Sarpabali Mahaayajnam And Paayasam Homam:
The cult of Naga worship has been prevalent in Kerala since
centuries and the snakes were being worshipped both inside the
serpent groves as well as in the Kavu (temples). Nagapurana
states that Naga gods are to be appeased to have wealth, prosperity
and good children. Nagas can uplift one’s life by gifting wealth
and good children and likewise can do the reverse if not pleased.
Nagas are worshipped by Devas , Asuras and the entire world as
they are capable enough to reign the whole. Significance of Nagas
has been quoted in Sreemad Bhagvata and Mahabharata.
Serpents have been associated with power, awe and respect
across our country. Snakes stay knick-knacks to all gods.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu takes rest under the
shade of Adisesha and Lord Shiva wears Vasuki around His neck
and many other serpents around His ankles and wrists. Aadi
ParaSakthi, the female counterpart of the Supreme Being is found
to have a hooded serpent in Her headgear. Upon the belly of Sree
Ganesh like a beautiful girdle lies the serpent, a conceptual
protection of the whole universe.
So it is advisable to carry out Naga worships with all its
pomp and splendor pure enough to propitiate Naga gods. Earlier
there were a number of serpent groves in our country and they
were the abodes of many a serpent. Now most of such groves have
been cleared off and the Naga worship has been confined to
certain Naga temples where ascribed poojas are being conducted
for the sustenance of a virtuous heritage.
At Pampady Sree Nagaraja temple, Sarpabali mahayajnam
(Sarpa - Serpent; Bali - religious sacrifice ; yajna- holy worship)
is regularly performed once in two months from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
on a big scale with the whole-hearted participation of the
devotees.
The event is conducted with hard religious observances
appeasing the whole 64crores of Naga Gods. It is believed that
every wish of the devotees would be getting fulfilled at the time
of Sarpabali. Fortunes of a good marriage knot and a virtuous
child would be assured during the sincere participation of the
devotee.
Maha Payasa Homam:
Another ritual called Payasa homam is performed, where
the payasam (sweet pudding) is offered into the holy fire
(homam). It is believed that Agni (the fire god of the homam)
acts as a messenger for all gods and goddesses and the highest
way of pleasing gods and goddesses is by performing homam.
Homam is the holy worship in which Agni, the Fire God is
offered with the nivedyams. In the ritual of Payasa homam,
payasam is offered in the holy fire with the accompaniment of
mantra chanting . Prior to this, invocation of the Naga Gods
towards the divine-buzz padmapeeda is carried out by means of
Nagasooktha archana.
This is also performed inside the temple premises once in
two months with massive participation. It is quoted in
Nagapurana that the entire issues regarding the curses of
serpents will be faded out as the payasam is offered into the
homa agni (ritual fire).
Despite the group participation, devotees can perform
individual Sarpabali yajna and Payasa Homam, if desired. It
needs advance registration before 15 days of the date on which
the pooja to be conducted. Likewise, for performing Special
Ayillya pooja, one has to register it before 5 days. Rs.2,001/- will
be the cost of one full share and Rs.1,001/- will be for the half
share to take part in this group ritual.
Collective Sarpabali and Maha Payasa Homam - 2025
English Date |
Malayalam Date |
Day |
February 24 |
1200 Kumbam 12 |
Monday |
April 17 (Next Collective Sarpabali and Maha Payasa Homam) |
Medam 4 |
Thursday |
June 16 |
Midhunam 2 |
Monday |
August 19 |
1201 Chingam 3 |
Tuesday |
October 17 |
Kanni 31 |
Friday |
December 27 |
Dhanu 12 |
Saturday |