Ayilya Puja (also spelled Ayilyam Pooja) is a highly revered ritual in Kerala, especially among devotees of Nagaraja (serpent deities). It is performed on the Ayilyam nakshatra (Aslesha star) day in the Malayalam calendar, particularly during the months of Kanni (Sept–Oct) and Thulam (Oct–Nov).

🐍 Spiritual Significance of Ayilya Puja

  1. Worship of Serpent Gods (Naga Devatas)
  • Ayilya Puja is dedicated to Nagaraja (the King of Serpents), Nagayakshi, and other serpent deities.
  • Serpents are considered guardians of the earth’s treasures, water sources, and fertility, and are deeply woven into Kerala’s spiritual and ecological traditions.
  1. Removal of Sarpa Dosha (Snake Curses)
  • Many believe that afflictions in life or astrology, such as Sarpa Dosha or Naga Dosha, are caused by offenses to serpent deities, especially through land desecration (cutting sacred groves or destroying ant hills).
  • Performing Ayilya Puja is said to appease the snake gods, remove doshas, and bring relief from health, fertility, and family issues.
  1. Fertility and Family Harmony
  • The puja is especially important for those seeking children or healing from reproductive issues.
  • It is also performed for family prosperity, protection from illness, and ancestral peace.

🌿 How Ayilya Puja Is Observed in Kerala

  1. Sacred Grove Worship (Sarpakavu)
  • The ritual is traditionally performed in Sarpakavus—sacred snake groves usually found near traditional homes or temples.
  • Devotees offer milk, turmeric, flowers, and rice flour to stone idols or images of snake deities.
  1. Major Temples Celebrating Ayilya Puja
  • Temples like Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (Alappuzha) and Pambumekkattu Mana (Thrissur) are famous for grand Ayilya Puja celebrations.
  • These temples attract thousands of devotees seeking spiritual cleansing and blessings.
  1. Rituals and Offerings
  • Common rituals include:
    • Noorum Palum (offering of rice powder and milk)
    • Pushpanjali (flower offerings)
    • Sarpabali (symbolic offering to snake gods)
  • Devotees may also perform Nagapratishtha (installation of snake idols) and Nagadosha Parihara rituals.

🌺 Symbolism and Deeper Meaning

  • The serpent symbolizes kundalini energy, ancestral spirits, and cosmic balance.
  • Worship of serpents is a way to maintain ecological respect, spiritual harmony, and intergenerational balance.

✨ In Summary

Ayilya Puja in Kerala is a sacred ritual honoring Naga deities, deeply connected to ancestral traditions, fertility, astrology, and nature worship. By performing this ritual, devotees seek to cleanse sins, overcome doshas, ensure family well-being, and stay spiritually connected to nature and the divine.