BhaktiLoopLord Ayyappan Ulsavabali
Ulsavabali is a significant ritual performed during the annual temple festival (Ulsavam) of Ayyappan temples, especially prominent in Kerala. It is usually conducted for several consecutive days (often from the 5th or 6th day until the 9th day) of the 10-day festival. During this elaborate ritual, offerings ('bali') are made to specific 'Balikkals' (sacrificial stones or pedestals) located at various points within the temple complex, representing different guardian deities and elemental beings. The Utsava Murthy (processional idol) of Lord Ayyappan is carried in a ceremonial procession ('Bali Ezhunnallathu') around the temple, stopping at each Balikkal, where the Tantri (chief priest) offers specially prepared food items with specific mantras. The ritual is accompanied by traditional temple percussion ensembles (like Panchari Melam or Pandi Melam), creating a vibrant and spiritually charged atmosphere. It culminates in Deeparadhana (waving of lamps) and other concluding rites.
Purpose
The Ulsavabali ritual is performed to appease and satisfy the various guardian deities, elemental spirits, and other unseen entities residing within and around the temple premises. It is believed to purify the temple environment, remove any obstacles or negative influences, ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the annual temple festival (Ulsavam), and invoke their blessings for the well-being of the devotees and the region.
Key Rituals
- Sodhasabali (Preliminary Offerings):** Initial offerings to a specific set of 16 deities or entities before the main procession.
- Bali Dakshina (Offerings):** Specific cooked food items (various types of rice, curries, sweets, etc.) are meticulously prepared and offered on fresh banana leaves at each 'Balikkal'.
- Bali Ezhunnallathu (Procession of Deity):** The Utsava Murthy (processional idol) of Lord Ayyappan is carried on a decorated caparisoned elephant or a specially designed palanquin, circumambulating the temple.
- Mantra Recitation:** The Tantri (chief priest) recites specific Vedic and Tantric mantras at each 'Balikkal' to invoke and appease the respective deities/entities.
- Chenda Melam/Panchari Melam:** Traditional percussion orchestras accompany the procession, adding to the grandeur and spiritual fervor.
- Deeparadhana & Nivedyam:** Offering of lamps and food to the main deity within the sanctum before and after the Bali rituals.
- Kalasabhishekam:** Often, a ritual bathing of the idol with sanctified water (Kalasam) or fragrant paste (Kalabham) follows the Bali, symbolizing purification and consecration.
- Guruthy:** In some temples, a 'Guruthy' offering (a reddish liquid, often a mixture of turmeric and lime) is made to intense forms of Bhuta Ganas or Rakshasas for their appeasement and to ward off negative energies.
Common Offerings
Cooked Rice (various preparations like 'Bhuta Bali Choru')
Variety of Vegetable Curries (e.g., 'Kootu', 'Erissery')
Jaggery (Sarkara)
Fruits (e.g., banana, coconut)
Flowers (e.g., Tulasi, Chembarathi)
Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
Oil Lamps (Deepam)
Water (Theertham)
Betel Leaves and Areca Nuts
Camphor (Karpooram)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Sri Maha Sasthruve Namaha
Meaning
Salutations to the Great Sastha (Lord Ayyappan).
Benefits
This is a fundamental Moola Mantra for Lord Ayyappan, used for general invocation, protection, and seeking blessings.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Bhuta Nathaya Vidmahe, Maha Devaya Dhimahi, Tanno Sastha Prachodayat.
Meaning
We meditate on the Lord of all beings (Bhuta Natha); May the great God (Maha Deva) illuminate our intellect; May Sastha inspire us.
Benefits
This is the Ayyappan Gayatri Mantra, chanted for spiritual enlightenment, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
(Specific Tantric Bali Mantras)
Meaning
During Ulsavabali, the Tantri recites highly specific and intricate Tantric mantras tailored for each of the invoked Dikpalakas and Bhuta Ganas at their respective Balikkals. These mantras invoke their presence, offer them the 'bali' (food offering), and seek their satisfaction, protection, and removal of obstacles.
Benefits
These specialized mantras ensure the appeasement of subtle energies, purify the temple space, and secure divine protection for the temple, devotees, and the entire festival.
Auspicious Days
Ulsavabali is conducted daily, usually for 5 to 7 consecutive days, during the annual 10-day 'Ulsavam' (festival) of the Ayyappan temple.
The specific dates of the Ulsavam vary each year and temple, typically falling in the Malayalam months of Dhanu (December/January) or Meenam (March/April).
Regional Variations
Ulsavabali is a ritual primarily observed in temples, particularly in Kerala, India. While the core purpose and structure remain consistent, minor variations may exist between different Ayyappan temples regarding the exact number of Balikkals, the specific types of offerings, the order of the procession, and the accompanying percussion art forms. Some temples might emphasize certain aspects more than others, or include additional local customs.
Related Pujas
- Ulsavam (Annual Temple Festival):** Ulsavabali is an integral part of this larger festival.
- Pallivetta:** A symbolic hunting ritual performed towards the end of the Ulsavam.
- Arattu:** The ceremonial holy bath of the Utsava Murthy, marking the conclusion of the Ulsavam.
- Kalabhabhishekam:** An anointing ritual with a paste of sandalwood, saffron, and other ingredients, often performed during the Ulsavam.
- Deeparadhana:** General lamp offering ceremony performed daily.
- Nivedyam:** Daily food offerings to the deity.