#King Mahabali

[mypanditastrologer]

[irisbroadwaygurugram]

As we draw intricate Pookalams and savour the delectable Onam Sadhya, we honour the legacy of a revered ruler, King Mahabali, that transcends eras.

May this Onam be a tribute to his timeless influence and a celebration of the unity he championed. Happy Onam!🌾🌸👑

#Trehan #TrehanIris #Onam #HappyOnam #OnamCelebration #KingMahabali #Festival #Festivities #TimelessLegacy

[trehan-iris]

As we draw intricate Pookalams and savour the delectable Onam Sadhya, we honour the legacy of a revered ruler, King Mahabali, that transcends eras.

May this Onam be a tribute to his timeless influence and a celebration of the unity he championed. Happy Onam!🌾🌸👑

#Trehan #TrehanIris #Onam #HappyOnam #OnamCelebration #KingMahabali #Festival #Festivities #TimelessLegacy

[incorrectmahabharatquotes]

What really makes me laugh with sadness is rhe Fact that I'm a dravidian and trust me when I say that there is like a clear cut division between how we think about the Hindi speaking (coughs cough) belt heh.

Like I'm seeing their thoughts behind Ravana and I'm like lol he was a brown dark skinned king

Like these basic af people can't even bring in the nuance - from my perspective, and from many dravidians perspective, Rama the person was a colonizer + imperialist lol

He travelled from place to place disrupting the people around him and didn't understand different cultures and they have literally demonized the dark skin of the dravidians

They are not going to learn until it's too late

((I'm willing to come off Anon if the these people attack you))

Exactly!

I've always had this question about how all these aesthetics and shit never really had much in the way of festivals like Onam. Because Onam is a festival that throws a spanner in Hindutva canon. Its a direct opposite to idk, Vamana Jayanti or whatever bullshit that has been invented to counter the significance of Maveli (or Mahabali) coming back to earth.

Also like yeah! The Ramayana continually refers to people of the south as animals and uncivilised beings. Like even if Kishkindha was referenced as some civilisation, if you notice the way Sugriva and Vaali, and that whole civilisation was portrayed, you see more of this disgust for their hedonistic tendencies from the narrative. Which, according to the 'civilised' Ayodhyavasis, is absolutely disgusting.

Seriously, people need to put some brains into the epics they love. Whenever we bring this kind of discourse up, Dravidians only ever get stupid responses like 'India is one country lol'. So? One country means we all have to forget our own cultures and line up to whatever single idea of India these Hindutvavadis have? I urge people to think a little, geez.

-Mod G

[navaratna]

ഓണം ONAM

The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam is celebrated on the Thiruvonam nakshatram of the month of Chingam every year. Onam commemorates the King Mahabali and Vamanan, the avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Happy Onam to All!

[mimigoey]

3. We had a Asura (anti-god) king like Derkila! How Onam is Connected to the Netherworld and demons

We celebrate Onam for our demon king Mahabali

It all started when the Gods envied the righteous Asura king Mahabali who once ruled over our land like no other, making sure every one of his subjects were treated equally. No evil existed during his reign. He took over Earth, heaven and hell. In our Hindu mythology, the Gods and demons were constantly at war with each other and sometimes the Asuras have won. Mahabali was a good demon like Derkila. The people worshipped Mahabali who later ascended the throne, instead of worshipping the Gods. This caused instability in the two realms- heaven and earth. So lord Indra sent an avatar of Lord Vishnu to level things. This avatar's called vamana. Vamana means dwarf. He asks the generous king for three feats of land which the king grants and the vamana grew in size and became a giant. With each step he conquered heaven, Earth and Hell. The third time, he stepped on top of the king's head and banished him to pathala (Netherworld). Thus the three worlds were restored to gods and in return he was given a boon to visit his people every year during the Harvest festival.

Following this legend, every Onam people dress up as Mahabali and fellow demons and visit people's households accompanied by drummers and people dressed as tigers. Mahabali and his team is present wherever there's a public Onam celebration. It reminds me of crowning the young kings who are considered equal to Derkila who once ruled over the Netherworld in peace and prosperity. Mahabali is doing well there...i guess. Now it's time for him to go back to hell.

