she comes to the priest.
>
> After worshipping in temple, we used to meet her in the illam, very close
> to temple and get blessings. Till recently an iyer was her assistant,
> Regular Poojas are done by Nampoothiries and special pooja by the valiamma.
>
> Nowadays everyday there is crowd in the temple. Brahmins are permitted to
> worship the deities closely; they are permitted by an entrance on the
> southern side. We have to wait and once in 15 minutes it will be opened for
> one minute to enter.
>
> I have watched the TV news the last Lady priest Umadevi Antharjanam passed
> away on 9-8-2023. Whether the new Lady priest is selected after her and
> started functioning is not clear to me. If any regular visitor to temple
> read this post, he/ she can clarify about new priest.
>
> Sarpakavu (Snake forest) is on the way to illam with most tree trunks
> twisted can be watched from outside. Nobody is permitted to enter the kavu.
> The devotees can worship the deities installed in the way in chitrakoodams.
>
> Hope a divine reading.
>
> Gopalakrishnan 18-06-2024
>
> 1 Introduction
>
> Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Kshetram is an ancient pilgrimage centre
> situated in south-west Kerala. Of all the places of serpent worship in the
> world there is none that is more benign, awe-inspiring and legendary
> than Mannarasala, as blessed and envisaged by Lord Parasurama, the creator
> of Kerala.
>
> 2 Main deities
>
> Sree Nagaraja is the main deity at the Mannarasala Temple, Sree Nagaraja
> is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh in one. The deity represents Anantha (Vishnu
> swaroopa) and Vasuki (Siva in spirit). Various daily poojas and special
> poojas are offered to Sree Nagaraja throughout the year.
>
> Sarpayakshiamma is the consort of Sree Nagaraja. She is the other main
> deity consecrated at the northern side of the main temple. Along with Sree
> Nagaraja, daily poojas are offered to Sarpayakshiamma.
>
> Nagayakshiamma is also a consort of Sree Nagaraja. Poojas are offered to
> her by Mannarasala Amma as part of her daily thevaram, and on Ayilyam days.
>
> Nagachamundiamma is the sister of Sree Nagaraja. Poojas are offered to her
> by Mannarasala Amma as part of her daily thevaram, and on Ayilyam days.
>
> 3 Other deities
>
> Sree Dharmasastha Temple is situated inside the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja
> Temple compound surrounded by dense coves. Daily nivedyam is offered to
> Sree Dharmasastha with utmost devotion.
>
> Bhadrakali Temple is situated towards the north of Sree Dharmasastha
> Temple. Daily nivedyam is offered to Goddess Bhadrakali and Sree
> Dharmasastha here
>
> 4 Legend
>
> The evolution of Mannarasala as the supreme place of worship of the
> serpent Gods is associated with Parasurama, the son of Jamadagini and a
> descendant of Bhrigu. When Parasurama decided to seek atonement from the
> sin of killing the Kshatriyas, he approached the holy Rishis. They
> suggested that he should make a gift of a land of his own to the Brahmins.
> Parasurama propitiated Varuna Deva (the Lord of the Seas) to get some land
> for himself. Varuna appeared before and advised him to throw his parasu,
> the axe which Lord Siva had given him, into the sea to reclaim land. He
> throws it and raises a piece of land from the sea and gives it as a gift to
> the Brahmins. This land is believed to be the present-day Kerala.
>
> In the beginning Kerala was not habitable because of the salinity. Not
> even vegetables grew there. People began to leave the place. Parasurama was
> pained at this. He undertook penance to please Lord Siva, who advised him
> that the objective could be realized only if the flaming poison of the
> serpents was spread everywhere and that the only means of doing that was
> the worship of Nagaraja.
>
> Parasurama, a yogi, firm of will and above all desire, decided that he
> would take no rest until he saw Kerala come up as a land of evergreen
> beauty full of trees and plants, prosperous in every way. He set out with
> his disciples in search of a deserted jungle in order to please Nagaraja
> who was inaccessible and beyond anybody's understanding. He found a
> suitable place near the seashore in the southern part of Kerala. Satisfied
> with having found a proper place for the realization of his cherished
> dream, the great Rishi constructed a Thirthasthala for the performance of
> penance.
