Pambummekkattu Mana

Pambumekkattu Mana - Location - (Route Map)

Welcome to Pambummekkattu Mana

The cult of snake worship in Kerala is closely interwoven with the life of the people of the State and is a component of its rich cultural heritage. Both within the sacred groves and outside snakes are still revered and worshiped with much piety in this State. The stillness within the deep shade of the groves, the feeling of the wilderness provided by the forest-like vegetation, the unique rituals practices and taboos still associated with snakes, the mystery associated with treatment...

About Pambmekkattu Mana

Pambummekkattu Mana is the most famous Serpent worship centre in Kerala. The Pambum Mekattu lllam stands in Vadama village, a part of Mukundapuram Taluk in Thrissur District, Kerala. The nearest railway station is Chalakudy. Devotees can reach here by road from any part of Kerala. The believers can take Thrice - Mala route; 3 Km North to Mala stands the Mana west to the main road. The name of the bus stop itself is Makati Junction.

When we reach the pathway in front of Mekkattu Mana, we can see a wall with Figures of Serpents painted on it. When we turn to the north, an arch-shaped entrance inscribed with Serpent figures can be seen. When we go further, thick, tall trees and small temples (Kavu) snatch our attention. Then we reach the entrance. We can enter the 'Sarpakavu' with a pure mind and body to seek the blessings of the serpent Gods. The Serpent Gods Nagaraja (male God) and Naga yakshi (female God) reside in the eastern portion of Mekkattu Mana. The peculiarity is that there are no idols of these Gods, but daily poojas are conducted.

How Mekkatu Mana becomes pambummekkat Mana

There are five 'kavus' (a grove where Goddess Kali and Serpant Gods are worshipped) of Serpent Gods around the mana. There are legends about how Mekkattu Mana became Pambum Mekkattu Mana. Kottarathil Shankunni's "Ithihyamala" (chain of legends) gives a detailed description of Mekkattu Mana. Some legends connected with the lllam and the people there goes like this: The members in Pambummekkattu Mana were great devotees and experts in rituals and mystic spell. Still, their stark poverty made it difficult for them to meet their daily bread. At this juncture, one Namboori from the family went to the famous Thiruvanchikulam Temple and started praying to God seeking redemption from their dire verty.

Month and years passed, and one night, the Namboori had a wonderful experience. As his continuous worship was nearing twelfth year, one night he went to the sacred pond in the temple premises to fetch some water after everybody has left the temple. He was astonished to see a saintly figure standing on the steps at that peek hour and asked "Who is that?" The figure replied, "What Mekadu has to do with that? If you want water, fetch it and go." Namboori stood there spellbound because from the appearance and words of the person, he was sure that the figure is not of an ordinary human being. Then he saw something sparkling in the hands of that saintly figure and asked him "What is it?" The person's answer was a question, "Has Mekkadu seen Ruby?" When the Namboori said "No" the person asked whether he would like to see it. When he said "Yes" the person passed the precious stone to the Namboori. The stone impressed him so much that he wanted to show it to his friend Kodungallore Valiya Thampuran (a kingly status). He sought the Godly figure's permission. The figure gave permission on condition that the Namboori would come back soon.

The Thampuran was very much impressed by the Ruby that he wanted to keep it for himself. He was ready to purchase it at any price. But the Namboori was adamant not to break his word. So the Thampuran gave it back though unwilling. Namboori reached back on time and handed over the Ruby to the person suddenly he disappeared and the place which was bright like day light due to the glow of the ruby now turned dark. Fear and darkness ensnarled the Namboori. Within seconds he regained his sense and sight. He stepped in the sacred pond, fetched water and went back. The Godly person's identity haunted the Namboori and so he could not sleep that night. He blamed himself for not asking the person who he was; for person who had entrusted the Ruby with him, at least for some time, would surely have revealed his identity. The Namboori laid down thinking sadly about his foolishness.

At some point sleep caressed him. The Namboori woke up within Minutes and seeing the moon light he thought it was already dawn. He felt that it was already late for his bath and rushed to the sacred pond. Again, a person was standing there. Namboori as earlier asked "Who is that?" And the figure replied "What has Mekkad to do with that? Go and sleep. It is not time to take bath. It is not yet dawn." The Namboori recognized the voice and the saintly figure. He fell on the Godly figure's feet and requested "Upon Lord Shiva, reveal your identity." When Namboori mouthed Lord Shiva's name the person had no other go but to reveal his identity. He said "I am Vasuki." Then the Namboori expressed his wish to see Vasuki's real figure. Vasuki was sure that his real figure would frighten the Namboori. But, when the Namboori insisted, he shrinked his body to the size of a ring on Lord Shiva's finger.

