How to Celebrate Onam at Home with Thrikkakara Appan Idol and Pookalam
|
|
Time to read 13 min
As we approach the joyous festival of Onam, our hearts fill with excitement and anticipation. This vibrant celebration, deeply rooted in Kerala's cultural tapestry, brings families and communities together in a spirit of unity and prosperity. We find ourselves eager to embrace the traditions that make Onam so special, even when we're celebrating at home.
In this article, we'll explore how to create a meaningful Onam experience right in our living rooms. We'll dive into the legend of Mahabali, understand the importance of the Thrikkakara Appan Idol , and learn to craft a beautiful Onam pookalam . We'll also cover essential rituals, customs, and the mouthwatering Onam Sadhya. By the end, we'll be ready to fully immerse ourselves in the spirit of this cherished festival.
Table of Content
How to Celebrate Onam at Home with Thrikkakara Appan Idol and Pookalam
The mythological story of King Mahabali
At the heart of Onam lies a captivating legend that transports us to ancient Kerala. We're told of a time when an Asura (demon) king named Mahabali ruled over the land. But don't let the word "demon" fool you – Mahabali was no ordinary ruler. His reign is remembered as Kerala's golden era, a time of unparalleled prosperity and harmony.
Under Mahabali's rule, our beautiful state flourished. There was no discrimination based on caste or class, and both rich and poor were treated equally. It's hard to imagine, but during this time, people didn't even lock their doors because there were no thieves in the kingdom. Poverty, sorrow, and disease were foreign concepts to Mahabali's subjects.
The story takes an interesting turn when Lord Vishnu, disguised as a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana, visits Mahabali's kingdom. Vamana approaches the king just after his morning prayers, when he's preparing to grant boons to Brahmins. The disguised Lord asks for a simple gift – just three steps of land .
Mahabali , known for his generosity, readily agrees. But as soon as he does, Vamana begins to grow to cosmic proportions. With his first step, he covers the entire earth, and with the second, the whole sky. When asked where to place the third step, Mahabali, realizing this is no ordinary Brahmin, humbly offers his own head.
How the legend shapes the celebration of Onam
This act of selflessness moves Lord Vishnu, who grants Mahabali a boon – the king can visit his beloved subjects once a year. It's this annual visit that we celebrate as Onam, a tribute to Mahabali's sacrifice and the prosperity of his reign.
During Onam, we make elaborate preparations to welcome our beloved king, whom we affectionately call Onathappan. We want to show him that his people are happy and wish him well, keeping the spirit of his rule alive in our celebrations.
Interestingly, the legend of Mahabali has evolved over time, reflecting changing social dynamics. In medieval Kerala, landlords would demand produce from peasants on Uthradom (the day before Thiruvonam), in exchange for new clothes and a feast . As tensions grew between these groups, the peasants began to view Mahabali as their hero, rather than the Brahmin boy Vamana.
Despite these changes, the core of the legend remains crucial to Onam. As historian Sasibhooshan points out, "Just like you need the story of Rama killing Ravana for Dussehra, you need the story of Mahabali being sent to Pathala and being allowed to return once a year to see his subjects for Onam" .
"Onam is not just a festival, it's a celebration of the spirit of harmony and unity."
The beauty of Onam is in its simplicity, the joy it brings is in its tradition.
Understanding the Thrikkakara Appan Idol
Significance of the Thrikkakara Appan idol in Onam celebrations
As we delve into the heart of Onam celebrations, we encounter the revered Thrikkakara Appan idol , a central figure in our festivities. This sacred idol holds a special place in our homes and hearts during the joyous days of Onam. From Atham to Uthradam, we adorn our homes with beautiful floral carpets called Pookkalam, and on Thiruvonam, we place the Thrikkakara Appan idol on these vibrant creations.
The Thrikkakara Appan, also known as Mathevar, is one of the three forms of Mathevars along with Maveli and Sivan . Interestingly, there's some debate about whether Thrikkakara Appan represents Maveli or Vamana. However, according to the traditions of the Thrikkakara temple, Mathevar is believed to be none other than Lord Vishnu himself.
