There are numerous stories regarding the origin of the Vishu festival, the zodiac new year in Kerala. Most of the Vishu stories are
associated with local temples but the most famous one is associated with the
Ram – Ravan battle in the Ramayana.
Legend has it that the Navagrahas were controlled by Ravana
during his reign of Lanka. He had Shani imprisoned. It is said that Ravana was
not impressed with Surya rising from the east and the rays falling on his palace
without his permission.
Ravana saw the intense heat produced by Surya as arrogance.
Ravan decided go in for a war with Surya.
A scared Surya agreed to not to shine on the palace of Ravana
Then Sri Rama defeated Ravana in the epic battle and Surya
started rising from the east on time.
It is believed that people celebrate Vishu in remembrance of
Sri Ram defeating Ravana and Surya appearing on time.
The story just shows the importance of Sun in the lives of
human beings on earth.