Ayyappan Vilakku’23

Ayyappan Vilakku is an offering made to the Lord to seek His blessings during the Sabarimala season. This is conducted either in Ayyappan temples or houses with ample open space. The Pooja related rituals start in the morning hours on specified days and stretch until the early morning hours on the next day. Typically it is performed by a troupe of Professionals with about 25 personnel or so, comprising of chenda ( drum) players, udukku ( miniature drum ) kottu singers and Velichappads ( Oracle.)

Starting with installation of Deities in temples constructed with banana stems and coconut fronds to a series of Poojas to the drum beats from the chenda and cymbal to the udukku pattu ( folk songs) recounting the birth and adventures of the Lord to Thiri Uzhichil ( flame torch ) passed over the Oracle's body / Kanal Chattam ( fire walk ) and finally the Kalpana ( Oracle ), form the integral part of this elaborate reilgious ceremony. Ladies and young girls are a vital part of this Vilakku, carrying the Thalappoli ( deepams in metallic plates ) from the site of the Palakkombu ( a particular tree ) located elsewhere from where a small branch is brought to the Sanctum in a procession. There is also a comical fight between the Lord and Vaavar ( a Muslim warrior ), who initially crosses sword with the Lord, but finally acknowledges the supremacy of the Almighty. Incidentally, there is a temple dedicated to the Vaavar at Sabarimala.

All in all, a very inclusive, environment friendly and truly a secular way of conducting a religious ritual in a unique way. I hope I have given a bird's eye view to those not familiar with this religious facet of Kerala.

Here are some highlights of our family offering given at Cherpulassery Ayyappan Kavu, Palakkad District on Nov 12 👇

Swami Sharanam 🙏
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