The Thrikkakara Temple, located in Thrikkakara, Kochi, is a Vishnu shrine dedicated to his Vamana Avatar. Here, we worship the Lord as Thrikkakarayappan or Thirukatkarai Appan. It's fascinating to note that Thrikkakara is said to have been the capital of Mahabali, and the legendary incident of Vamana's three steps is believed to have occurred at the very spot where the temple stands today.
The Thrikkakara Appan , also known as Mathevar, is one of the three forms of Mathevars along with Maveli and Sivan . Interestingly, there's some debate about whether Thrikkakara Appan represents Maveli or Vamana. However, according to the traditions of the Thrikkakara temple, Mathevar is believed to be none other than Lord Vishnu himself.
The Thrikkakara Temple, located in Thrikkakara, Kochi, is a Vishnu shrine dedicated to his Vamana Avatar. Here, we worship the Lord as Thrikkakarayappan or Thirukatkarai Appan. It's fascinating to note that Thrikkakara is said to have been the capital of Mahabali, and the legendary incident of Vamana's three steps is believed to have occurred at the very spot where the temple stands today.
In some areas, we place Thrikkakara Appan from Uthradam and add Mahabali on Thiruvonam.
In Valluvanad, some families keep Mathevar from the day of Atham.
In Malabar, we often place Mathevar in front of our homes, accompanied by joyful songs.
To enhance our worship, we sometimes include other symbolic elements alongside Mahabali, such as Muthassi Amma (grandmother), Kutti Pattar, Ammi, Aattukallu, Arakallu, and Ural.
Some unique rituals associated with Thrikkakara Appan worship include:
Poomoodal, a religious ceremony observed in certain areas.
Cooking 'Ada' as an offering to Thrikkakara Appan on Thiruvonam.
In central Kerala, some perform a ritual of shooting an arrow through the ada using a bow.
While the specifics may differ, the practice of installing Thrikkakara Appan and the subsequent worship is a common thread throughout Kerala, typically continuing until the 5th day of Onam.
By inviting Thrikkakara Appan into our homes, we're not just observing a tradition; we're embracing the essence of Onam. It's believed that this deity has the power to bless us with prosperity and abundance, and regular worship can lead to significant growth in various aspects of our lives.
How to properly install and worship the idol at home
In some areas, we place Thrikkakara Appan from Uthradam and add Mahabali on Thiruvonam.
In Valluvanad, some families keep Mathevar from the day of Atham.
In Malabar, we often place Mathevar in front of our homes, accompanied by joyful songs.
To enhance our worship, we sometimes include other symbolic elements alongside Mahabali, such as Muthassi Amma (grandmother), Kutti Pattar, Ammi, Aattukallu, Arakallu, and Ural.
Some unique rituals associated with Thrikkakara Appan worship include:
Poomoodal, a religious ceremony observed in certain areas.
Cooking 'Ada' as an offering to Thrikkakara Appan on Thiruvonam.
In central Kerala, some perform a ritual of shooting an arrow through the ada using a bow.
While the specifics may differ, the practice of installing Thrikkakara Appan and the subsequent worship is a common thread throughout Kerala, typically continuing until the 5th day of Onam.
By inviting Thrikkakara Appan into our homes, we're not just observing a tradition; we're embracing the essence of Onam. It's believed that this deity has the power to bless us with prosperity and abundance, and regular worship can lead to significant growth in various aspects of our lives.
"Onam is the time to reminisce the moments of togetherness and cherish the bond of family."
Creating a Traditional Pookalam: The Floral Rangoli
We're excited to dive into the art of creating a beautiful Pookalam , the floral rangoli that's an essential part of our Onam celebrations. Let's break down the process into simple steps:
Plan the design: Before we start, it's best to sketch our Pookalam design on paper or cellophane. This helps us decide on the variety, color, and size of flowers we'll need.