The Namboori was shuddered at that sight and fainted. After few minutes, he regained consciousness. Then Vasuki asked, "What boon do you want?" "I wish your presence in my lllam always. Please put an end to my poverty. I have no other request," this was the Namboori's reply. Vasuki consented to his and said "Only three days remain to complete your twelve years' worship. You go back to your lllam after that. Meantime I will get the permission of Lord Shiva and will come to your Mana. Now it’s time for your Bath. Don't delay," Vasuki disappeared saying this.

Namboori completed his worship and returned to his lllam. He went to take bath and perform daily rituals by keeping his 'Olakkuda' (An umbrella made of palm leaves) in the 'Kizhakini' (Eastern portion of the house). When he came back, he saw a snake on the umbrella and was frightened. The snake came down, took the shape of the saintly person and said, "Mekkadu, don't fear. I am Vasuki. Lord Shiva is very much pleased at your honesty and sincere devotion. I am here on Lord's will. Take this Ruby which I have shown you the first day we met. Keep it here safely. As long as this Ruby remains here, poverty will not affect your Mana." Vasuki handed over the ruby to the Namboori and continued, "A Nagayakshi (serpent Goddess) will also reach here soon. Don't get feared to see her."

At this juncture, the eldest lady of the lllam, came from outside after attending a feast in a relative's home. She went inside keeping her umbrella in the verandah. Suddenly, a snake came out from that umbrella and went to the 'kizhakkini'. There it took the shape of a beautiful lady and stood close to vasuki. "Make idols of the two of us and placing them in this 'kizhakinni', daily rituals are to be performed. Consider us as the family Gods of Mekkattu Mana," continued Vasuki, "If you do so, prosperity will not leave your family. More snakes will come here and they will live somewhere in the compound. Only give freedom for them to live anywhere in this house and its compound. Special spaces are to be kept to pass urine and faeces. Spitting and washing hands in the courtyard or in the compound are not permitted. Fire should be set only in the kitchen hearth. Digging of the soil in the courtyard or in the compound is not allowed. Another house should be constructed in the next compound. Special functions are to be conducted there.

The ladies should not remain here at the time of menstruation and pregnancy. They should go to the other house. Snakes might be seen in this house and premises. But nobody should fear because those snakes will not bite the members of this house unless somebody stamps feet on them. By chance if any member gets snake site, the venom will not affect his/her body but will affect the snake back. In such cases, proper treatment should be given to the snake. Otherwise the snake may die. If the snakes bite some outsider, the family members should not treat. But treatment should be given to those suffering from diseases due to anger of snakes. Two lamps are to be lighted day-night in this 'Kizhakkini'. The oil in the lamp and the collyrium formed by continuous burning of the wick will be excellent medicine for skin diseases owing to rage of snake Gods. This information is to be passed through generations of Mekkatu Mana." Vasuki and Nagayakshi disappeared saying all this and promising to come back when the Namboori desires.

The Namboori installed the Serpent Gods in the Kizhakkini as per Vasuki's instruction. From that day, the 'Mekkattu family' came to be known as 'Pambummekkattu' and famous. The family knew no poverty from the day Vasuki was placed in the house. Moreover their wealth increased gradually. The fame of Pambummekkattu family spread world wide. The belief became firm among people that skin diseases or other problems due to wrath of snake Gods have solutions in Mekkattu Mana.

Snakes – Family Gods of Pambu Mekkattu Mana (Illom)

Snakes are considered as family Gods and guards of Pambummekkattu lllam. They bring tremendous wealth to the lllam and preserve everything in and around the lllam by preventing the outsiders from taking anything - even a bit of grass from the premises.

Once, a famous burglar 'Chekannan' and his group, after looting so many places reached Pambummekkattu lllam. They got into the lllam by keeping their bags

outside. They took all the ornaments and money stored in the lllam and when they came out, they saw snakes on all the bags. The frightened group decided to leave all those bags there and go with what they have got from Mekkattu lllam. Suddenly, numerous snakes surrounded them like military troops. The burglars were trapped. Just before dawn, a Namboori came out with a lamp to go to the pond and seeing some people on the courtyard asked "who is that?" They fell to his feet and revealing themselves requested him to let them free. He asked them to go leaving all the theft items there. All the snakes disappeared and the burglars rushed to their places. This is one among so many incidents happened in the Mana.

