Pallipaana
A rare and powerful ritual at Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada, performed only once in twelve years for the spiritual protection and prosperity of the deity, the land and its people.
The Next Pallipaana
Pallipaana is an exceptional observance in the ritual calendar of Malanada Appooppan. Its next cycle is scheduled for 2035.
The Concept
It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu, with the help of Lord Subramanian, discovered that he was afflicted by Asura Dosha. The Velan community is traditionally believed to possess the knowledge required to perform the corrective rituals that remove this affliction.
When no Velan could be found in the three worlds, Lord Parameswaran appeared as Velan, Goddess Parvathy as Velathy, and Lord Mahaganapathy and Lord Subramanian as Bhoothaganangal. Together, they came to Palazhy and performed the first Mahakarma known as Pallipaana, relieving Bhagavan of his evil afflictions.
At Malanada, Pallipaana is believed to eliminate evil spirits affecting the deity, the land and its people. The observance is also believed to strengthen the divine power of Malanada Appooppan and bring wealth and prosperity to the seven Karas.
Why it is special
- Performed only once in 12 years
- Continues for 11 days
- Includes 18 sacred Mahakarmas
- Involves about 50 Velan performers
- Joined by an equal number of Purangadi antiperformers
The Eleven-Day Ritual
The conduct of Pallipaana is an elaborate and costly sacred function. Eighteen Mahakarmas are completed over eleven days through the coordinated participation of ritual performers and antiperformers.
Principal Mahakarmas
- Kappukettu
- Idupanabali
- Kuzhibali
- Pattadabali
- Ninabali
- Panchabhoothabali
Sacred Offerings
- Aazhibali
- Kidangubali
- Marukubali
- Peedabali
- Dikbali
- Koombubali