>
> Nagaraja, who was pleased with the penance, appeared before Parasurama,
> willing to grant him his desire. Parasurama prostrated at the lotus feet of
> Nagaraja and prayed to realize his objective. Nagaraja granted his request
> with great pleasure. Ferocious serpents arrived at the spot at once to
> spread the flaming Kalakuda poison. Because of the percolation of poison,
> the land of Kerala was desalinated, to become habitable with greenery.
> Parasurama then requested the Lord to bless the land forever with his
> eternal presence, and that was also accepted by the kindly-disposed
> Nagaraja.
>
> 5The consecration of Nagaraja
>
> On a very auspicious moment, Parasurama installed, according to Vedic
> rites, Nagaraja, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in one in the
> 'Thirthasthala' (Hall of pilgrimage) surrounded by Mandara trees, the place
> then known as Mandarasala. The installed deity here represents Anantha
> (Vishnuswaroopa) and Vasuki (Siva in spirit). The installations of
> Sarpayakshi, Nagayakshi and Nagachamundi, the Naga deities, as well as of
> their associates were conducted in the proper places with the proper
> rituals.
>
> Parasurama performed to the accompaniment of Vedic recitation and singing
> of Sama, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Neivedyasamarpanam, Neeranjanam, Sarpabali
> and other rites pleasing to the serpents and thereby made all the serpents
> happy.
>
> Parasurama brought learned people from other regions; installed Durga and
> other deities in different places; appointed Brahmins who were Tantric
> experts for performing poojas; nominated Kshatriyas, peasants and the
> Ashtavaidyas who were supreme among the physicians. After giving important
> instructions to be followed to preserve the sanctity of the place,
> Parasurama left to do tapas on Mahendra mountains.
>
> 6 Mannarasala: A new beginning
>
> Many generations ago after Parasurama left to Mahendra mountains, the
> Brahmin family who was left to caretake fell into the grief of childlessness.
> Vasudeva and Sreedevi were the sad couple who had to bear that heavy load
> of sorrow, who resolutely worshipped Nagaraja to allay their grief. It was
> about this time that unexpectedly fire broke out in the jungle around the
> dwelling place of Nagaraja and burnt down the jungle. The serpents were
> tortured by the flames, forcing them to hide in their pits with great
> difficulty. Vasudeva and Sreedevi looked after the serpents, who had their
> hoods charred, bodies half-burnt, and fainting from time to time, falling
> down and crawling along. They gently fanned them with fans made of
> sweet-scented grass and poured ghee mixed with honey and oil on the wounds;
> cooled their melted bodies with sandalwood ointment; and comforted them.
> They put them at the foot of banyan trees. They performed purification
> ceremonies and consecrated the pits; and were put up in special places
> under the shade of deodar trees and in Chitrakudas.
>
> The couple performed abhisheka with Panchagavya (a holy mixture of five
> items from the cow's milk, curd, butter, urine and dung); observed
> elaborate poojas according to rules with areca nut flower bunches, fragrant
> flowers and water, incense etc., Nivedyam with melted butter (ghee), milk,
> payasam with molasses, rice powder, turmeric powder, coconut juice, Kadali
> fruit, cow's milk, all mixed together in the proper form as Nurum Palum,
> equivalent to the elixir of life. They offered serpent deities with great
> devotion, appam, aval (beaten rice or rice wafers), tender coconut etc.
> They chanted vedic mantras, performed circumambulation and performed all
> kinds of poojas to restore those crowds of serpents to full health.
>
> The omnipresent nipotent Nagaraja was greatly pleased with their
> continuous penance and the love shown to his associates; Nagaraja made
> himself visible to the couple and blessed them that he would incarnate on
> the earth as their beloved son. He said " I shall assume the form of a
> serpent and stay here (in Mannarasala) permanently, as long as the sun and
> the moon are there, showering prosperity on your family and granting
> protection to all the devotees who come here …".
>
> Thus Mandarasala, the place filled with Mandara trees, the holy spot where
> the serpents got shelter, where the earth was fully cooled, became
> Mannarasala (mann: Earth, ariya: cool, sala: place).
