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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Cracow Indological Studies: Paḷḷivēṭṭa, or the ‘Royal Hunt’, in Prescriptive Literature and in Present-day Practice in Kerala

Grāmabali (ग्रामबलि) refers to the “propitiatory oblation of rice outside the temple”, according to the Puṭayūrbhāṣā and Tantrasamuccaya.—Festivals (utsava) are an important feature of Indian temple culture. [...] Kerala, a state in the south-west region of India, is well known for its temple festivals. [...] The ritual manuals of Kerala contain detailed outlines of the annual temple festival and include the hoisting of the flag, propitiatory oblation of rice inside the temple, propitiatory oblation of rice outside the temple (grāmabali), the royal hunt and the ceremonial bath, as well as certain other minor rituals that are performed during the annual festival. They give a great deal of importance to the bali, or propitiatory oblation, that is offered inside the temple during the festival days and to a bali known as mahābali (Śaivāgamanibandhana, T. 379, p. 313; Prayogamañjarī, 18: 95) or grāmabali (Puṭayūrbhāṣā, p. 205; Tantrasamuccaya , 9:197) performed the day before the ceremonial bath; this grāmabali is offered in the nearby village of the temple, in a garden, in a forest or at a crossroads The ritual manuals usually give the ‘royal hunt’ immediately after the description of the grāmabali.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Grama, Bali.

Full-text: Pallivetta, Bali.

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