2) Swami
Nityanad, Syumbolism in Hinduism, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai,
India.
APPENDIX
THIRUONAM FESTIVAL OF KERALA
(Courtesy: Reading Corner)
The
festival has two specific significances. One, it is the celebration of the
harvest, tied with the memory of the golden age of prosperity. Secondly and
most importantly, it is believed to commemorate the Mahabali legend.
India
is a land of diverse religions and every state of the country witnesses the
celebration of varied festivals. Onam is one such important festival and is
celebrated in the months of August-September in the state of Kerala. In Kerala,
Onam sees a three-day celebration and is the state festival. Onam has been a
part of Malayalee psyche for centuries. The earliest record of the festival is
found during the reign of Kulasekhara Perumal around AD 800.
The
festival has two specific significances. One, it is the celebration of the
harvest, tied with the memory of the golden age of prosperity. It is believed
that during those days the whole of Chingam (the month of Malayalee calendar
that corresponds to the August- September time of Gregorian calendar) was
celebrated as Onam season. After the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam
(July-August), with its deprivations, Chingam was welcomed with much enthusiasm
by the people in the state of Kerala. The festival is the harbinger of spring —
signaling the start of the harvest season. Onam epitomizes the newfound vigor
and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervor with
visits to temples, family get-togethers, gifting of clothes to all family
members i.e. Onam Kodi.
Secondly
and most importantly, it is believed to commemorate the Mahabali legend. The
people of Kerala observe the occasion in honour of Mahabali, the mythical Asura
king of ancient Kerala. The story of King Mahabali is found in the Bhagavata
Purana (also known as Srimad Bhagavatam), the most sacred Hindu text. According
to it, long long ago there lived King Mahabali, a powerful demon who ruled the nether world
(underworld).
Bali,
or rather King Mahabali, was very strong and extremely pious. Powered by a boon
granted to him by Lord Brahma, Bali was invincible and even gods failed to
defeat him in battles. He had conquered the whole earth and became its master.
Soon Mahabali became a threat to the Gods by his position and huge popularity
among his subjects. Once he went to war with Lord Indra, the king of demigods.
A fierce battle followed whereupon Mahabali, the King of Asuras, defeated Indra
and proceeded to occupy Indra's territory.
Having
defeated the Indra and the other gods, Bali became the King of Heaven. Thus, he
rose to be the undisputed ruler of all the three worlds. Violence was inflicted
upon the Devas (demigods). To save themselves, the demigods collectively
approached Lord Vishnu and asked for his help. Aditi, the mother of Lord Indra,
was very much upset over her son's defeat at the hand of the demon king. On the
advice of Kashyapa, her husband, Aditi prayed to Lord Narayana and observed a
special ritual (Payovrata) with utmost sincerity. Pleased with Aditi's
devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before her and informed her that he would
himself place a child in her womb and help Indra. Later, on the 12th day of the
bright half of the month of Bhadrapada, Aditi gave birth to a son of uncommon
effulgence. That child, known as Vamana, was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Even when Vamana was a child, he demonstrated his divine powers by doing
marvellous deeds.
Now,
there was another side to Bali's character. Though a demon by birth, he
rejoiced in doing good deeds and giving alms to the poor. No person coming to
his door ever left empty-handed.
Once,
while performing the sacrificial rite of Viswajith Yagna or Aswamedha Yagna on
the banks of Narmada River, Bali declared that he would give anything that
anyone sought from him during this Yagna. Vamana, a young man by this time, was
waiting just for this opportunity. He went to the place where Mahabali was
observing the ritual. Once he reached there, he was warmly welcomed by Mahabali
who received him with all traditional honors and gave him an eminent seat
befitting the status of a holy person. Bali was already warned by his spiritual
master that the boy was actually Lord Vishnu and that he would not promise the
lad anything. But Bali was a king and a man of honor. He was not a one to go
back on his word. In spite of his master's warning, Bali promised to Vamana to
fulfill whatever he desired.
The
small-statured Brahmin demanded three paces of ground measured by his own foot.
