Preparations in full swing for 'Ayilya Mahotsavam'

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Preparations for the annual festival 'Ayilya Mahotsavam' at Kerala's famous Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, known for its unique worship of serpent gods and has the distinction of having a woman as chief priestess, are in the final stages.
This year the festival of the temple in Alappuzha district will commence on November 2 and continue until 'Ayilyam'(Malayalam star) day on November 4, temple officials said today.
Ayilyam Ezhunallathu' (procession) is an important ritual of the temple where the chief priestess carries the presiding deity of the temple to Mannarasala Illam (custodian of Mannarsala temple).
"Arrangements are on the final stages at the temple premises to receive the devotees who come from faraway places to witness the procession" said M V Subramanian Nampoothiri, head of Mannarasala Illam.

The festival will get underway with a "Maha Deepakazcha" on the Punartham (Malayalam star) day (November 2).
The Ucha (noon) pooja done by chief priestess Uma Devi Antharajanam or Mannarasala Amma in front of the "Sarpayakshi" and Nagaraja temples will take place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. This is one of the important rituals conducted by Amma during the Ayilyam festival.

On the day of Ayilyam, the temple opens for "Nirmalyadarasanam" at 3.30 am. The special poojas will start from six in the morning that will be administered by the male head of Mannarasala lllam and he will lead the Nagakkalam rituals.

The revered Ayilyam Ezhunallathu led by the Mannarassala Amma who will carry the Nagaraja thirumukham and Nagaphanam from the temple to the Mannarasaala Illam will take place between 1.30 and 2.30 in the afternoon.
Ayilyam festival ends when the chief male priest conducts another unique ritual 'Thattil Noorumpalum' at ll am in the evening.
The temple authorities have said that they expect to more than two lakhs of devotees during Ayilyam festival.
The government has already declared a public holiday for schools and government offices in Alappuzha district on Ayilyam day.