Onam History and Mythology
Do you want to know the history of onam? Do you want to know the mythology and mythological background connected with onam? Read this article to know more about the history and mythology connected with onam, festival of kerala.
Genesis of Onam celebrations
Onam has been a weakness of Malyalee (those who speak Malayalam) and is celebrated throughout the world where ever he is. This is centuries old custom and is still continued. When this Onam celebrations were started is not clear. There are different versions about its history. Just as in the case of any ritual there are mythologies also related to Onam celebrations. Mythology
Most famous and oft quoted mythology is connected with Vamana the fifth incarnation of Maha Vishnu. As per this, Mahabali, an emperor who ruled the then Kerala (it is not the present Kerala) in an exemplary manner and as a model ruler, started attracting the attention of even Devas (who also had become under their control). They thought that if he continued the rule like this the position of Devendra (the King of Devas) will be in trouble. They brought this into the notice of Maha Vishnu, who promised to find a solution for this. He decided to visit Mahabali in the attire of a young Brahmin (Brahmachari). Maha Vishnu in this attire is termed as Vamana.
Mahabali was always ready to give anything he owned to anybody on request and he was a stickler to his words. Knowing this character, Vamana requested for three footage of land , which he would measure with his foot and take. Mahabali immediately agreed to this demand since it was nothing to him, since he had a very large kingdom itself under his command. Then Vamana took his original form (Thrivikraman – Maha Vishnu) and measured the whole of fourteen worlds with his two steps and requested Mahabali to provide space for the third step. Mahabali, having understood who Vamana was, stood on knees in front of him and requested to place his third foot on his head. Vamana did so and pushed Mhabali into Pathalam, thereby brought an end to his rule. Before going down, Mahabali requested Vamana to allow him to visit Kerala once in a year to see his people. This was agreed upon. Thus Mahabali is believed to be visiting Kerala on Thiruvonam day (in the month Chingam), which is being celebrated as Onam by every Malayalee. Stories related to Mahabali
Puranas describe Mareechi as the son of Brahma and Kasya prajapathy as the son of Mareechi. The children born to Kasyaprajapathy and his wife Dithy were known as 'Daithyas' (or Asuras). Hiranya Kasipu was one among them, whose son was Prahladan.
In Purana there are two versions for the story of Vamana. In Maha Bhagavatha 8th chapter it is given that Mahabali was the grand son of Prahlada, the emperor of Asura people. When Prahlada became old, he decided to go to forests for renunciation after entrusting his kingdom with his son Virochanan. Virochanan was weak in administration and certain kings of small areas started to revolt against him. However, he died and his son Mahabali took over the reign. He, as an able ruler, defeated all those who revolted and became the emperor soon.
It was at this time that the Devas and Asuras had the 'Palazhi Madhanam' (churning of Palazhi). Asuras got hold of the Amruth Kumbha (pot containing Amruth got as a result of churning Palazhi) and ran away. Devas fought with Asuras for getting back the Amruth Kumbha.
In that clash Mahabali was killed. However, Sukracharya, the Kulaguru (the priest and teacher of the Asura sect) of Asuras, with his special internal powers, gave life again to Mahabali. He came back with more vigour and attacked Devas and defeated them. Thus Mahabali became the emperor of both Asuras and Devas. Devas felt they were neglected in his rule and requested Maha Vishnu to interfere. Maha Vishnu told them that he was going to have his Vamana reincarnation soon and will do the necessary then.
The version in 'Vamana Purana' is different regarding the reasons led to the reincarnation of Vamana. Certain silly reasons estranged the relation between Maha Vishnu and the Devas and because of this Maha Vishnu was keeping away from Devas. Taking advantage of this situation Kula Guru Sukracharya suggested to attack Devas and defeat them. Though Mahabali was reluctant, he could not defy the words of Kula Guru. Thus he attacked Devas and defeated them. Then he approached his grand father Prahlada and requested him to take over the reign of the both Asuras and Devas. Prahlada affectionately said "No" and asked Mahabali to continue as the emperor of these region. He also advised him to follow a regime which was based in morals, justice and truth. Adhering strictly to these Mahabali became a model ruler and the people were very happy with his reign. Naturally this created jealousy among the Devas and led to Maha Vishnu's interference.
Onam and Thrikkakara temple
Connected with the myth of Vamana, the temple of Vamana moorthy at Thrikkakara in Ernakulam district (Kerala) is always mentioned. This temple was a major temple (a large one also – the reminiscences of the old temple was seen at the time of renovation of the present temple a few years back) within the capital town of the then kingdom Kalkarai. Thrikkakara being the head quarters was a major town in Kerala during those days. Thrikkakara was known as 'Kalkarai'as per records (It is referred so in 825 AD when the new Malayalam era was started) and it became Thrikkakara in due course (in Malayalam it is usual to suffix the title 'Sri' or 'Thiru' as a respect when referring to temples or Gods – Thiruvananthapuram, Sree Padmanabha kshethram, etc. give examples). the rulers of this place were called Kalkarai Kings. There is another argument that the name Kalkarai is related to Vamana's leg (the Malayalam word 'Kal' stands for leg) which sent Mahabali to Pathalam.
