7 Wonders of India: Snake Temple

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 o