Vaikathashtami

Kharan consecrated three Sivalingas and one of them was at Vaikom, in Ernakulam District.  It is known as ‘Vaikathappan’.  The other two are at Kaduthuruthi and Ettumanoor.  A sanyasin (hermit) known as Vyakarapadamuni worshipped Vaikathappan in deep meditation.  Once he got the divine vision of Vaikathappan on the Astami day of the month Vrichikom (November-December).  Lord Siva appeared before him and assured that he would give darshan to the devotees on that particular day.  In course of time the place where the sanyasin sat in deep meditation came to be known as Vaikom.  The Ashtami day of Vrichikom came to be known as Vaikathashtami.  These days became the festival days of Vaikom Temple, which is celebrated for 12 days.

There are two Vavus that come in a month.  They are Velutha Vavu (Full Moon Day) and Karutha Vavu (No Moon Day).  Vrutha (penance) is to be performed on these two days.  It is known as ‘Vavorikkal’ which means food is taken only once in a day.  Makaravavu and Karkidakavavu are very special. Vavubali is performed on this day.  The important Vavubali Centres are Shangumukham beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Papanasam beach in Varkala, banks of river Periyar at Aluva and sandy shore of Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya.  The vavu coming after Sivarathri in Kumbhom (February-March) is also important.

Vedarambhom is one of the Shodashacharangal of Namboothiris.  Vedarambom is the starting of studying Vedas by chanting it under the guidance of teachers. In olden days, the boy had to study all the Samhithas, Vedas Upanishads etc.

Vettakanikanal was a function undertaken by Nairs of old times before they proceed for battle. In order to show blood before battle, they used to make a small wound with sword on the neck of other.  People voluntarily came forward for this function. 

Vishnubali is one of the Shodashacharangal of Namboothiris. Vishnubali is a rite to please the God Vishnu.

Vivaham (Marriage)

Vivaham is a public function organised by the relatives of the bride and bridegroom to start male-female union and family life with the approval of the society. The groom will tie thali on the bride’s neck and give pudava (cloth) to her.  This practice is generally followed by almost all caste in Kerala.

Vivahanichayam is a marriage agreement.  The function of Vivahanichyam is held at the bride's residence where both the parties sit together in front of Nilavilakku (holy lamp) and Nirapara.  The horoscope of the bride and bridegroom will be disclosed and obtained consent for marriage.  Then, the astrologer will be consulted to fix an auspicious day for the marriage.  An agreement of consent will also be executed in a paper, the four side of which is marked with turmeric paste, and exchange each other. 

A function organised with special customs and practices.  The upavasa (fasting) is performed to wipe out sins and attain blessings or moksha.  People observe Vrutha on Ekadashi, Vavu, Pradosham, Sivarathri, Monday (Somavara Vrutha) and Ashtami Rohini day. Vrutha is to be performed as total fasting and as orikkal (taking food only once in the day).