Religious History of Vishu

Religious History of Vishu, what is the history of Vishu festival? The origin, Mythology of Vishu festival of Kerala.

According to the local legends, in the incomplete literary work named Trikodithanam Shasanam written by Bhaskara Ravivarman has mentioned regarding Chithira Vishu. It is to be highly remembered that Bhaskara Ravivarman was a king who successfully ruled Kerala during AD 962 and 1021.

According to Hindu scholars and pundits, the festivity of Vishu has immediately become a major celebration among the Malayalees by then. It is also strongly believed by the Malayalees that Vishu festival celebrations grandly began in Kerala during the successful reign of the famed Sthanu Ravi who perfectly ruled during AD 844 and 855.

In the Malabar Manual written by William Logan, there is a mention regarding Vishu as follows: “Mathematically Vishu is the New Year day. On this day, Sun rises straight from the East”.

According to the Hindu pundits and scholars, “Lord Sree Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on the Vishu day. Another interesting myth is related to the demon king Ravana. Ravana had never allowed the Sun to rise straight from the East and after Ravana’s death it was on a Vishu day, that the Sun started to rise from the East.”

In North India and Northeastern India, Vishu is celebrated as Bihu and Baisakhi. In the southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh this festival is known as Ugadi. It is an age-old tradition and custom to view the auspicious objects in the ritualistic manner in the form of Vishukkani on the dawn of the day of Vishu by the family members. This particular practice is followed very strictly in this festival day. The Vishukkani is marked with yellow and golden yellow colored articles that form the symbols of luck and prosperity in the personal and professional life.