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Eettupula
Eettupula
is the period prescribed to observe post delivery pollution. It is
also known as Valayma. Each community observes this custom for a
period varying from seven to forty days.
Ekadashy
Guruvayoor Ekadashy |
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Chembai muscial concert on Ekadashy day
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Ekadashy is the eleventh day after a full moon or a new moon day. Hindus observed the day with religious rituals and they observe vrutha (penance) on the day (thidhi) with a view to attain salvation after death. Five types of ‘ekadashy’ are there. Shayanaikadashy: The ‘ekadashy’ that comes in the full moon period of the month ‘Karkidakom’. It is believed that during this period Lord Vishnu begins his four month long sleep. Udhanaikadashy: The suklapaksha edkadashy during the month of Karthika when the deep sleep of Lord Vishnu ends. Parivarthana ekadashy: The suklapaksha ekadashy of the month of Proshtapada. Swargavathil Ekadashy: The swargavathil ekadashy is in the month of Dhanu. Lord Sri Krishna recited Bhagavat Gita to Arjuna on that day. Besides this, the Guruvayur Ekadashy (suklapaksha of Vrichikom), Tripayar Ekadashy, Thiruvillwamala Ekadashy (in Kumbhom), Kadavallur Ekadashy and Nelluvay Ekadashy are also important. Among these, Guruvayur Ekadashy is most important.
Ethamiduvikkuka
This
is a form of punishment. Touching the left ear with the right arm
and the right ear with the left arm one has to bend himself and then
stand erect. The elbow has to touch the ground. This has to be
repeated several times. This was the main type of punishment in
schools in olden times. In temples, devotees themselves do this
practice to forgive their sins.
Ethirelpu (Welcome)
Ethirelpu is
a function of welcoming nobles and dignitaries by advancing
forward. At the time of marriage, bridegroom will be welcomed so
in the bride’s residence and bride in the bridegroom’s
residence. This will be accompanied by kurava, ashtamangalyam and deepam.
Ettangadi chudal
A function organised by women on the day before Thiruvathira in the month Dhanu. The tubers are roasted and added with coconut, banana and cowpea and offered to Lord Siva and Parvathy.
Ezharashani (Misery period of seven and half years)
This
is the travel path of ‘Shani’ (Saturn) at the time of birth of an
individual from the place of the moon to its second and twelfth
place. This lasts for seven and half years. According to
astrologers this period will bring bad results. In general the
Saturn period is considered to be very bad. If it is ezharashani, it will be still worse.
Ezhunnallthu (Procession)
The
temple procession conducted on festival days with the idol of the God
usually on the top of an elephant. In traditional temples musical
instruments will also be played on this occasion by accompanying men.
Ezhuthiniruthuka
Ezhuthiniruthuka
is the practice of initiating a child for the first time to writing
and reding. On the Vijayadashami day it is widely practiced and
on other days it is done only after deciding the auspicious time and
place. It is commonly performed in Saraswathy temples, Thirur
Thunchan Parambu, Chitoor Thunchan Mutt etc. Some do the
function in their home itself. This function is also done at
Sreemookambila Temple at Kollur (Karnataka), Panachikkad Saraswathy
temple near Kottayam, Chottanikkara temple at Ernakulam and
Thiruvullakkavu Sastha temple at Thrissur. Not only Hindus, but people
belonging to other religions also do this function. Christians used to
write Daivom Thunakkuka (God help us) instead of Hari Sri Ganapathaye Namaha; Aviknamasthu. Muslims write verses from Qur’an on the right hand palm with black ink on a day before Bakrid festival (Also see Aksharapooja). |