>
> 7. Birth of Nagaraja
>
> In due time Nagaraja’s boon came true, and Vasudeva and Sreedevi were
> blessed with two children. Sreedevi gave birth to five-hooded
> serpent-child, an incarnation of Nagaraja himself and a human child. The
> two brothers grew up together. Initiation ceremonies and Vedic education
> were carried out at the proper time in the traditional style. Nagaraja
> instructed the younger brother to enter into matrimony for the perpetual
> reservation of the holy family and he obeyed it. When Nagaraja realized
> that the objectives of his incarnation were realized, he informed his
> Mother that henceforth he would live at this Illom by entering into Samadhi
> to bless the devotees. Then he suggested certain inviolable rituals and
> rules for offering worship and then went into the immaculate cellar,
> Nilavara and vanished. It is believed that even today that five-hooded
> Nagaraja stays in the cellar doing Tapas for the abound prosperity of his
> dependents. The members of the household always refer to him with great
> respect and devotion as "Muthassan' (Grand father). The jungle close by
> is the exclusive preserve for his unobstructed peregrinations (Appoppan
> Kavu - Grandfathers' Grove).
>
> 8 Mannarsala Amma
>
> Mannarasala Amma is the supreme priestess of the Mannarasala Temple. *She
> is the mother of Sree Nagaraja. *She performs all the major poojas on the
> auspicious days of Ayilyam and Maha Sivarathri.
>
> 9 Rituals
>
> The beliefs and rituals associated with the Mannarasala temple are
> different from most other temples, and this is one rare temple where the
> pooja pattern is headed by a Brahmin lady. Legends say that when Nagaraja
> reincarnated and born to the then Mother of the Illom and left to Nilavara,
> he had given certain rights and instructions to his mother. He instructed,
> “Mother herself must offer me worship”. On certain special days men may be
> given a chance to worship. After Mother's time, the senior-most Brahmin
> lady in the family will have the status of the Mother. From that time the
> mother assumes this high position, Mother should live as a Brahmacharini
> and observe penance. Thus being the ‘Mother’ of the Lord himself,
> Mannarasala Amma became the mother of the land. She is popularly referred
> as Valiya Amma. Being the heart and soul of Mannarasala, pilgrims cannot
> leave Mannarasala without seeing that fascinating divine glow with their
> own eyes. Faithful devotees who come here to seek the blessings of
> Nagaraja, wait patiently to have a glimpse of Valiya Amma, and seek her
> blessings and advice to lead a prosperous life. That resplendent brightness
> of Valiya Amma who has turned into a symbol of Naga deities through fasting
> and other austerities, and performing rituals and poojas, sheds brilliant
> light on the temple and the environment, and endows it with heavenly glory.
>
> 10 Valiya Amma's pooja pattern
>
> Valiya Amma has a special pattern of pooja every day, and she must perform
> pooja in the sanctum sanctorum itself on certain days like:-
>
> On the first day of every month, Malayalam calendar
>
> On the day of Pooyam star each month, Malayalam calendar.
>
> From the beginning of Magha to the eve of Sivaratri.
>
> Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam.
>
> From the 1st to the 12th of Karkitakam.
>
> Twelve days before Ayilyam in Kanni and Tulam.
>
> 11 When Valiya Amma attains Samadhi
>
> When the earthly life of a Valiya Amma ends, the ceremony of cremation is
> different from that of other family members. The holy earthly body of
> Valiya Amma is placed in the four- chambered house of the Illom. (The
> 'Samadhi' itself will be in the southern hall of the four- chambered
> building). The cremation is held in a particular place between the temple
> and the Illom. During these days, only milk and fruit (Palum Pazhavum) will
> be offered in the temple. After offering nivedyam, the door will be closed
> immediately and will be opened the next day; on that day also it will be
> closed as on the day before. The mourning goes on like this for three days.
>
> 12 Festivals
>
> Mannarsala Ayilyam
>
> Special poojas are offered on the day of Ayilyam in the temple and at
> Illom known as Ayilyam Pooja. The world-renowned Mannarasala Ayilyam is
> celebrated in the month of Thulam. Ayilyam is also celebrated with the same
> befitting grandeur in the months of Kanni and Kumbham.
>
> Mahasivaratri
>
> Mahasivaratri is a very important day at Mannarasala. The consecration of
> Sree Nagaraja is in accordance with the concept of Siva. The poojas also
> are on the Saivite model. Thus, Sivaratri assumed special importance
> among the annual festivities.
>
> I will continue as another posting.
>
>
>
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