Pathirakunnath Mana
There are very few Namboodiri households in Kerala that possess the hereditary right to officiate over various forms of serpent worship (*Naga-aradhana*). A prominent center among these is the Pathirikkottuth Mana—also known as Kulappurathu Mana—situated in the village of Mundakkottukurssi, located between Shornur and Cherpulassery in the historic Valluvanad region of Palakkad district. The serpent-worship tradition associated with this household is estimated to date back more than fourteen hundred years. Once, a couple belonging to the household remained childless long after their marriage, causing them great distress. Fearing that their lineage might die out without an heir, the Brahmin of the house fervently worshipped his village deity, Lord Ayyappa, praying for relief from his sorrow. Sri Dharmashasta instructed the Namboodiri to worship Lord Vadakkunathan and pour out his sorrows to Him. Accordingly, the Brahmin traveled to Thrissivaperoor and began his devotional vigil before the deity. Pleased with the Namboodiri's devotion, the Lord appeared before him and directed him to return to his *illam* (ancestral home). Upon returning, the Namboodiri shared these details with his wife. Days passed amidst prayers and anxieties until, eventually, his wife conceived. At the end of the term, she gave birth to both a male child and a serpent; both grew up within the *illam*, and the serpent was constantly seen alongside its human sibling. Relatives and others visiting the *Illam* became afraid upon seeing the serpent. Eventually, the parents told the serpent, "If people keep seeing you inside like this, they will stop visiting us." Although the father spoke in a stern tone, the mother’s words deeply distressed the serpent. Nevertheless, it promised never to appear inside again, provided it continued to receive the ritual offerings (*nivedyam*) prepared by the women of the *Illam*—a request the mother readily agreed to. Legend has it that the serpent then declared that this *Illam* would become renowned for remedying *Sarppadosham* (afflictions caused by serpents), serve as a sanctuary for those suffering the sorrow of childlessness, and ensure its blessings for all who sought its grace; having said this, it vanished into a stone slab located in the northern section (*Vadakkini*) of the *Illam*. Since ancient times, people from diverse castes and religions, suffering from various hardships caused by *Sarppadosham*, have been visiting this place to seek the serpent's blessings.
