Stories
The Enchanting Legacy of Onavillu: A Cultural Treasure
As the vibrant festival of Onam nears, the story of King Mahabali and Lord Vamana is joyfully recounted in Malayali homes. But beyond this well-known tale lies the captivating story of the Onavillu, a cherished artifact steeped in tradition. The Onavillu, a beautifully crafted bow embellished with scenes from Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations (Dasavatharam), has a legendary origin. Crafted by Vishwakarma, the divine architect, this bow was created at the...
Onavillu: A Bow of Lore and Penance
The lore of King Mahabali and Vamana is retold to young ones in Malayali homes every year when Onam is around the corner. But there’s a story behind the beautiful Onavillu too. Now regarded as a coveted handicraft, the Onavillu was created by the celestial architect Vishwakarma on orders from Lord Vishnu after Mahabali expressed a desire to see all 10 incarnations (Dasavatharam) of the lord before being pushed to...