Pambummekkatu Temple
The ancient Naga temple situated in Mala is famous for its history and myth that there is a five-headed snake inside the temple. The deity is Lord Vasuki (Sankalpa) and is present in the Kizhakkini (Pooja Room) of Pambummekkattu Mana. There are five Sarpa kavu (Snake God Temples) in Pambummekkattu temple and is spread over six acres of land.
It is believed that the great serpent lies with Head at Naagarkovil temple, the Middle part at Mannarshaala temple and the Tail part at Pambamekkad Mana.
The Serpent Gods Nagaraja (male God) and Naga Yakshi (Goddess) reside in the eastern portion of Mekkattu Mana. The peculiarity is that there are no idols of these gods, but daily poojas are conducted. In its place there is all time burning oil-lamp (Kedavilakku). The Prasadam given to the devotees is the oil from the lamp. The oil Prasadam has the power to cure the diseases caused due to the curse of snakes. Only on rare occasions, the devotees are allowed to enter into the Pambummekkattu Temple for worship. On the 1st of the Malayalam month “Vrischikam” (November 17) many Sabarimala Ayyappa devotees visit Pambumekkattu to get the blessing of Serpent Gods.
Legend has it that Mekkattu Mana was suffering from acute poverty and miseries. The sufferings were so unbearable that the Bhattathiri/Namboothiri (Head of the family) decided to offer prayers and stay in meditation in Thiruvanchikulam Temple at Kodungallur, about 15 km away from the Mana.
The Bhattathiri meditated for 12 continuous years. One early morning the Bhattathiri went to the temple pond to fetch some water. He saw a strange man near the pond with extra-ordinary Physique. Although his identity was not revealed, the Bhattathiri sensed an unusual divine power in the man and requested for the unique ring, the man wore on his fingers. The man gave a ring and disappeared.
Again, he met the same man the next day, in the same pond. When requested to reveal his identity, he said that He was Vasuki, the God of Snakes. He wanted to fulfill the wish of the pious Bhattathiri and asked for his wish. Immediately, the Bhattathiri requested for the presence of Vasuki in his Mekkattu mana, to bless with prosperity.
With the blessings of the serpent god, the Bhattathiri came back to Mekkattu mana, where he went to take a bath, leaving a traditional palm leaf umbrella on the bank. When he returned, there was a snake on the umbrella and took the form of Vasuki and said that Nagayakshi, the serpent goddess would reach the place. As mentioned, Nagayakshi and Vasuki appeared in front of him and ordered him to install idols to pray as the family deities. Added to that, 2 ever-burning lights with daily rituals were to be added to please them. Since then, the Mekkattu Mana was called Pambumekkattu mana.
Despite living with thousands of snakes, the family at Pambummekkattu Mana is not bitten by snakes, and even if it does, the venom does not affect them, but bizarrely, it affects the snakes. Another surprise is the family members take the effort to save the affected snakes.
To treat the skin diseases that are caused by the furious snakes, the devotees use the oil in the ever-burning lamp or the collyrium that forms while burning the wick. Strict practices are required to use the oil.
Only on the special days, the devotees can enter into the temple to get the blessings of the Nagaraja. On the regular days, only the high caste devotees are allowed into the temple. During the special occasions, every devotee has to dip in the pond and enter the temple with the wet clothes and body.
Pambummekkattu temple is famous for Rahu Pooja. Strict Traditional dress code needs to be followed when visiting the temple.
Location
Vadama Village
Main Deity
Sree Nagaraja
Other Deities
Sree Nagayakshi
Festivals
First of the month of Vrishchikam (November) – Festival. Ayilyam in the month of Kanni.
Main Offerings
Noorum Paalum, Kadalipazha Nivedyam, Thulabharam, Annaprasham, Rahu Pooja, Vella Nivedyam, Kootupayasam, Palpayasam, Manjalpodi Charthal, Vilakkuvekkal, Sarpabali, Payasa Homam, Naga Prathishta, Pushpanjali, Malakku, Prathima Pooja, Abhishekamv, Thulabharamv, Ayilya Pooja, Sarpam Pattu.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport situated at 27.4KM from the Temple.
By Road: Chalakudy KSRTC Bus station is 11.7KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Chalakudy Railway Station is 10.4KM from the Temple.