Thread by @SuryahSG

#Onam FAQs

What is the significance of Tiru-Oṇam?

Tiru-Oṇam is Birth-Day of Vāmana avatāra of Bhagavān Viṣṇu.
Who introduced Oṇam as the most important festival of the Malayāḷi society? When?

Rājā Kulaśēkhara Āzhvār, last of the Chera Kings, between 8 & 9 century CE. (1)

The legend of Oṇam is derived from?

Śrīmad Bhāgavata Purāṇa (Canto 8/ Chapters 15 to 21)

Who was Mahā Bali?

Bali was a benevolent king born in the Asura clan, the grandson of Prahḷāda Mahārāja.

5. What is the significance of the popular Oṇam icon of Mahā Bali kneeling (2)

down with folded hands to a giant figure of Vāmana with raised left foot?

The image represents Mahā-Bali receiving Tiru-aḍi dīkṣa from Bhagavān Vāmana. Tiru-aḍi dīkṣa is a very auspicious way of initiation received by a disciple from Guru/Bhagavān. (3)

It's one of the choicest dīkṣa-s in many Dharmic sampradāya-s. Sundarar, the eighth century CE poet of Tamizh Nadu, is also credited to have received Tiru-aḍi dīkṣa from Bhagavān Naṭarāja.

Didn't Vāmana 'punish' Bali and sent him to 'Pātāḷa loka' (Nether world)? (4)

NO. That is merely a colonial/Dravidianist misinterpretation of Tiru-aḍi dīkṣa illustration. Bali was a staunch devotee of Bhagavān Viṣṇu. On the Tiru-Oṇam day, Bali was blessed by Bhagavān by removing the last trace of ignorance that prevented him from attaining Mukti. (5)

Bali was promoted to 'Sutala' (the auspicious region).

Why do Malayāḷi-s decorate the front of the homes with poo-kkaḷam (flower patterns) on the Tiru-Oṇam day (also on all 9 days leading to Tiru-Oṇam)?

Malayalis believe that Mahā-Bali comes on an annual visit to homes (6)

on the auspicious day. This is more a fond remembrance of Rājā Kulaśēkhara Āzhvār who introduced Tiru-Oṇam as the most important festival of the Chēra-Nādu (Kēraḷam).

- Śrīnāth Mohandās
Sep 6, 2014 (7/7)