At the Guruvayurappan Temple of Brampton (GTOB) Canada, approximately eight weeks before the Prathista Dinam Maholsavam (temple consecration anniversary day festival), Parayeduppu or Paraniraikkal ritual beings.
During the Parayeduppu, the para (cylindrical metallic structure used as the traditional paddy measuring unit in Kerala), is filled Nellu or paddy.
The Kolam (Insignia) is the representative of the Lord Guruvayurappan. It is said,
“Driśyate anena iti darśanam”
That which acts as the media or instrument through which the reality of the world (Parama-Chaitanyam) can be viewed, understood, and experienced. So, the Kolam (insignia of the Lord) is revered and held in high esteem. The Kolam is adorned with makudam (crown), vastram (pleated decorative cloth) and is kept before the para on a pedestal facing the east direction; the general direction from which the Sun appears to rise. Sun, the primordial energy provider that sustains all life forms on Earth.
The whole arrangement is adorned with flower garlands, floor mat is decorated with hand-drawn rice flour designs and a vilakku (diya/lamp) is also lit.
Vilakku (lamp) acts as a dispeller of darkness. As soon as the lamp is lit, darkness flees away. The significance of the lamp is to dispel the darkness and the negativities inside the heart of each one of us.
This event is conducted in a ceremonial manner at the home of the devotees, to create an energizing ambience and positive energy. The playing of chenda (Kerala percussion drum instrument) aids this process.
The filling of nellu (paddy) by all the household members carries a special symbolism. Rice comes from paddy and is the primary source of food. It provides nourishment, energy, unending joy, and comfort. The newly harvested paddy is offered to Lord as a “Thanks-giving gesture” to all the bounties the Lord has endowed us with, by all the members of the family, together in unison.
As the sign of contentment and gratitude, the paddy when filled in the para overflows depicting abundance of material prosperity, displaying a sense of true appreciation and recognition of Lord’s bountiful grace.
Back in olden days, this measure of paddy was donated to the Temple to conduct Annadanam for Maholsavam; along with dakshina for Parayeduppu and additional monetary donations for conducting the Temple Ulsavams.
It is said in our scriptures that Annadanam destroys all sins, brings us good fortune/benefits, and leads us towards attainment of salvation. Also, this act of offering to the supreme God, whose grace is all encompassing and pervasive, accrues benefit not only to the immediate family members but also to our future generations, in fact the entire familial lineage.
Additionally, every household performing the Parayeduppu makes a solemn pledge that they will spiritually, physically, and financially support their Temple and participate in the upcoming Prathishta Dinam Maholsavam (temple consecration anniversary day festival) with their whole family and make it a grand success.
This event unites multiple families under common goals and values, making them a cohesive team, thereby, leading them towards harmony, peace, prosperity, and betterment of society.
What we discussed so far, summarizes the true intent and symbolism behind Parayeduppu.
Let Lord Guruvayurappan shower his blessings on all of us.