Prepare the base: We begin by moistening some chalk and drawing the outline of our Pookalam on the ground. For those of us who are more artistic, we can draw the design freehand. Alternatively, we can use thread and chalk to create circles of different sizes, or even use Rangoli powder for the outline.
Gather and prepare flowers: While some of us are working on the outline, others can start removing petals from the flowers. We'll group them by size, color, and shape. Remember, we can use whole flowers too if we want.
Start from the center: Once our outline is ready, we'll begin placing flower petals from the center and work our way outwards. This approach prevents us from getting stuck or making mistakes that are hard to fix.
Add layers and details: Traditionally, we add more rings and complexity to our Pookalam each day of Onam. On Atham, the first day, we start with just one ring, usually using only Thumba flowers. By Thiruvonam, the final day, our Pookalam can have up to ten rings with ten different colors.
Symbolism of the flowers and patterns used
Our Pookalam is more than just a beautiful decoration; it's rich with symbolism and meaning:
Dashapushpam: A traditional Pookalam often includes the Dashapushpam, or ten flowers, each with medicinal properties used in Ayurveda .
Multiple rings: Each ring in a traditional Pookalam is dedicated to a deity. We honor Lord Shiva and Parvathi, their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, Lord Brahma, and finally, the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu and King Mahabali.
Colors and flowers: Different flowers bring unique meanings to our Pookalam:
Thumba (Ceylon Slitwort): These white flowers are the essence of Onam festivities.
Tulasi (Holy Basil): Adds a serene fragrance and is integral to the Pookalam .
Chethi (Flame of the Woods): Known as the official Onam flower, it adds vibrant red to our designs.
Chemparathy (Hibiscus): Often used to create a bright red carpet in the Pookalam.
Jamanthi (Marigold): Comes in various hues and is crucial for Athapookalam.
"Onam is the festival of harvest, a time when joy blossoms in every heart."
Essential Rituals and Customs of Onam
Detailed description of Onam rituals and their meanings
Onam, our beloved annual harvest and cultural festival, is a vibrant celebration that spans ten days . As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, we participate in a variety of rituals and customs that hold deep significance in our culture.
One of the most iconic rituals of Onam is the creation of Pookalams, or floral Rangolis. We start this beautiful tradition on Atham day, the first day of Onam. Our Athapoo, as we call the first Pookalam , is relatively small and simple, typically featuring only yellow flowers arranged in a single circular layer. As the festival progresses, we add more flowers and intricate designs to our Pookalams, watching them grow in size and beauty with each passing day.
Another essential ritual is the installation of statues or figurines of Mahabali and Vamana at the entrance of our homes. These figures represent the mythological story at the heart of Onam, reminding us of the virtuous rule of King Mahabali and the promise he made to Vishnu.
The Onasadya, our traditional feast, is perhaps the most anticipated ritual of Onam. This sumptuous vegetarian meal consists of nine courses, though it often includes over two dozen dishes. We serve this feast on plantain leaves, reflecting the spirit of the season with seasonal vegetables like yam, cucumber, and ash gourd.
How to perform these rituals at home
To bring the spirit of Onam into our homes, we can follow these simple steps:
Create a Pookalam: We start by gathering flowers of different colors. Beginning on Atham day, we create a small, circular design using yellow flowers. Each day, we add more flowers and expand the design.
Install Mahabali and Vamana figures: We place statues or figurines of Mahabali and Vamana at our home's entrance. Some of us create earthen mounds representing these figures and decorate them with flowers.
Prepare the Onasadya: We cook a variety of traditional dishes, including several types of payasam for dessert. We serve the meal on plantain leaves, following the traditional order of dishes.
Participate in cultural activities: We can engage in traditional dances like Thiruvathira Kali, where women dance in a circle around a lamp. If possible, we can also organize or participate in Onam Kali, where we arrange ourselves in circles and sing songs from epics like the Ramayana.
Wear traditional attire: We dress up in new clothes, with women often wearing the traditional Kerala sari or Kasavu sari.
By performing these rituals, we not only celebrate Onam but also keep our rich cultural heritage alive, passing down these beautiful traditions to future generations.
