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Mannarshala covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest grove devoted to serpent worship. The temple here is unique in that the holy rites are presided over by a priestess. It is the largest Snake Temple in Kerala. The grove is dotted with the granite idols of serpents. There are two main idols: ’Nagaraja’ or the serpent king and his consort, Sarpayakshini. The priestess lives in the ’Illam’ on the north side of the temple. ’Uruli Kamazhthal’ or the placing of a bell metal vessel upside down in front of the deity is the most popular offering believed to restore fertility to childless couples.
