Today marks the Aayilyam Mahotsavam at Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple. Early in the morning, the temple’s senior priestess, Valiyamma Savithri Antharjanam, will give darshan to devotees in the southern hall of the ancient treasury within the Mannarasala Illam. Following the afternoon pooja, the Nagapadmakkalam will be drawn with ceremonial rites, including conch shell and kurava sounds, in preparation for the Aayilyam pooja. After the kalam is completed, the priestess will bathe in the temple’s sacred pond and return to the shrine, accompanied by Ilayamma and the temple’s senior family members. She will then light the kuthuvilakku upon entering the sanctum.
The famous Aayilyam ezhunnallath, featuring royal symbols such as umbrellas, chamars, flags, and traditional musical accompaniments like Panchavadyam, Nagaswaram, Thakil, Chenda, and Thimila, will lead to the illam, where Valiyamma will perform the Aayilyam pooja. Rituals including offerings of turmeric, milk, and ghee will follow.
On Pooram and Aayilyam days, from 10 a.m. onwards, prasadam distribution will take place in a specially arranged pavilion near the temple’s school grounds.
In celebration of Aayilyam Mahotsavam, the Alappuzha district collector has declared a local holiday on October 26 for all government offices and educational institutions in the district. However, this holiday does not apply to previously scheduled public examinations.