Mahabali Perumal, who was ruling this kingdom wanted the festival of this temple to be celebrated in a grand manner every year. This celebrations were to start on the 'Thiruvonam' day in Karkitaka month (July-August) and to end on the Thiruvonam day of Chingam month (August -September), a total of 28 days. Even now the annual festival of Thrikkakara temple starts on Thiruvonam day of Karkitaka. (The temple festivals of a year in Kerala starts with that at Thrikkakkara and ends with that at Irinjalakkuda). Historical background of Onam
Mahabali Perumal is not the Mahabali mentioned in the mythology. He was the king who ruled a kingdom with Thrikkakara as its head quarters. This kingdom came under Kulasekhara Perumal of Chera Dynasty who ruled Kerala with Mahodayapuram as head quarters. Mahabali Perumal, the ruler of Kalarai, which came under Kulasekhara Perumal, wanted to give much importance to the festival of this temple and ordered likewise. Sub-ordinate Kings from different parts, the chieftains and rulers of villages and ordinary people took this as an occasion to worship Vamana Moorthy of the temple on the Thiruvonam day and also for paying tributes to the King. The 'Atthachamayam' Procession being held on the Attham day at Thrippunithura every year before Onam is a ritual still followed marking the starting of the Kochi King to meet Perumal and worship Vamana Moorthy. At Kozhikkode, the Samoothiri Raja also used to have this starting festival.
Later the Perumal agreed that the people need not come over to Thrikkakara, but they could worship Varaha moorthy at their own houses since coming over there was a bit tedious for those from distant places. Thus the ten day celebrations were taken up by most of the people throughout Kerala. This later became a part of the life for every Malayalee as Onam. Other versions of history of Onam
Another history related to Onam is strictly based on struggles between different Kings. King Mahabali, who was ruling in North India was defeated and sent to South India (Kerala) by Vamana. This incident is retold as Vamana sending Mahabali into Paathalam. As per Purana, Himalayas is considered the gate way to the Heaven and the South as the Nagalokam (Pathaalam). Hence Vamana came from Heaven and sent Mahabali to Pathaalam.
There is a view that the ancestors of Kerala people were Assyrians. Assyrians were considered as Asuras, the enemies of Devas. Banan and Bali were their kings. That was a reason for driving Bali away to Kerala. Assyrians used to celebrate their harvest days. When they were driven to Kerala, they brought with them the same culture and systems and continued the harvest festival, which became Onam. Some of the research results indicate that Bali was the ruler of Assyria and his place was referred as 'Analavaruddham'- meaning, a place where the fire cannot be controlled once broken out. It refers to Iran – Iraq, the oil rich countries. It is also shown by these researchers that the Thrikkakara Appan made (using clay in the form of a pyramid) by individual households during Onam days to place in front of the house for worshiping has similarity with the Assyrian God 'Siguratth' idol according to them.
Yet another view is connecting this Onam with Buddha religion. Their festival in Shravana month turned out to be Onam. The ritual of distributing onappudava (a piece of cloth) to everybody in the family by the head is considered as the continuation of a similar custom practiced by Sree Buddha, who used to give yellow cloth (Peethambaram) to those who attain 'Shramana pada' (a stage in the priesthood).
Certain historians believe that the celebration of Onam was connected with Cheraman Perumal's departure from Kerala. This last Perumal of Chera kingdom decided to leave Kerala after entrusting the country's rule to different local rulers. Then the local people gave him a suitable send off. This celebration is believed to be continued annually as Onam.
Kerala was a land of farmers distributed in villages. They mainly depended on rice cultivation. Two or three crops of rice were cultivated in most of the places. The harvesting days of these crops were festival days for them. Thus Onam celebration started as this festival, according to some historians.
However, one thing is certain that this was related to a season when agriculture produces were available in plenty.
Certain temple records indicate about the Onam celebrations took place there. The oldest one available was from the temple 'Thiruvattuvai' of Thiruvalla. It relates to the period of 861 AD and explains about the customary practices followed there during Onam. Another one available relates to Thrikkakara temple, of the period 1025 AD. William Logan in his Malabar Manual tries to connect Onam festival with the new year beginning. The Malayalam year (Kolla varsham) starts on Chingam first. Onam also falls in Chingam. But, this cannot fully be accepted for two reasons. Onam is celebrated with reference to the star 'Thiruvonam' not the date. Again the Kollavarsham was not starting on the first of Chingam throughout Kerala. In northern side (earlier Malabar) the year starting was on first of Kanni month, that is one month after. After the Kerala State's formation it has been uniformly made as first of Chingam.Onam in other States
The above give us the feeling that the history of Onam has not been fully understood. Myths are always based on vague remembrances and will have modifications taking place from generation to generation. However, it is fact that Onam has become a nostalgia to everybody these days. It is not in Kerala alone that the celebrations are taking place. It is throughout where some Malayalees are staying. In fact, even from earlier days this was celebrated in selected places in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. At Thrupathy temple, the idol of worship is that of Maha Vishnu in the Thrivikrama incarnation. Every year some celebrations are there during Onam period. In Udupi, Thulu, Gokarnam, Mookambi and in North Kanara areas also Onam is celebrated. In Tamil Nadu it is the Vaishnava sect who celebrate Onam.
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