The accompanying demons include kariyila maadan, kummattikali etc. Kids usually dress up as maadan and grown ups as kummatti. They're dancing demons.

[sivavakkiyar]

oh shit it’s Onam. Can’t believe I posted that nonsense first thing on Onam.

Anyway in this house we stan Mahabali, objectively great king, not so interested in the other guy

[darxpatel]

Benefits of Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa

Hanumanji is a revered God in Hinduism yet the prime example and promoter of Bhakti Marg as he is depicted as a staunch devotee of Prabh Shri Ram. He is known by many names primarily as Shivansh as he is said to be the Avatar of Lord Shiva. Bajrangbali was the Vanar King who devoted his life to Shri Ram, he was the prime character in Ramayana having unsurmountable power who helped his Aradhya in fighting Demon King Ravana and reuniting with his abducted wife Sita.

There are many devotional hymns and songs generated in praise of Lord Hanuman by his devotees and one such is Shri Hanuman Chalisa. It was composed by the renowned Devotional Poet Tulasidas in the 16th century, as a part of the Epic Poem ‘Ramcharitramanas’ and the Lyrics of Hanuman Chalisa are in Avadhi language. Hanuman Chalisa consists of 40 verses in the praise of dedicated God hence the name Chalisa.

Benefits of Hanuman Chalisa Path

The recital of Shree Hanuman Chalisa is said to be beneficial as the writer of it is said to have composed it to gain the praise of the lord to overcome difficulties in his life and succeed in the same. So let's look at the predominent benefits as said to be obtained by reciting Chalisa in praise of Bajrangbali.

Hanuman Chalisa Path is the story of the praisable lord Hanumanji, beliefs are that if recited to growing kids it can imprint the same spirit as the lord. Hence it develops a strong character among the listeners, willing them to fight for destiny, achieve success, and develop a positive upbringing being courageous, and humble at the same time.

As Shree Hanuman Chalisa's Path says ‘Sankat Te Hanuman Chudave, Man, Karma Bachan Dhyan Jo Laave’, meaning that praying to the lord in your mind, actions, and words the lord will help you with problems.

Astrological beliefs state reciting Hanuman Chalisa would rid one of ‘Sate Sati’ the term for the heavy effect of Saturn planet that is said to be the punisher for your bad karma, it is believed that the path of Chalisa would help cancel the negative effect on your life

Recounting Shree Hanuman Chalisa is considered to have a resounding effect on the human body and mind, helping them achieve peace, relieve stress and physical ailments, etc. as sound and words are said to revibrate in the universe

Devotees believe that the Hanuman Chalisa Path helps ward off evil energies, gain the lord's protection, experience calm and strength, have a positive effect on the mind, learn the art of living, and develop courage for the Mahabali Hanuman himself is your protector.

Practice and Rituals to Praise Shri Hanumanji

Legends mention Bajarangbali to be Brahmachari following the path of asceticism so most of his followers follow Brahmacharya walking the path of their revered God. There are no other strict rules and practices followed while reciting the Shree Hanuman Chalisa Path. Yet it is advised to recite the chant on Tuesday and Saturday, noting the dedicated days to the devotion of Lord Hanumanji.

It is widely believed that visiting Hanuman Mandir on Tuesday and Saturday offering sindoor and oil to Lord Hanuman and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa Mantra would be beneficial to ward off all evil and gain success in life. Many temples have an offering, aarti, and devotional path organized for the devotees, if one wishes to enjoy the glory they can join.

[rheaitis]

[excerpt from] "The Song to Rain Clouds" by Kōtai-Āṇṭāḷ

8.1

Clouds spread like blue cloth across the vast sky Has Tirumal my beautiful lord of Venkatam, where cool streams leap come with you? Tears gather and spill between my breasts like waterfalls. He has destroyed my womanhood. How does this bring him pride?

