Thrikkakkara Temple: Lord Vishnu, King MahaBali, and ONAM!

   

 With Onam being celebrated this week, let’s look at the Origin of this festival which speaks volumes about communal harmony and also celebrates the spirit of Oneness in celebration.

Our Puranas describe in detail how the Supreme Lord Vishnu descended to the Earth in different forms, whenever the occasion called for it, whenever there was a need for the re-establishment of Dharma. How he took on different versions, different avataars to tackle each issue mankind was facing. If one were to go through literature with an unbiased mind, it would be noted that the chronology of the different avataars matches with what Darwin came up with, his theory of evolution, millennia later!

So, what is the significance of Onam?

King Bali, grandson of Bhakta Prahlada (to protect him, Lord Vishnu emerged at dusk from a pillar as the fourth avataar of Lord Narasimha), also referred to as Mahabali or Maveli, was a powerful, large-hearted king who ruled the land that today, forms Kerala and some other parts of Southern India. (However, some believe it could be Mahabaleshwar, and some other parts of the country too- however, Kerala is the most accepted version.) He was a much loved king and a very pious man too. However, belonging to the asura group of people, his associates and other powerful people in his kingdom, slowly begin to abuse power. Plus the Devas are scared when King Bali looks likely to conquer their world. In these perilous times, Lord Vishnu is invoked.

Now Lord Vishnu knows Mahabali by himself is not a bad man, and is actually an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. It is the invincible power that has temporarily blinded him. And he needs to be reminded to be humble, and that finally, God alone is supreme. Plus when he conquers all the three worlds, he needs to be reminded to stay in his territory, as it will be anti-nature otherwise. Lord Vishnu takes the form a short, dwarf-like man named Vamana and approaches Mahabali. He asks for “three steps of land”. As per his benevolent nature, King Bali agrees to this demand.

He is warned by his Guru, Shri Shukracharya, to not agree to any of Vamana's demands, as it will cost him his throne. To this the benevolent King who is a man of his word says, even if it costs me my life, I will not retract my promise. 

Vamana, now suddenly changes into a giant being (Trivikrama). He places the first step, a step that covers the entire sky (Swarga loka). He then places his second step, a step that covers the entire Earth (Bhu loka). By now King Bali has realised that this tiny Brahmin who has metamorphosed into a giant being is none other than Lord Vishnu. Trivikram now asks King Bali, where his third step would be.

King Bali bows before the Lord, and offers him his head. Trivikrama places his foot on Mahabali’s head, and Mahabali is pushed to the Netherlands, of which he is made the Emperor. Lord Vishnu grants him a boon of being a Chiranjeevi, an immortal being, and also gives him a chance to return to his Land, on the Earth, once, each year.

This day is celebrated as Onam.

         See also: Kaladi, birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, Srimath Anantheshwar Temple, Manjeshwar

The celebrations last for many days, and on the main Onam day, King Bali's subjects clean and decorate their homes, put up an elaborate pookalam (rangoli made of flower petals) at the doorstep to welcome him into their homes. A worship area, at times with an image/idol of Onathappan, representing Vamana, is set up which is beautifully decorated. A grand meal referred to as Onam Sadya (Onasadya) marks the occasion. Each item is specific and has to be served at very specific spots on the plantain leaf. New clothes are donned. Families get together to meet and celebrate together. Community celebrations are very common, that cross all religious barriers, thus fostering the community spirit. Boat races are held, with the one at Alleppey being quite famous. This is the beauty of our land.

(What is interesting is that, the same event is celebrated as Balipadyami during Deepavali, when Mahabali is known to return to the Earth. It is believed he comes up through the well, and hence we always place a Lamp near the well. Locally, there are songs in TuLu too, rendered in the rural areas near the fields, a practice known as calling Bali!)

 The story of Bali and Vamana was one of my favorites as a child, and I loved to hear it repeatedly from Grandmom.

Significance of the Thrikkakara Temple:

This temple is built at the spot where Vamana/ Trivikrama interacted with Mahabali. This is the spot where Mahabali offered his head to Vamana. And hence, this is the spot of the origin of Onam itself!

The temple is a very beautiful one, located a little away from Kochi. Lamps are lit on the outer walls of the temple. We spent a very long time in the auspices of this temple, just soaking in the vibes of the place. Of course, there is no architectural detailing if you’re looking for it, but then, here the significance lies in the events that have happened at this place. It is one of the holiest places for Vaishnavas. 

And what I love about most South Indian temples is the way the sanctity of the place is maintained with lamps and wooden decor. It's not all slathered with marble! Plus you don't have annoying pandas clamoring for your attention and money!

Despite being so historically significant, it is not an oft spoken-about place from a travellers' point of view. I would say it is a must visit for any Believer, who believes in the power of Dharma.

Hridayam niranja Onashamsakal to all those celebrating this beautiful harvest festival!