On behalf of the devotees of Lord Padmanabha, the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram has presented a traditional ceremonial bow ‘Onavillu’ to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, UP on the occasion of Prana Pratistha (consecration) on January 22. Officials said it was presented as a gift to the Ram temple and will be flown to Ayodhya from Kochi on January 21.
The temple tantri (chief priest) and members of his administrative panel handed over ‘Onavillu’ to representatives of the Sri Rama Teertha Kshetra Trust at a ceremony at the eastern entrance of the temple on January 18.
What is Onavillu?
‘Onavillu’ or ‘Palli Villu’ (divine bow) is an auspicious offering dedicated to Lord Sri Padmanabha on the occasion of Thiruvonam. It is a wide, flat, long wooden piece with miniature images of deities. In ancient times it was called ‘Palli Villu’ and later it came to be called ‘Onavillu’ as it was offered in the temple during Onam days. According to temple records, “the offering of ‘Palli Villu’ was resumed in 1502 AD after the restoration of the temple”, which sheds light on the ancient tradition.
Onavillu is believed to bring good luck, peace and happiness to his worshippers. Once dedicated to the temple, Onavilas are also purchased by devotees to perform puja at home.
story of divine bow
The legend of Onam is the return of King Mahabali, who once ruled the kingdom of Kerala, from the underworld to meet his subjects. According to mythology, King Mahabali requested Lord Vishnu to show him all his divine incarnations when Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was about to push him into the underworld. Lord Vishnu approved it, but it could only be seen in the form of paintings and he instructed the divine architect, Vishwakarma to make the paintings. Vishwakarma assured that his successors would continue to make these ‘vilas’ and present them to Lord Padmanabhaswamy for viewing by Mahabali on his annual visits.
The following are the six types of Onavilus:
- Ananthasayanam or Sri Padmanabhaswamy (Lord Vishnu) on his serpent bed
- Dashavataram or ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu
- Sri Krishna Leela or his dance with the Gopikas
- Sri Rama Pattabhishekam or Coronation of Lord Rama
- Sri Dharmasastha for Lord Sastha
- Vinayak for Lord Ganesha
Each of the six is of different size and shape. The smallest are Sri Krishna Leela and Vinayaka – 3.5 feet long and four inches wide, while the tallest are Ananthasayanam and Dashavathaaram which are 4.5 feet long and six inches wide.
A notable aspect of this ritual is that the bow is made by only one family who has the right to perform this duty. Known as Karamana Melaranur Vilayil Veedu, he lives in Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram.
bows are made of wood kadambu Or mahogany, considered to be the favorite of Lord Vishnu. The family making these observes several rituals and constraints, including a 41-day penance, before starting the work. Natural ingredients like charcoal and turmeric powder are used for colors. The bows exhibit the Dravidian painting style and are made using only five colors or five colors – White, green, red, yellow and black.
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