8.2

Clouds that spill lovely pearls what message has the dark-hued lord of Venkatam sent through you? The fire of desire has invaded my body I suffer. I lie awake here in the thick of night, a helpless target for the cool southern breeze.

8.3

So easily they left me my lustre, my bangles, thought, sleep I am destroyed. Compassionate clouds I sing of Govinda’s virtues lord of Venkatam, where cool waterfalls leap. How long can this alone guard my life?

8.4

Clouds bright with lightning tell the lord of Venkatam upon whose lovely chest Sri resides that my supple young breasts yearn everyday for his resplendent body.

8.5

Great clouds rising into the sky climb high, rain hard on Venkatam scatter flowers brimming with honey. Ask the one who tore the body of Hiranya with his long nails flecked with blood to return the conch bangles he took from me.

8.6

Cool clouds heavy with water rise high and pour down on Venkatam, home of the one who took the world from Mahabali. Tell that Narana he entered me, consumed me, stole my well-being like a worm that feasts on a wood-apple Tell him of my terrible disease.

8.7

Cool clouds place the plea of this servant at the feet of the one with beautiful lotus eyes him who churned the ocean filled with conch. Beseech him to enter me for a single day to wipe away the vermilion smeared upon my breasts only then can I survive.

8.8

Dark clouds ready for the season of rains chant the name of the lord of Venkatam who is valiant in battle. Tell him, like the lovely leaves that fall in the season of rains I waste away through the long endless years waiting for the day when he finally sends word.

8.9

Rain clouds rising like great war-elephants over Venkatam what word has that one who sleeps upon the serpent sent for me? The world will say: ‘heedless that he was her only refuge he killed this young girl.’ What honour is there in this?

8.10

Kotai of the king of Puduvai, the peerless city, desired the one reclining upon the serpent and sent the clouds as her messengers to the king of Venkatam Those who place in their hearts these verses of Tamil sung by her of luminous forehead those who sing these words of Tamil will be with him forever.

[Venkatesan, The Secret Garland: Andal’s Tiruppavai and Nacciyar Tirumoli. New Delhi: Harper Collins, 2016]

[rggtattoos]

渡瀬 勝, Watase Masaru

阿修羅王 - Ashura King (Mahabali)

Type: Full with sleeves

Features:

Spiral Botan-Giri Mikiri - This refers to the black and white scalloped border. “Mikiri” is the term for the outer border surrounding these “full” style tattoos. “Botan-Giri” means “Peony Cut” and refers to the scalloped, petal-like edges. 

Asura - Also called “Ashura” or “Sura” race of creatures in Buddhist mythology above humans, but below gods in the hierarchy of reincarnation. They live pleasurable lives, but are consumed by their passions (wrath, pride, envy, insincerity, falseness, boasting) and have declared war on the gods. Like humans they contain both good and evil. Sometimes they are portrayed as demons, others are pious and good.

Mahabali was the king of the ashura. He was a kind, just, and generous ruler who eliminated poverty, crime, and inequality. The Gods became concerned over Mahabali's power and influence. They sought out Vishnu (whom Mahabali was a devout worshiper of) to help them. Vishnu, disguised as a poor dwarf priest, asked Mahabali for "three steps" of land. When Mahabali agreed, Vishnu grew to an enormous size and covered Earth in the first step and Heaven in the second. Vishnu asked Mahabali where the third step should land. Mahabali realized that the third step had the potential to destroy the earth, and instead told Vishnu to place the third step on the king's own head. Vishnu does so, and depending on the version of the story Mahabali is either sent to the netherworld, the heavens, or becomes immortal.

Wheel - The dharmic wheel, one of the oldest and most essential symbols in Buddhism. Its part can represent different aspects of Buddhism depending on the teacher and the design of the wheel. However an eight-spoked wheel is the most common, and agreed to represent the "Eightfold Path" or eight skills that must be practiced in order to achieve enlightenment.

Vajra - a two-sided club representing the indestructibility of a diamond and the unstoppable force of a thunderbolt. It is a weapon that is used in Buddhism to represent the pure, absolute nature of enlightenment.

