HARIPAD (ALAPPUZHA): The annual Ayilyam rituals at Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, known for its unique worship of serpent gods and which has the distinction of having a woman as chief priestess got under way with the ‘Ezhunallathu’ of the Nagaraja Thirumukham and ‘Nagaphanam’ by the Mannarasala Amma Umadevi Antharjanam and the ‘Thattinmel Noorumpalum’ ritual by the male head or the karanavar of the Mannarasala illam.
More than one lakh devotees thronged the temple to witness the holy rituals. The Ayilyam rituals started on Tuesday with the opening of the temple for ‘Nirmalyadarshanam’ at 3.30 am which was followed by special poojas administered by the karanavar. From 8 am onwards, the Amma gave darshan to devotees. 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.