Everything you need to know about Ivormadom Karkidaka Vavu..

Meaning:

For those who were born in the race of our father and mother in this world, for those who are related to us directly and indirectly, for those who were our servants in the last two lives, for those who depended on us, for my friends who helped us in many births, for those who cooperated with us, for all the living beings and animals that we depended on, we dedicate this day, flower, water and prayer.
For all those who were separated from their mother’s clan, for all those who were separated from their father’s, guru’s, relatives’ clan, for all those who could not accept Pinda submission in the past, for all those who had to worry because of having no children, wife or husband, for all those who were unable to do good for others due to various reasons, born in hunger, For all those who have lived, died, done, for those who cannot be approached, for those who died before reaching this world, for those who died in their mother’s womb without seeing this world, for our known and unknown relatives, I offer this prayer, food, water and flowers for all of them. Everything in this world is dedicated to keep them happy in their world…

This flower, food and water is offered for the happiness of their souls for all the living beings who have lived here and for all those who have been here for many millions of years in these seven worlds… Once again this flower, water and food for them to be happy in their world and to sit there and bless us. Submitting…! (A Karkidaka Bali offering is offered to all living beings.)

What is Bali Tarpana Kriya?

While holding it close to the chest, one invokes it from within oneself while performing the sacrifice

One invokes one’s own consciousness and merges it in God. This ritual is a ritual that takes our consciousness from its limited state to the universe. This is the goal of all spiritual paths.

Sacrifices are made taking into account the entire paternal line. Uttarayana is devoted to divine matters and Dakshinayana to paternal matters. The first black vav in Dakshinaya is the Karkitaka vav.

Vav is the time when the Earth, Moon and Sun are in the same line as during an eclipse. A black hole is the Earth’s shadow falling on the Moon. It is related to Agni, Soma and Surya Mandals in our body. Since the middle pingala spinal nerves are connected to these mandalas in the body, the change that is made in the universe also occurs in the body itself. During this time energy flows through the spinal cord, which affects the consciousness field of humans. Not only that, the moon has a connection with the mind. Moon or mind is Jata, and this change in Moon has an effect on human mind and consciousness level. This is why it is said that sadhana should be done during eclipses.

Here is a summary of the ritual as a whole:

Preparations: The day before the event, people prepare themselves by observing a fast and adhering to particular rituals and purity rules. Prior to the rite, they may also take a dip in the sacred river early in the morning.

Material gathering: Devotees gather the necessary goods for the ceremony, which often include traditional offerings like sesame seeds, rice, flowers, turmeric powder, sacred grass (darbha), black gram (uzhunnu), and a traditional offering vessel called a “Bali Para” or “Bali Koodam.”

Offering Rituals: The devotees offer prayers and seek the blessings of their ancestors at the designated water body. They carry out the Bali Tharpanam rite and chant mantras to call upon the spirits of the deceased. Making rice balls (pinda) with sesame seeds and offering them into the water as a symbolic gesture of feeding and appeasing ancestors’ souls is part of the practice.

Homage and Remembrance: While performing the rituals, individuals take a moment to remember their deceased ancestors, express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and offer prayers for their well-being and liberation.

Other Rituals: During Karkidaka Vavu Bali, some people also do other rituals like “Pithru Tharpanam” and “Nagabali.” A ceremonial offering called Pithru Tharpanam is made to please the gods of the ancestors, while a ritual called Nagabali is done to please serpents and obtain their blessings.

It’s crucial to remember that different families or communities in Kerala may have distinct rituals and customs, therefore it’s best to seek the advice of a proficient priest or informed individual to carry out the ceremonies properly.