Hello and warm greetings to all the readers of this blog.
Well, most of us are well versed with the story of WHY we celebrate Onam, yet for those who don't here is some info.
The legend is with the story of King Mahabali or Maveli and Lord Vishnu's avatar or incarnation of Vamana. King Mahabali, grandson of Prahalada, was a very efficient, generous and popular Asura King to the extent that his kingdom spanned the earth (prithvi), under-earth (pataala) and reached to the skies. Since, the gods were worried of Mahabali's rising popularity, they requested Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu, took the avatar (incarnation) of Vamana or Trivikrama, who was of a small size Brahmin boy and appeared before the generous king Mahabali, for a piece of land only 3 paces of his feet.
Mahabali, against the consent of his guru Sukracharya, agreed to grant Vamana's wish, whereupon Vamana grew so big in size that with one step he covered the earth and with another the heavens. He then asked Mahabali, "Where should I have my third foot of space?"
Mahabali realised that he had been tricked, but still stood firm on his promise, bowed before the Vamana and offered his own head to place the third step. Vishnu as Vamana, pushed him down into Suthala, but impressed by the King's love and philantrophy towards his subjects, he granted him a wish to visit Kerala once in a year to find that his people are happy and prosperous. The day Mahabali comes to visit his people is during 'Onam'.
Hence, Onam, the harvest festival is celebrated in the first half of lunar cycle in month of Chingam with great enthusiasm and happiness all around, so that when the beloved King Mahabali visits his kingdom, he finds everybody happy, prosperous, sharing and caring with each other.
These events are said to have happened at Thrikkakara Temple, dedicated to Lord Vamana, close to 2 kilometers east of Edapally near Kochi. The name Thrikkakkara means the holy place where Lord placed His foot. Thiru-kal-kari later became Thrikkakara.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkakara_Temple
Every mythological story is preserved and has been passed on from one generation to another so that one can know and imbibe the good qualities and identify and weed out the bad qualities that reside within oneself. Hence, its necessary, in my opinion, to understand the symbolism behind each of these stories.
Mahabali, though an Asura, was benovelent, generous, loved and respected by his subjects and a man of his word. ( Mythologically, it is believed that when Vishnu took him to Suthala, he said that Mahabali would become the next Indra, the ruler of heavens).
"Jaisa Raja, waisi Praja" a popular saying is so true here. The nature of the King, reflected in the people's lives as well. As the popular Onapattu (Onam Song) translated goes
"When Maveli ruled the land,All the people were equal
Times when people were joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
......"
The festival is a reminder to both the present day rulers and the people on how life should be lead morally. Instead of focusing on human created differences and prejudices, see oneself in every other person, practice compassion, kindness, love and generosity.
Mahabali underestimated the Vamana, going by his dwarf size and disregarded his guru Sukracharya's advice.
This is symbolic to how we handle our ego and pride, not to undermine somebody who looks inferior to us in our eyes. Taking advice of our elders, gurus and teachers for astute decisions is vital.
Mahabali did carry pride, but upon realising his mistake, letting go off his ego, he bowed down to fulfill his commitment.
Similarly we must learn to let go off false pride and ego.
Vamana asked Mahabali for 3 paces of his feet from the kingdom.
The 3 paces that Vamana asks for represents the 3 planes of the living being. The 3 paces indicate 3 planes of life & sleep : Jagran, Swapna and Sushupti(means dreamless sleep). Vamana's placing feet on the head of Mahabali indicates elevation from all three states to Moksha.
Vamana, the child like dwarf who expanded himself.
Like Vamana, we must possess a child like heart to grow, elevate and attain Supreme Consciousness.
Most Important view that I wish to share is from an Astrological perspective.
Astrologically, the entire festival is celebrated from Atham (Hastha) in the Chingham month (when Sun is in Leo, its MoolaTrikona) till Tiruvonam (Shravana).
Interestingly, both Hastha and Shravana are constellations or nakshatras with lordship of Moon. And Moon covers a complete journey of 5 Astrological Signs from Virgo to Capricorn spanning a part of the lunar cycle from Amavasya(darkness) towards Purnima (light). In this journey it covers nakshatras ranging from Hastha (Atham), Chitra, Swati, Vishaka, Anuradha, Jyestha, Moola, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, and finally Shravana (Tiruvonam).
As per Nadi astrology, there are lot of symbolisms hidden. like
Sun is the Atma or Soul. Here it is in its MoolaTrikona (strong and powerful).
Moon, the Manah or Mind travels from darkness to light through the various constellations like
Chitra (owner Mars represented by Deha or body)
Swati (owner Rahu represented by Maya or illusion)
Vishaka (owner Jupiter, represented by Jeeva or life force), Infact treated highly auspicious in Kerala for starting something new.
Anuradha (owner Saturn, represented by Karma)
Jyeshtha (owner Mercury, represented by Buddhi or Intelligence)
Moola (owner Ketu, represented by Moksha)
Purva Ashadha (owner Venus, represented by Moha or pleasures)
Uttara Ashadha (owner Sun, represented by Atma or Soul)
Shravana (owner Moon, represented by Manah or Mind)
So, in all its a journey of the Mind through various other aspects of life till it reaches the Atma or Soul. It is amazing that Astrology, the divine science is able to accurately explain the reason and logic behind most of our traditional customs and festivals and sadly as masses we fail to interpret and celebrate and follow them blindly.
So, Let's take this opportunity this Onam to lead a life of compassion and equality and strive to eliminate darkness and move towards light. Happy Onam once again. !!!