Birds build their nests in safe areas and on rare occasions select a spot in a house where people live for the purpose. A swallow species popularly known as ‘Narayana kili’ or ‘Meeval pakshi’ in Kerala is among the birds which don’t usually choose human dwellings for setting up their nest. However, in case they do, it is considered much auspicious.
A Narayana kili’s nest is believed to usher in wealth and prosperity to the house. Moreover, such a house may also witness the birth of a baby. According to Fengshui also, bird nest in a human residence is certain to bring luck.
Things to note
A bird builds a nest to lay eggs and humans should never damage it. Any attempt to destroy a nest is believed to bring bad luck to the household. So, most people ensure that the nests built in their houses are safe until the birds leave. Normally, birds build single nests in a house, but sometimes complex ones are also seen.
Rare bird
Narayana kili is a bird that flies fast, attaining speeds of between 50-65 kmph. Constantly on the move, they leave their nests around 6 am every day and return only by around 6.30 pm, making any attempt to capture them on camera a tough task.
This swallow’s nest is made up of mud mixed with the bird’s saliva and has the shape of a vertically-split pot. A nest may have a length of up to one foot and in some instances a group of such nests could be noticed. The bird takes over a month to complete a nest.
In legend
The other name of the swallow, ‘Meeval’, translates as ‘gift of God’. Narayana too refers to the Supreme Being. No wonder, as per astrology, the bird brings a divine gift to your home by building a nest there. The discovery of Narayana kili’s nests at some homes in Kerala recently had attracted media attention.
Author’s contact details:
Dr P B Rajesh, Rama Nivas, Poovathumparambil, Near ESI Dispensary, Eloor East, Udyogamandal PO, Ernakulam – 683 501
Email: rajeshastro1963@gmail.com
Phone: 9846033337, 0484-2546421)
