Onam Pookalam: Know everything about its significance and check out some Thiruvonam pookolam images

Onam Pookalam images: Know what it is, why is it significant 

Onam festivities are incomplete without Pookalam (also spelt as Pookolam). The term Pookolam/Pookalam consists of two words - 'Poo' (flowers) and 'Kolam' (decorative pattern or rangoli). Malayalees are authorities in making intricate patterns on the floor with fresh whole flowers and petals. Read on to know more about Pookolam, its significance and check out some images.

Significance of Pookalam

Intricate and multiple circles are drawn one within the other to make the flower rangolis. Pookolams are designed ahead of Onam festivities at homes and at public places to welcome King Mahabali, who once ruled the region. According to the legend associated with Onam, King Mahabali (also known as Mahaveli) visits his kingdom annually during Onam as he was showered with a boon by none other than the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Vamana. Mahabali was sent to the Patala Loka (Nether World) by Lord Vishnu after being tested for his devotion by the Lord himself. However, he was blessed with the boon that permitted him to visit his kingdom once during the year. Therefore, people welcome their king by decorating the streets and their homes with these floral carpets. 

Check out this link to know more about the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Pookolam designs

All photos were taken from Instagram 

A traditional pookolam consists of the Dashapushpam meaning ten flowers. These flowers are believed to have medicinal qualities, and are hence used in Ayurveda. They are known as Vishnukranthi, Karuka, Muyal Cheviyan, Thiruthaali, Cheroola, Nilappana, Kayyonni, Poovamkurunilla, Mukkutti and Uzhinja. However, nowadays, people use all kinds of flowers that are available in the market to make their pookolams.

Moreover, a traditional pookolam with multiple rings (one within the other) is designed to dedicate it to several deities. According to the tradition, each of the rounds is made to honour Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi, their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, Lord Brahma (the creator of the Universe) and last but not the least, the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu and King Mahabali. Therefore, the symbolic meaning of the pookolam is profound. Hence, it is not just a decorative pattern but a symbol of divinity.

The pookolam is also usually accompanied by a traditional brass oil lamp.

Here's wishing one and all a very Happy Onam.