Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya, Malappuram – Prayers

Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya, Malappuram – Prayers

Thirunavaya is considered equivalent to Varanasi because of the presence of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma temples. There are several rituals prescribed for the dead. Adiyanthiram, which falls on the 11^th day, 16^th day or 41^st day of death, Sraardham (death anniversary) and Kshethra Pindam in which a silver idol into which the soul of the dead is made to enter is brought to the temple as offering after the first anniversary of death, etc. are some of the rituals. 'Bali Tharpanam' is usually performed with Darbha (a type of long grass), Pavithram (ring made of Darbha grass), Ellu (sesame), cooked Rice, Flowers, Sandal paste, Water, etc. placed on Banana leaves.

An elderly person who knows rituals or a priest leads the ceremonies. Most Hindus of Kerala perform this on the Vavu (no-moon day) in the month of Karkidakam (Zodiac Sign of Cancer) as an ancestral worship or as offering of prayers for the departed souls of their ancestors. The Pithru Tharpanam on Karkkidaka Vavu is considered as most sacred and important as this Vavu is very near to the starting period of 'Dakshinayana' ('going South' or the starting of the movement of the sun in the southward direction).

The idea is connected with the belief that the direction 'South' represents the concepts connected with death, because it is Yama, the God of Death, who rules the South. Most people, who own enough land, bury their dead on the southern side of their residence. In Malayalam, 'going South' denotes dying and 'being taken to South' denotes burial. Almost equal importance is given to three other Vavu balis, on the no-moon days of Thulam, Kumbham and Edavom month.

Parasurama (one of the incarnations of Vishnu) is believed to have come here to perform Tharpanam (ritual offerings for the dead) for the souls of the thousands of Kshatriyas he had killed. Because of this, Tirunavaya is considered as one of the most sacred place for conducting rituals for the dead. The main daily offerings for worship are Ney Vilakku (lamp lighted with ghee), Thamarai Maalai (Lotus garlands) and Paal Payasam (Porridge / Dessert or Kheer made of rice cooked in sweetened milk). Each and every person arriving at the temple during the entire year, is provided with free meals which is known as 'Prasada Oottu' or 'Annadhanam' which is one of the most important Vazhipadu.