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| Happy Onam .shutterstock.com |
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| indianexpress.com |
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| Onam, pyramidal image of Onathappan shutterstock.com |
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| Onam, pyramidal image of Onathappan oventales.com |
Above images: A clay pyramidal structure with four or three faces and a flat top symbolizes Thrikkakara Appan or Thrikakkarappan or Vamana. Though some consider that the pyramids represent both King Maveli and Vishnu, for many it is God Vamana. Central to this narrative and the festival's rituals is Onathappan, also known as Thrikkakara Appan. This figure is not King Mahabali, but rather Lord Vishnu's fifth avatar, the dwarf Brahmin sage Vamana.........
The annual Onam festival in Kerala is more than just a harvest celebration; it is a profound tribute to the mythological story of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu. Central to this narrative and the festival's rituals is Onathappan, also known as Thrikkakara Appan. This figure is not King Mahabali, but rather Lord Vishnu's fifth avatar, the dwarf Brahmin sage Vamana.
Onathappan is symbolized by a unique, pyramidal clay structure. While some interpretations suggest the pyramids represent both King Mahabali and Vamana, the more widely held belief is that they are an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. The three-faced pyramid, in particular, is a direct reference to the three strides of land that Vamana requested as alms from the generous King Mahabali. It is a powerful reminder of the divine intervention that sent the beloved king to the netherworld, a place of spiritual salvation.
During the festival, specifically on the day of Pooradam, families install these clay images of Onathappan at the center of their Pookalam, a floral rangoli. This act is not only a gesture of welcoming King Mahabali back to his kingdom but also a way to honor Lord Vamana. Devotees decorate the pyramids with flowers and perform special prayers, seeking blessings from the divine.
The main shrine for Onathappan is the famous Thrikkakara temple near Kochi, where the deity is Lord Vamana. The temple is a significant hub for the festival, with a large demand for the clay pyramids. Despite rising prices due to a scarcity of clay, devotees from all over Kerala, including distant places like Alappuzha and Kottayam, travel to acquire them. The tradition of buying and installing these idols remains a testament to the deep-rooted faith associated with Onam.
On the final day of the festival, the clay Onathappan idols are immersed in a nearby water body. This act of immersion is a symbolic farewell to King Mahabali and, more importantly, a spiritual practice. It represents the dissolution of all negativity, including troubles, evil thoughts, and personal flaws, as people seek spiritual purity and renewal in the presence of the divine. The ritual beautifully encapsulates the festival's blend of cultural celebration and spiritual reverence.
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2022/09/god-onathappan-and-onam-festival.html
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/huge-demand-for-onathappan/article6388248.ece
https://www.flickr.com/photos/babishvb/6129710565