Once a Muslim stole a coconut or something from the Mana. A snake blocked his path and he beat the snake to death. The person became blind within moments. He went home with somebody's help. No treatment could regain his sight. At last, an idol of Serpent was made in gold as per an astrologer's advice and was given to Pambummekkattu Mana. When the penance was done, he regained his eye sight.

An atheist came to the Mana once. He argued with the head of the family that the supreme power of the Serpent Gods are not felt in the place and that there is nothing called supreme power. The head's reply was a mere smile. When the atheist was about to leave the place, snakes blocked his way. At last, he admitted his fault and gave offerings to the Gods.

In another instance, a maid - servant stole some green chilly and tied it in her cloth. When she stepped out of the compound, she saw small snake instead of green chilly. She begged pardon to the head of the family.

Few years back, in the month of Meenam, a Namboori stayed at Ambalappuzha on his way to Nagarcoil. At night when he went to the pond, he unknowingly stamped his feet on a snake. The snake knowing the person, gave a bite and soon it was affected by the venom. The Namboori summoned a person and said "the snake has bitten me unknowingly". I have to free him from the venom. Otherwise it will die. Please bring the Thahasildar (a government official). The Thahasildar was inside the temple itself and so reached the spot immediately. The Namboori explained everything and asked for one litre milk, two tender coconuts and three huge vessels. The Thahasildar arranged for all these. He poured milk into one vessel, tender coconut water into the second one and pure water into the third vessel. He then chanted some manthras and asked the snake to get into the milk. The snake did so and within seconds milk turned into coal black in colour. He then ordered the snake to get into the tender coconut water and the snake obeyed. This also turned black due to effect of venom. "Now you are free from the effect of venom, get into the pure water and go to wherever you like", said the Namboori. The snake followed what he said and went to the top of the banyan tree that stood to the pond.

The Namboori washed the blood which came from the bitten part. But all the Nambooris in Pambummekkattu did not treat snakes like this. Once, a snake bit a Namboori from the compound of Vaikkom Temple. He washed his leg from the pond and attended the feast and did not try to retrieve the snake off the venom. He was not affected by the venom but the snake died.

A Namboori who went to perform rituals during Nagarcoil temple festival was in the habit of having his lunch during ten o'clock in the morning. So he conducted the noon rituals before ten. But this was not acceptable to the natives. They expressed their displeasure to the Namboori. But he continued in his own way. The next day also he completed the noon rituals before ten. That day, the chief manager of the temple, a Tamil Brahmin, scolded and reprimanded him severely. This gave great grief to the Namboori and so he retired to his resting place and laid down without having his lunch.

After sometime, snakes filled all over the manager's house. The manager's wife and children rushed out of the house and passed the message to him. Those who heard this opined, "The grief of the Namboori is the reason for the snake's anger. The only remedy is to beg the pardon of him". The manager went to the Namboori taking 250 rupees, four or five bundles of betel leaves and fifty or so arecanut and fell to his feet and asked him to let them free of the trouble. The good hearted Namboori replied, "I was a bit sad when you scolded me. This may be the reason for their rage. Usually if anybody tries to harm us or misbehave with us, our family Gods will take revenge. Now I have no grief. Go to your home. You will not see the snakes there". The Namboori had his lunch and the snakes left the manager's home.

Beliefs ( Pambumeikadu Mana )

The members of Pambummekkattu.Mana call the snakes 'parambaryalgal' ('traditions'). Now is believed that when a birth occurs, the 'traditions' will come to see the newborn. Likewise, if a death occurs in the family, a 'tradition' will also die. The dead body of the family member will be cremated only after cremating the 'traditions' body. As burning fire in the Mana and premises (except in the kitchen hearth) are forbidden, the funeral pyre for the namboori and the 'tradition' are set in the southern compound which is called 'Thekke Kavu'. This shows the intimacy between members of the family and the serpents.

The Mekkattu family members are not bitten by snakes owing to Vasuki's blessings. Even if anybody gets a bite by chance, the venom will not affect them. The venom in turn affects the snake itself and the family members save them, surprisingly, upto this day, nobody has been bitten by a snake from the Mana which has so many snakes in its premises. brought directly to the Mana and no harm should be done to the snake. But, today nobody comes to the Mana for treatment, may be due to the advancement in Medical Science.

