The
festival spirit of Onam is in the air, and this month, let us have a look into
some interesting rituals related to Onam at Thrikkakara temple in Ernakulam.
This temple, is dedicated to Vamanamoorthy, one of the ten incarnations of Lord
Vishnu. Vamana has a prominent role in the legends associated with Onam. It
was he who requested Mahabali, the generous king who ruled Kerala for three
steps of land. On receiving the nod, The festival spirit of Onam is in the air,
and this month, let us have a look into some interesting rituals related to
Onam at Thrikkakara temple in Ernakulam. This temple, is dedicated to Vamanamoorthy,
one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Vamana has a prominent role in the
legends associated with Onam.
According to myths, Mahabali or Maveli was a generous and virtuous ruler, who
had once ruled Kerala. Under him, the state attained remarkable property that
excelled even the heavens. The Devas (gods) could not agree to it since King
Mahabali was by birth an Asura (demon), who were the enemies of the Devas. So,
they sent Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, a dwarf to Mahabali. Vamana requested
Mahabali for three steps of land. On receiving the nod, Vamana grew so huge
that he covered all the worlds in two steps. Since he had no space to place
the third step, Mahabali offered his head for the third step. Pleased by his
benevolence, Vamana blessed Bali before he was sent to the netherworlds and
granted him permission to visit his dear subjects once in every year. This occasion
is celebrated as Onam. And no wonder, this temple dedicated to Vamana is one
of those rare temples in the state where Onam festival is celebrated in a grand
scale.
Many
rituals are held as part of the festival, including Para Nirakkal ( filling
up of a large measuring vessel with fresh paddy), which symbolizes fertility
and prosperity. Another attraction of the festival is the grand sadya (feast)
in which thousands of people partake without any barriers of language or religion.
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Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91-471-2321132 Fax: +91-471-2322279.
