The great sage Parashurama reclaimed the land that is present-day Kerala from the sea. But alas, the land was not habitable as it was saline and no tree or crop could grow there. The land was barren and parched and the sage vowed to make it green and fit for habitation. He was told that the poison of serpents alone could dissolve the salinity and hence he undertook severe penance to please Nagaraja, the king of serpents. The serpent lord was pleased with the prayers and ferocious serpents of every category reached the spot and spread their deadly poison around. Soon the salinity of the land got eroded and the soil became fertile and desalinated. There was greenery all around and today Kerala is adored as God’s own country because of its lush green landscape. The grateful sage requested the serpent king to take up permanent abode in Kerala and bless the land and its people. Pleased the serpent lord came to Mannarasala along with Nagayakshi and other associates and stayed there.
Mannarasala surrounded by the sacred mandara trees and groves is the abode of the serpents. The temple has 30000 images of snakes along its winding paths and trees. The rituals and the beliefs associated with the temple are different from other temples for this is a very rare temple where the rituals are headed by a Brahmin lady. Women who are childless, pray to Nagaraja with devotion for an offspring and are blessed by the snake god. A special turmeric paste is given as holy Prasad and it is supposed to have curative powers. Mannarasala is in Haripad in Allepey district of Kerala.