Bali boasted that he would surely deliver it. He asked Vamana to measure the
three feet of land as desired by him. At once, the little Vamana started to
grow in size. He grew and grew until he towered above the heavens. With one
foot, he measured all of the earth. With the other, he claimed all of the
heaven. There was still one foot of territory that Bali owed him. There was no
place for his third step. Bali surrendered his head and asked him to step on it
so that the Lord could have some place to put his foot and he too could save
his respect. Vishnu was pleased at the devotion of Mahabali. So he granted him
rule over nether land. But Bali had a great affinity for his earthly kingdom.
So he requested Lord Vishnu to allow him to visit his kingdom to see his people
once a year. The Lord fulfilled this wish of Mahabali. He granted Mahabali the
permission to visit his subjects once a year.
Mahabali's
rule was considered as the golden era of Kerala. It is said that the demon king
had brought great peace and prosperity to the land. The people believe that
Onam is the time when Mahabali comes to Kerala annually to see his subjects.
Till today, the Keralites celebrate Onam festival to commemorate the memory of
the great King Mahabali who gave everything to keep his promise. True to his
name "Mahabali" (meaning Great Sacrifice), Bali fulfilled his name as
the one who gave a great sacrifice for the sake of "Satya" (Truth).
This,
in brief, is the history of the Onam festival. According to an alternate legend
however, Onam is believed by many Malayalees to be the occasion when Parasurama
visits Kerala. It is held to be the time when Parasurama recovered Kerala from
the sea. All Keralites in the Morning prepare Onam-Pookkalam i.e. Floor Decorated
with Flowers wear new clothes & then go to the Temple. In the afternoon all
family members together have a good feast on banana leaves with 10 curries &
2 Payasam (Kheer). In the evening there is program in Temple like Kathakali.
During the week there is a boat race in many places.
(A Kerala Version)
10 DAYS OF ONAM CELEBRATION
ATHAM DAY 1
Celebrations
commence from the first day, Atham. The day is regarded holy and auspicious by
the people of Kerala. People take early bath on the day and offer prayers in
the local temple. Making of Pookkallam or the flower carpet starts from this
day. Attha Poo is prepared in the front courtyard by girls of the house to
welcome the spirit of King Mahabali in whose honour Onam is celebrated. Boys
play a supporting role and help in gathering flowers. In the following days,
more flowers are added to Pookalam. As a result Pookalam turns out to be of
massive size on the final day.
CHITHIRA-
DAY 2
Chithira
is the second day of festival . Girls add new flowers to Pookalam which they
started on the day of Atham. Boys of the house arrange flowers for the girls.
Planning and intense discussions for the big day of Onam begins from this day.
Each event is discussed in detail so that nothing remain undone or incomplete.
CHOTHI DAY--DAY 3
The
third day is called the Chothi. This day witnesses a number of activities. The
markets get overcrowded, as people get engrossed with the task of buying new
apparels, accessories and various items of decoration for the household.
VISAKAM
- DAY 4
Women
who have to prepare the elaborate meal of Onasadya on Thiruvonam, gets engaged
in the prior preparations on Visakam. Making of various types of pickles and
pappadams (papad) besides various other things begins now.
ANIZHAM
- DAY 5
A
the grand Snake Boat Race event called Vallamkali, which takes place takes
place on the fifth day of the Onam. The competition takes place on the banks of
the river Pamba at Aranmulla.
THRIKETA
- DAY 6
By
the sixth day, which is known as Thriketa, people who have migrated to other
places start visiting their homes to celebrate the Onam festivity along with
their family members.
MOOLAM
- DAY 7
Pookalam
is made in a new design with kondattam (gaiety) on this day with the most
beautiful flowers. There is hustle and bustle everywhere as excited people do
their last bit of shipping. People get the feel that the time to meet their
Onathappan has just come.
POORADAM
- DAY 8
Devotees
create clay idols in the shape of small pyramids called a Ma. Therefore this
day is also called Poorada Uttigal.
