Draft:Ayiravalli

Ayiravalli is a deity worshipped by the Kanikkar, an indigenous tribe living around the Kottayar lake in the Elamala region across the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala. The worship practices of the Sangam period can still be seen among the Kanikkar community today. Ayiravalli is one of the mountain deities known as Varavetta Moorthikal (welcomed deities), along with Madan, Marutha, Oora, Valli, Karinkali, and Rasathu. The tribe believes that these Varavetta Moorthikal possess more power than their Kuladaivams (clan deities).

Their main annual worship is known as Koduthi. The primary elements of the Koduthi are Padukka, Pongala, and Charthu. The Aandukoduthi (annual Koduthi) is conducted for the entire population of a Kanippattu (Kani settlement). A special feature of the Aandukoduthi is the Vilakkumadam (lamp structure). The Vilakkumadam, which is built using bamboo, usually has two rooms: one for Ayiravalli and another for Ithiran. If there is only one room, it is dedicated solely to Ayiravalli. The Ayiravalli Charthu is performed in connection with the Aandukoduthi. According to myth, Ayiravalli sprouted from the left thigh of Bhoomiyamma (Mother Earth).

Ayiravallikkalam

The Kanikkar do not build special temples or shrines for worship. Instead, they clear a small patch of land and conduct the Koduthi once a year. The place where the Koduthi is performed is called a Koduthikkalam. Accordingly, the specific place where the Koduthi for Ayiravalli is conducted is known as Ayiravallikkalam. Category:Hindu deities Category:God