Tenne Cloth - A scarf-like ribbon draped over the arms and legs of a figure in artwork. They are most often found in depictions of Tennin (celestial attendants akin to angels), but sometimes on fiercer deities such as Myo-o (seen in Daigo's tattoo). They invoke the image of movement or flying through clouds.

Lightning - represents an unstoppable force, action, destruction, and cutting through fear and ignorance.

[imperfectorange]

The Opulence of Kerala's Biggest Festival, Onam

Happy Onam! Today marks the end of the ten-day festival of Onam. Here's everything you need to know about the festival!

The grand and auspicious ten-day festival of Onam is the biggest celebration in the state of Kerala. It falls in August and September (Chingam) according to the Malayali calendar. Onam is deemed the harvest festival of the state and also signifies the return of legendary King Mahabali to his home, thus presenting an amalgamation of economic growth and mythological grandeur. This festival brings out the color and culture of the state in abundance.

Onam celebrations take place while nature is in its splendour, with pleasantly sunny days and fields that are ready to be harvested. The fairs are highly anticipated by people from every generation. The festival is a cultural extravaganza where people engage in games and dances.

Besides being a harvest festival, the legend of King Mahabali is also associated with Onam. It is believed that Kerala was once ruled by the Asura king, Mahabali. He was famous among the people for he was kind, judicious, and benevolent. Under his reign, the state was nothing short of a utopia. However, the gods grew increasingly jealous of Mahabali’s popularity and sought Lord Vishnu’s help. Vishnu, in the guise of a poor Brahmin, asked Mahabali for a piece of land that could be covered by his three steps. When the time came to measure the land, Vishnu grew in size and covered the earth and the skies in two steps. Fearful that Vishnu’s third foot might destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head to Vishnu to place his foot on, and as a result, got himself thrown to Paatal. Pleased by his character and sacrifice, Vishnu granted the Asura king a boon. Mahabali, being attached to his kingdom, requested to be allowed to visit Kerala once a year. Hence, Onam celebrates the sacrifice of King Mahabali and his advent on earth every year.

The cultural activities of Onam range from games to dancing to delicious recipes. Kummattikali is a colorful mask dance, popular around the South Malabar region, where dancers go around houses, entertaining people and collecting gifts. Kathakali, the impeccable amalgamation of dance and drama is a major attraction of the festival with shows being held in different parts of the state. Another interesting form of dance associated with Onam is the Thumbi Thullal, which is an all-women singing and dance event.

The grandest and the most elaborate feast called the Onasadhya is prepared during Onam. It is believed to be the biggest of its kind in the whole world. Other attractions include the Pookalam, an intricate flower arrangement laid out on the floor which can be found in every household during the festivities, the snake boat race, an annual event that attracts tens of thousands of tourists, local and international and the elephant procession at Thrissur, where the animals are decked in gold and paraded around.

All in all, the ten-day festivities of Onam are majestic and of an impressive scale. The festival is heavily promoted by the government and provides a huge boost to tourism in the state. More so than that, the very atmosphere is electrifying as the festival approaches, guaranteeing a breathtaking and resplendent experience of the rich culture and heritage of God’s own country.

- Ananya.

[azureseadragon]

The names of the Yakuza Series tattoos, for @rggtattoos

Kiryu - 応龍 - Oryu - “Responsive Dragon” (Yinglong)

Ichiban/Sawashiro - 龍魚 - Ryugyo - “Dragonfish”

Majima -  般若と蛇と桜 - Hannya, snakes and cherry blossoms

Saejima/Shimano - 虎 - Tiger

Awano - 桃太郎 - Momotaro

Shibusawa - 青龍 - Seiryu - “Azure/blue/green Dragon” (Qinglong)

Kuze - 閻魔大王と牛頭馬頭 - Great King Enma (Yama), Ox-head and Horse-face

Tachibana/Oda - 蝙蝠 - Bat

Lee - 関羽と龍 - Guan Yu and dragons

Nishikiyama - 緋鯉 - Red Carp

Yumi - 月下美人 - Queen of the Night

Ryuji - 黄龍 - Koryu - “Yellow Dragon” (Huanglong​)