UTRADAM
- DAY 9
On
the day of Utradam, ninth day since the beginning of the festival, houses are
well cleaned and decorated and gala feasts are arranged. Then the images of
deities and cones made up of sticky clay painted red are placed there. They are
known as 'Trikkakara Appan'. These images are adorned with lines tastefully
drawn with rice flour mixed with water and then they are worshipped. After the 'puja',
the male members raise loud rhythmic shouts of joy known as 'Aarppu
Vilikkukal'. House cleaning starts on a massive scale and everything is made to
look neat and tidy. There is also a set breakfast consisting of steamed bananas
and fried pappadam (pappad). This remains the same till the day of Thiru Onam.
A swing is also slung on a high branch of a tree. It is decorated with flowers
and the youngsters take great delight in swinging and singing, that goes
simultaneously.
THIRU ONAM - DAY 10
Kerala
appears in its grandiose best on this day. Cultural extravaganza, music and
feasts add joy to the God's Own Country. The Onam celebrations open early in
the morning of the Tiru Onam day, at about 4 or 5 a.m. There are celebrations
all around the state and everybody takes active participation in them.
A TRUE DEVOTEE IS ALWAYS HONORED BY THE LORD
Oonam
is a great traditional celebration firmly rooted in Hindu Dharma and
Hindu ethos. Onam is undoubtedly a *Hindu* festival. Just because
Christians and Leftists of Kerala also join the celebration, it does not
become a "secular" festival. To call it that way is an ill-conceived
Leftist reductionist outlook that attempts to de-Hinduize the great
Hindu festival of Onam.
Claiming
that Onam is merely a "harvest festival" or a "welcoming Mahabali"
festival with a background of Vamana vs Mahabali conflict - all this is
born out of either cultural illiteracy and ignorance or the result of
deliberate Leftist and aanti-Hindu narratives created in the past few
decades (to project India as a secular nation)
Remember
that Vamana, an Avatar of the Supreme Lord Vishnu stomping Mahabali on
his head with His left leg is NOT a 'denigration' for Mahabali. Which
Malayalam tradition or literary text describes it that way? It was the
supreme fortune of Mahabali that he held the holy feet of Vamana on his
head, that is what the tradition holds. Many great poets and artists of
Kerala, including the famous Raja Ravi Varma, have depicted and painted
this scene so evocatively. And, don't forget the great sculptors of
Gupta, Pallava, Chola, Chera, Pandya, Chalukya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara
periods spanning over 15 centuries who have depicted this divine scene
in temple after temple in so many ways. Mahabali "returning to earth"
every year to visit his subjects was a boon that was bestowed by Vamana.
Even a childish knowledge in the tradition is enough to know that
Mahabali is not the *enemy* of Vamana, but an eternal devotee. He is the
foremost of the Bhagavatas and one of the 7 Chiranjivis. That's why he
is celebrated.
Also,
the tradition of celebrating Vamana and Mahabali is pan Indian and not
just specific to Kerala or Malayalees. For example, Mahabali's earthly
visit is celebrated on the day of Karthigai Deepam in Tamil tradition,
and on the day of Bali Pratipada in Bengali and North Indian traditions
too. The oldest literary reference to Onam by name appears in Madurai
Kanchi, a Tamil text that forms a part of Sangam Literature - "கணம்கொள் அவுணர்க்கடந்த பொலந்தார் மாயோன் மேய ஓண நல்நாள்".
It
is important to keep stressing this great cultural bond that the
festival represents year after year, so that it is not forgotten and the
attempts to reduce the festival in terms of narrow regionalism and
cultural distortion don't succeed.
--Jatayu from Bengaluru
Onam is the time to harvest Prosperity, Peace & Happiness in the glory of Lord Vamana--Let’s Sing, Dance & Rejoice
Onam Thoughts and Quotes By Hindu Blog
Onam, which breaks all man-made barriers of position, authority,
caste, creed and religion, is the most popular festival in Kerala. King
Mahabali giving everything he had including himself to Vamana is the core theme
associated with Onam festival. King Bali is the epitome of
Bhakti and self-sacrifice. One of the greatest tragedies our age is avarice –
there is no giving or sharing. A vast majority of problems the world currently
faces can be solved if we develop the element of sharing.