Special Occasions ( Pambu Meikkadu Mana )

1. First of the month of Vrishchikam(mid November).

2. Ayilyam in the month of Kanni(mid sept-mid oct).

3. From Thiruvonam to Bharani in the month of Meenam (mid March to Mid April).

4. Tenth of the month of Medam(mid of April).

The most important occation in Mekkattu Mana is first of Vrishchikam. That day is celebrated as the festival of Serpent Gods and every Serpent Gods and every Serpent God is pleased that day by giving lime (calcium oxide) and milk. It is believed that only the members of the Mekkattu family has the right to conduct Sarpabali. From the first of Vrishchikam to 41 days, Sarpabali is conducted as a special offering every evening. Other than this, the Bali is conducted on chosen days decided by the Mana. During Mandalakalam (41 days from Vrishchikam 1), 'Kalamezhuthum Pattum' is conducted. Only 'Sarpapattu' is conducted and not'Pulluvanpattu'.

Normally, only higher caste people are permitted into the 'Kavu'. But on special days people of all castes can come to the temple. These days they can enter anywhere except the 'Kizhakkini'. The devotees have to take bath in the pond and enter the 'Kavu' with wet body and clothes.

Offerings / Vazhipadu ( Pambu Maikkadu Mana Temple )

The Mekkattu Namboori's also treated the outsiders who are bitten by the snakes but on some conditions. The bitten person is to be Vazhipadu Vivaram(Details of Offerings)

Vella Nivedyam.

Kootupayasam.

Palpayasam.

Kadalipazha Nivedyam.

Manjalpodi Charthal.

Vilakkuvekkal.

Sarpabali.

Payasa Homam.

Naga Prathishta.

Noorum Palum.

Pushpanjali.

Malakku.

Prathima Pooja.

Abhishekam.

Thulabharam.

Annaprasham.

Ayilya Pooja.

Rahu Pooja.

The favourite offering to Serpent Gods is 'Kadalipazha Nivedyam'(a kind of banana). 'Noorum Palum' (lime and milk) is offered only in special occasions. 'Thulabharam' and 'Annaprasham' are offered to get a baby.

Oil In The Lamp Prasadam

The oil in the lamp and the collyrium formed by burned wick are given as medicines for skin diseases caused by the rage of snakes. The oil in the 'Kedavilakku' (ever burning lamp) kept in the 'Kizhakkini' - where Vasuki and Nagayakshi are placed - is given as Prasadam. There are strict methods to use this oil. They are listed below: Mix essential quantity of coconut oil or gingelly oil into the oil given from Pambummekkattu. After taking a bath, pour the oil into two bottles. Apply oil from one bottle all over the body before bath and use powdered green gram or the peel of the body of a mango tree to remove the oil. After bath, come back with wet body and clothes and consume three drops of oil from the other bottle(if the hand comes in touch with the tongue wash the hand thoroughly before touching the bottle again). While using this oil non-vegetarian food, medicine prescribed by doctors, and bath in the hot water are to be completely avoided. Soap and even. ayurvedic bathing powders are also to be avoided. The oil is to be used for 21 days. Women are not supposed to use oil during seven days of menstrual period and they should not prepare food for those using this oil during menstrual days.

Pambummekkatt Mana - Family Gods

Goddess Kali is installed at the central courtyard of Pambum Mekattu Mana. 'Koottupayasam' is the main offering. 'Mudiyettu' is conducted on either Tuesday, Friday or Sunday in the month of Medam (mid April). 'Noorum Palum' is given to Serpent Gods during festival time and five days long 'Sarpapattu' is also conducted.

Pambumaikkadu Mana Administration:

The oldest member of the family is the head of the Mana members who have covered teenage are given administrative power. A trust is formed and each trustee will get an year's administration. The mantras and the rituals are passed from one generation to another orally. The members of the family are bound to follow the rules. The devotees are to strictly follow the instruction of the administrator. When something affects the sanctity of the premises, poojas will be restarted only after 'Punyaham'. When such things happen snakes are seen in waste ditch, indicating impurity.

Dialects of "Pambummekkattu"

Pambumekkattu, Pambu Mekkattu, Pambumeikadu, Pambu Meikkadu, Pambu Maikkadu, Pampu Maikkadu, Pampu Meikkadu, Pampu Mekkattu.