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Vaikathashtami
Kharan
consecrated three Sivalingas and one of them was at Vaikom,
in Ernakulam District. It is known as ‘Vaikathappan’.
The other two are at Kaduthuruthi and Ettumanoor.
A sanyasin (hermit) known as Vyakarapadamuni worshipped
Vaikathappan in deep meditation. Once he got the divine
vision of Vaikathappan on the Astami day of the month
Vrichikom (November-December). Lord Siva appeared
before him and assured that he would give darshan
to the devotees on that particular day. In course
of time the place where the sanyasin sat in deep meditation
came to be known as Vaikom. The Ashtami day
of Vrichikom came to be known as Vaikathashtami.
These days became the festival days of Vaikom Temple, which
is celebrated for 12 days.
Vavu
Vavubali
There
are two Vavus that come in a month.
They are Velutha Vavu (Full Moon Day) and
Karutha Vavu (No Moon Day). Vrutha
(penance) is to be performed on these two days.
It is known as Vavorikkal which means food
is taken only once in a day. Makaravavu
and Karkidakavavu are very special. Vavubali
is performed on this day. The important Vavubali
Centres are Shangumukham beach in Thiruvananthapuram,
Papanasam beach in Varkala, banks of river Periyar
at Aluva and sandy shore of Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya.
The vavu coming after Sivarathri in Kumbhom
(February-March) is also important. |
Vedarambhom
Vedarambhom is one of the Shodashacharangal
of Namboothiris. Vedarambom is the starting
of studying Vedas by chanting it under the guidance of teachers.
In olden days, the boy had to study all the Samhithas,
Vedas Upanishads etc.
Vettakanikkal
Vettakanikanal was a function undertaken
by Nairs of old times before they proceed for battle. In
order to show blood before battle, they used to make a small
wound with sword on the neck of other. People voluntarily
came forward for this function.
Vivaham (Marriage)
Tying
thali by bridegrooom |
Vivaham
is a public function organised by the relatives
of the bride and bridegroom to start male-female
union and family life with the approval of the society.
The groom will tie thali on the bride’s neck
and give pudava (cloth) to her. This practice
is generally followed by almost all caste in Kerala. |
Vivahanichayam
Vivahanichayam
is a marriage agreement. The function of Vivahanichyam
is held at the bride residence where both the parties
sit together in front of Nilavilakku (holy lamp)
and Nirapara. The horoscope of the bride and
bridegroom will be disclosed and obtained consent for marriage.
Then, the astrologer will be consulted to fix an auspicious
day for the marriage. An agreement of consent will
also be executed in a paper, the four side of which is marked
with turmeric paste, and exchange each other.
Vrutha (Penance)
A function organised with
special customs and practices. The upavasa (fasting)
is performed to wipe out sins and attain blessings or moksha.
People observe Vrutha on Ekadashi, Vavu, Pradosham,
Sivarathri, Monday (Somavara Vrutha) and Ashtami Rohini
day. Vrutha is to be performed as total fasting and as orikkal
(taking food only once in the day).
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