What is Onavillu, the gift from Padmanabhaswamy temple to Ram Mandir?
In celebration of the temple's consecration, the renowned Padmanabhaswamy temple in Kerala has gifted Ram Lalla in Ayodhya with an "Onavillu."
Image credits: X
What is Onavillu?
'Onavillu' is a traditional bow in the Padmanabhaswamy temple of Kerala as part of a three-century-old tradition. It was brought to Ayodhya via flight from Kochi.
Image credits: X
History
The tradition dates back to the 16th century at the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This beautiful small bow is considered quite sacred in Southern India.
Image credits: X
Painting made on bow
Miniatures of Ananthasayanam, Dasavathaaram, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam and Sri Krishna Leela have been painted using natural colors.
Image credits: X
41 days of hardwork
It is prepared with 41 days of hard and intricate labor accompanied by penance by members of a family belonging to the Vishwakarma community.
Image credits: X
Name derived from?
The name "Onavillu" is composed of two words- Onam(a festival in Kerala) and villu (bow). These ceremonial bows are presented to the temple during the festival of Onam.