Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam is the 22nd nakshatra (lunar mansion) in the Vedic astrology. It corresponds to the constellation of Alpha Aquilae, also known as Altair, in Western astronomy. Thiruvonam means “the sacred serpent,” and a coiled snake or an umbrella symbolizes it. The presiding deity of this nakshatra is Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism, also known as Ananta Shesha, the serpent of eternity. The ruling planet of this nakshatra is Mercury, the planet of communication and intelligence.

Significance of Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam is considered one of the most auspicious nakshatras in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that people born under this nakshatra are blessed with wisdom, wealth, fame, and happiness. They are also endowed with honesty, loyalty, generosity, and humility. They are devoted to their family and friends and have a strong sense of duty and responsibility. They are also very spiritual and have a deep connection with Vishnu.

Thiruvonam is also the most important day of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. On this day, people celebrate the homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler sent to the netherworld by Vishnu in his Vamana avatar. According to legend, Mahabali was granted a boon by Vishnu that he could visit his subjects once every year on Thiruvonam day. On this day, people welcome Mahabali with floral decorations, traditional dishes, cultural programs, and games.

Legends of Thiruvonam

There are several legends associated with Thiruvonam Nakshatra and its deity Vishnu. Some of them are:

• The legend of Vamana and Mahabali: Mahabali was a righteous and generous king who ruled over the three worlds with justice and compassion. He was a devotee of Vishnu and performed many sacrifices to please him. However, his power and popularity made the gods jealous, and they sought Vishnu’s help to curb his influence. Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana and approached Mahabali for alms. Mahabali agreed to grant him whatever he asked for. Vamana asked for three steps of land, and Mahabali readily agreed. However, Vamana expanded his size and covered the earth and the sky with his first two steps. He then asked Mahabali where he could place his third step. Mahabali realized that Vamana was none other than Vishnu and offered his head as the third step. Vishnu was pleased with Mahabali’s devotion and humility, pushing him to the netherworld. He also granted him a boon to visit his kingdom once yearly on Thiruvonam day.
• The legend of Ananta Shesha: Ananta Shesha is the serpent on which Vishnu reclines in his cosmic sleep. He is also known as Adi Shesha, the first serpent, or Sheshanaga, the king of serpents. He is said to have a thousand heads, and each head sings the glory of Vishnu. He is also the guardian of the earth and supports it on one of his hoods. He is also the brother of Vasuki, the serpent king who was used as a rope to churn the ocean of milk by the gods and demons. According to legend, Ananta Shesha was born as a son of sage Kashyapa and his wife Kadru. He was named Lakshmana and became the loyal brother of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. He later incarnated as Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna, another incarnation of Vishnu.
• The legend of Thrikkakara Temple: Thrikkakara Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Vishnu in his Vamana avatar in Kochi, Kerala. It is believed that this temple marks the spot where Vamana measured the three worlds with his steps and pushed Mahabali down to the netherworld. The temple has a statue of Vamana with one foot raised and one hand holding an umbrella, symbolizing Thiruvonam nakshatra. The temple is also one of the main venues for Onam celebrations in Kerala.

Important festivals associated with Thiruvonam

The most important festival associated with Thiruvonam nakshatra is Onam, which falls on this day in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September). On this day, people celebrate the return of King Mahabali to his kingdom by decorating their houses with flowers, preparing a grand feast called sadya, wearing new clothes called onakkodi, performing various cultural and religious activities such as thiruvathira kali, puli kali, pookalam, ona-thallu, thrikkakarayappan, onathappan, tug of war, thumbi thullal, onavillu, kazhchakkula, atha chamayam, and vallamkali. On this day, people also worship Vishnu in his Vamana avatar and seek his blessings for prosperity and happiness.

Another festival associated with Thiruvonam nakshatra is Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). On this day, people worship Ananta Shesha, the serpent of eternity, and seek his protection and grace. They also immerse the idols of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success, in water bodies as a mark of farewell. This festival marks the end of the 10-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Benefits of observing Thiruvonam

Worshipping Vishnu on Thiruvonam nakshatra is believed to bestow various benefits to the devotees. Some of them are:

• Bestows wisdom, wealth, fame, and happiness in life.
• Helps overcome obstacles and enemies in life.
• Develops qualities such as honesty, loyalty, generosity, and humility.
• Enhances communication and intelligence skills in life.
• Strengthen the bond with family and friends in life.
• Grants spiritual enlightenment and liberation in life.

Astrological Significance of Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam nakshatra is a favorable nakshatra for performing various auspicious activities such as marriage, housewarming, naming ceremony, education, travel, business, etc. It is also a good nakshatra for starting new ventures and projects. However, it is not a suitable nakshatra for performing activities such as surgery, litigation, loan repayment, etc. It is also not a good nakshatra for buying or wearing new clothes or jewelry.

The people born under Thiruvonam Nakshatra have the following characteristics:

• Fair complexion and attractive features.
• A sharp mind and a good memory.
• Well-educated and well-informed.
• Eloquent and persuasive speakers.
• Ambitious and hard-working.
• Honest and loyal.
• Generous and charitable.
• Humble and respectful.
• Devout and spiritual.

Contact Sulekha

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