Possessiveness leads to fear, which causes anger, lack of the
ability to judge whether or not something is good or suitable and finally
complete destruction of the person. We see this happening around us.
The term Bali itself means offering, sacrifice and dedication.
The story of Bali and Vamana is meant for Kali Yuga. Our ancient teachers had
narrated the legend of Bali and Vamana keeping in mind the characteristics of
Kali Yuga. The easiest way to attain bliss on earth is through unwavering
devotion (Bhakti) and through sharing – taking what is needed for our basic
needs and sharing rest with other living beings.
Now a question arises if I give or share what will happen to me
and my family? Scriptures say - Half that I earn is meant for me and my family,
quarter for saving for future and quarter for sharing with the needy.
Happiness that we receive from materialistic things is
momentary. But the happiness that we receive from sharing is everlasting.
There is a wrong notion in Kali Yuga that by sharing or giving
one loses wealth. But in reality sharing or giving only results in growth. King
Bali by sharing achieved the eternal companionship of Srihari Vishnu and
Goddess Lakshmi.
This is the reason on Thiruvonam
day, Malayalis around the world welcome King Mahabali to their homes. It is
believed that during Onam, King Bali (Maveli) comes to visit his subjects. Each
house in Kerala decks up to welcome King Maveli, during whose reign there was
no corruption and people lived happily.
On the Thiruvonam day
members of the family gather together, usually at the ancestral home, for
Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) served on plantain leaves.
The finest part of Onam
is the Onasadya - all family members sitting together and having
traditional food. The feeling of two or three generations sitting together
eating sadya (food) served by mothers is beyond words.
Wherever we are or
whatever we have become in life, Onam is the time when each and every Malayali
goes backs to his/her roots.
Onam Thoughts and Quotes By Hindu Blog
Onam, which breaks all man-made barriers of position, authority,
caste, creed and religion, is the most popular festival in Kerala. King
Mahabali giving everything he had including himself to Vamana is the core theme
associated with Onam festival. King Bali is the epitome of Bhakti and self-sacrifice. One of
the greatest tragedies our age is avarice – there is no giving or sharing. A
vast majority of problems the world currently faces can be solved if we develop
the element of sharing.
Possessiveness leads to fear, which causes anger, lack of the
ability to judge whether or not something is good or suitable and finally
complete destruction of the person. We see this happening around us.
The term Bali itself means offering, sacrifice and dedication.
The story of Bali and Vamana is meant for Kali Yuga. Our ancient teachers had
narrated the legend of Bali and Vamana keeping in mind the characteristics of
Kali Yuga. The easiest way to attain bliss on earth is through unwavering
devotion (Bhakti) and through sharing – taking what is needed for our basic
needs and sharing rest with other living beings.
Now a question arises if I give or share what will happen to me
and my family? Scriptures say - Half that I earn is meant for me and my family,
quarter for saving for future and quarter for sharing with the needy.
Happiness that we receive from materialistic things is
momentary. But the happiness that we receive from sharing is everlasting.
There is a wrong notion in Kali Yuga that by sharing or giving
one loses wealth. But in reality sharing or giving only results in growth. King
Bali by sharing achieved the eternal companionship of Srihari Vishnu and
Goddess Lakshmi.
This is the reason on
Thiruvonam day, Malayalis around the world welcome King Mahabali to their
homes. It is believed that during Onam, King Bali (Maveli) comes to visit his subjects. Each house in Kerala decks up to welcome King Maveli,
during whose reign there was no corruption and people lived happily.
On the Thiruvonam day
members of the family gather together, usually at the ancestral home, for
Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) served on plantain leaves.
The finest part of Onam
is the Onasadya - all family members sitting together and having
traditional food. The feeling of two or three generations sitting together
eating sadya (food) served by mothers is beyond words.
Wherever we are or
whatever we have become in life, Onam is the time when each and every Malayali
goes backs to his/her roots.
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