On Thursday, representatives from the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra are slated to receive a traditional ceremonial bow known as ‘Onavillu’ from the revered Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This reported exchange of cultural offerings signifies a connection between the temples in different regions, adding a unique dimension to their shared religious and traditional heritage. The news was reported by the ANI news agency.
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, holds profound significance in ancient epics and puranas. According to the Srimad Bhagavatha, Balarama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, visited the temple and engaged in rituals like taking a holy bath in Padmatheertham and making numerous offerings.
Delving into the significance of the ceremonial instrument known as ‘Onavillu,’ it is a distinctive bow-shaped item adorned with intricate paintings depicting stories from puranas. Crafted primarily in Karamana, situated in Thiruvanthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, these exquisite bows play a special role in religious traditions.
The name “Onavillu” is a combination of ‘Onam’ (a celebrated festival in Kerala) and ‘villu’ (meaning bow). Traditionally offered to the temple during the Onam festival, these ceremonial bows, or Onavillus, are believed to bring prosperity. Devotees place them in the temple for three days during Onam and then bring them back to their homes, marking a cultural and religious practice tied to the auspicious occasion.