The story which explains why do we draw kolam is found in the Hindu Puranas. The story is associated with the churning of the ocean (samudra manthan) by
Devas and Asuras. Numerous items appeared during the churning of the ocean.
When Goddess Lakshmi appeared from the churning, she requested Bhagvan Vishnu
for a house to reside.
Vishnu suggested her to reside in a house in which the
entrance is sprinkled with cow dung (entrance is pasted with cow dung) and
decorated with kolams.
From that day onwards people began to draw kolams to invite
Goddess Lakshmi into their homes.
Some Puranas also state that Moodevi or goddess of
misfortune appeared during the churning of ocean and she also demanded a house.
Bhagvan Vishnu asked her to reside in those houses that are dirty and where
they do not draw kolam in front of the entrances.
Drawing of rice kolams in front of house are a means of sharing food with all small creatures on earth like ants. They play a crucial part in the ecosystem and it is a way of thanking them for their very important role.
Drawing of rice kolams in front of house are a means of sharing food with all small creatures on earth like ants. They play a crucial part in the ecosystem and it is a way of thanking them for their very important role.