Daigo - 不動明王 - Fudo Myo (Acala)

Mine - 麒麟 - Kirin (Qilin)

Rikiya -  ハブとシュロの葉 - Habu and windmill palm leaves

Nakahara - シーサーとハイビスカス - Shisa and hibiscus

Kanda - おかめと天女 - Okame and Tennyo

Minami:

- 邦柄 - 黒豹と牡丹 - Japanese style: Black panther and peonies

- 洋柄 - 蛇と女と髑髏 - Western style: Snake, woman and skull

Katsuya - 鶴 - Crane

Aizawa - 真鯉 - Black Carp

Watase - 阿修羅王 - Ashura King (Mahabali)

Iwami - 白澤 - Hakutaku (Bai Ze)

Tendo - 昇り龍 - Rising Dragon

[deepudesign]

When is Onam 2022? Thiruvonam Date, Spiritual Significance, Puja Rituals and Shubh Muhurat for Kerala's Harvest Festival

ONAM 2022: Onam is the one of most awaited and biggest festivals in Kerala. The annual Hindu harvest festival symbolises the homecoming of the mythical demon king, Mahabali. The 10-day-long affair is celebrated with music, feasting, and boat races in the backwater of Kerala. This year, the Onam festival has begun on August 30 and will conclude with Thiruvonam on September 8. On the last day, people prepare Onasadya and the giant feast is savoured with family.

ALSO READ: Happy Onam 2022: Thiruvonam Wishes, Messages, Images, Quotes and WhatsApp Greetings in English and Malayalam to Share

Onam: Spiritual Significance

As per Indian mythology scripts, on this day, King Mahabali managed to conquer Gods and established his rule over the three worlds. Despite being a demon king, he was a generous ruler and people loved him.

This made all the other gods feel threatened and sought help from Lord Vishnu, who then appeared as Vamana and tricked the king into giving back all the land he owned on Earth.

ALSO READ:12 Must-Try Traditional Onam Sadhya Recipes To Celebrate Kerala’s Biggest Festival

However, Lord Vishnu also granted him a boon that the king was allowed to return to his kingdom and his people once a year.

Since then, as per the Malayalam Calendar, Onam is celebrated at the beginning of Chingam, the first month of Kollavarsham. It is also the time of the year when the good harvest is gathered by the people of Kerala.

[mayookhpallikandi]

Major project idea (proposal)

I have presented 3 ideas and one of my ideas approved to develop for my major project studies. The Augmented Reality narrative story about the history of Onam.

Kerala, an Indian state, celebrates the harvest festival of Onam. In Keralan mythology and folklore, it has great cultural and historical significance. The celebration honors the return to his kingdom once a year of King Mahabali, a mythological figure who was thought to be kind and fair.

A popular monarch who ruled Kerala during a golden age of wealth, equality, and happiness is said to have been King Mahabali, also referred to as Maveli. The gods, especially Lord Vishnu, were envious of Mahabali's reign because they were afraid of his rising fame and authority. God intervened, and Lord Vishnu went to Mahabali dressed as Vamana, a Brahmin boy, and asked to be granted land that was only three steps away.

Vamana asked for Mahabali to grant his wishes, but Shukracharya, his guru, forbade it. Vamana, however, surprised Mahabali by changing into a colossal figure that covered the entire universe in two steps. Vamana was able to take the third step because Mahabali had no more room, so he showed his devotion and humility by offering his head. Mahabali was bestowed with a boon by Vamana, who was impressed by his selflessness and allowed him to visit his kingdom once a year. During the festival of Onam, people in Kerala commemorate King Mahabali's yearly return and lavishly celebrate his reign.

This is the history of Onam which I am going to narrate by the technology of Augmented Reality

Reference

LearningPie Preschool (2022) The Mythological Story of Mahabali and Vamana: Exploring the significance of Onam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbo45EhaO4o.