"Onam teaches us to cherish the present, as it brings with it a promise of a beautiful tomorrow."
Onam Sadhya: The Grand Feast
Introduction to the traditional Onam feast
The Onam Sadhya, or the grand feast of Onam, is the crowning jewel of our festival celebrations. In Malayalam, 'sadhya' means 'banquet', and that's exactly what it is - a lavish spread of traditional vegetarian dishes that brings our community together . This feast is not just a meal; it's a cultural experience that we eagerly anticipate each year.
Key dishes and recipes to include in your Sadhya
Typically served as lunch, the Onam Sadhya is a sight to behold. We lay out a banana leaf, with its tapering end pointing to the left of the seated guest, following our age-old tradition. On this natural platter, we serve a variety of dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.
The Onam Sadhya is more than just a feast; it's a carefully designed meal that our ancestors crafted with scientific precision. It's a complete, balanced, and nutritious meal that ensures proper digestion and optimal absorption of nutrients. This thoughtful approach to our festive meal reflects the wisdom passed down through generations.
Our Onam Sadhya is a gastronomic journey featuring over 25 dishes. Here are some of the key components that make our feast truly special:
Rice: We serve par-boiled pink rice, known as 'Choru', as the foundation of our meal.
-
Curries and Side Dishes:
Sambar: A flavorful vegetable stew that's a staple in South Indian cuisine.
Avial: A delightful mix of vegetables in a coconut and yogurt sauce.
Thoran: A stir-fry of vegetables with grated coconut.
Olan: A mild curry made with white pumpkin, coconut milk, and cowpeas.
-
Savories and Accompaniments:
Upperi: Deep-fried banana chips that add a delightful crunch.
Pappadam: Crispy lentil wafers that complement the meal perfectly.
Puli Inji: A sweet and tangy ginger chutney.
-
Desserts:
Payasam: We often serve multiple varieties of this sweet dish, such as Paalada Pradhaman and Parippu Pradhaman.
Ada Pradhaman: A rich, creamy dessert that's a favorite among many.
Buttermilk: We conclude our feast with plain sour buttermilk, which aids digestion.
One unique aspect of our Sadhya is that we serve it on a banana leaf. This isn't just for tradition's sake; the fresh banana leaves are packed with natural antioxidants called polyphenols, which are absorbed by the warm food, adding to its health benefits.
As we savor this feast with our hands, we're not just enjoying a meal; we're participating in a practice that's believed to connect our fingertips with various chakras in our body, contributing to our emotional and physical well-being.
The Onam Sadhya is a testament to our community spirit. The preparation of this enormous meal often begins well in advance, bringing us together in a shared experience of cooking and anticipation. It's this sense of unity and shared joy that makes the Onam Sadhya truly special .
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Onam
As we wrap up our journey through the vibrant celebration of Onam, we're reminded of the rich tapestry of traditions that make this festival so special. From crafting beautiful Pookalams to welcoming Thrikkakara Appan into our homes, each custom brings us closer to the heart of Kerala's cultural heritage. The legend of Mahabali continues to inspire us, reminding us of the values of generosity and equality that we hold dear.
The Onam Sadhya, with its array of mouthwatering dishes, serves as a delicious finale to our festivities. It's more than just a meal; it's a symbol of our community spirit and shared joy. As we come together to celebrate Onam, whether at home or with our larger community, we're not just observing traditions - we're keeping the spirit of Kerala's golden age alive. This festival truly has an influence on bringing families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and prosperity that lasts long after the festivities end.
To fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Onam and explore more about Kerala's rich cultural heritage, visit Artehouse for a curated collection of traditional artifacts and decor that can bring the essence of this vibrant festival into your home.
The Author: Rahul Sajeevan
Rahul Sajeevan is a seasoned digital marketer and content writer with extensive experience crafting compelling online strategies. Combining his expertise in digital marketing with a passion for storytelling, he delivers impactful content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement. Rahul’s approach integrates creative insights and strategic thinking to enhance brand visibility and connect meaningfully with target audiences.
