Sabarimala - Great Pilgrimage Site of South India

There are so many widespread stories related with Lord Ayyappa among the devotees. The stories differ, but there are several common elements in those stories. The well-liked and widely accepted story tells that Lord Ayyappa had his human stopover as the son of the King Rajasekara of Pandalam.

During one of his hunting expeditions, the King was confused to hear the wails of a baby on the banks of the river Pampa, and was surprised to find a glittering baby there. Though the King had no children, he accepted the baby as God's gift, response to his ardent prayer for an heir to his throne. Ayyappa grew into a boy well versed in academic lore and martial arts and he loved the King and his people.

He was a super-human with divine knowledge and courage. He sheltered the King and the kingdom from the confrontation of enemies. Finally he vanished into the forests and is ever since worshiped at the Sabarimala temple.

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

As per Hindu mythology Temple at Sabarimala was built by warrior-sage Parasurama, who domesticated the Land of Kerala from the sea. Enclosed by dense tropical forest and 18 hills, the Temple is situated at 1260m above sea level. Pamba is the main base camp on the way to Sabarimala Temple and from here one can trek 5 km to reach the Temple. East of the Temple is 'Vavarnada' which honors 'Vavar', a muslim associate of Lord Ayyappan. Sabarimala is one of the five 'Panchashastha' Temples erected by the great Yogi to protect Kerala from negative elements, the others being Kulathuppuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli.

At Sabarimala Lord Ayyappan is a Brahmachari in a state of eternal bliss or Samadhi, holding Chinmudra. It is said that the lord sought this lonely abode to meditate soon after defeating the demon, Mahishi in a brutal battle. The Sabarimala Temple is open to devotees only during Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku (November to January) and Vishu (First day of every month in the Malayalam calendar).

Climbing Sabarimala

A pilgrim visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple during the Mandalapooja period observes certain austerities for 41 days before his pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The pilgrim should withdraw from non- vegetarian habits, should not indulge in sex and should wear the special Rudraksha mala. These austerities generally start from the first day of Virichigam (Malayalam month). After this ritual, the pilgrims are called as Ayyapan until their conclusion of the pilgrimage. During the period of austerities, devotees are expected to go through practices of simple living, and complete cleanliness. Total self-discipline from all habits like alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food is predetermined.

The devotee is likely to wear black/blue/saffron clothes, and pray daily in the mornings and evenings after bathing. The prayer ritual may be carried out by going to any temple or in one's own pooja room. The austerities continues till the pilgrim returns from his Sabarimala pilgrimage and removes his `mala' after breaking a coconut and offering prayers.

IRU MUDI :
lrumudi is the only carrying bag which a pilgrim carries on his head during the pilgrimage. Only those who observe austerities for 41 days are allowed to carry Irumudi. Without the Irumudi one is not allowed to step onto the holy 18 steps at the Sannidhanam. This bag is in two compartments - (the front part and the back part with a opening at center) The front portion is reserved for keeping all the puja articles and offerings to the deity while the rear part is meant to hold the pilgrims personal requirements for the journey.

Photo courtesy: Photobucket

'PETTAI THULLAL.
At Erumeli pilgrims are performing a traditional ritual called Pettai Thullal. (Pettai means area and Thullal means Dance). Pilgrims cover up themselves like tribes, with leaves tied on their head applying color patches all over. Fake weapons like Swords, Bows etc, are carried on their shoulders. They also hire music groups like Thavil or Chenda Melam and Nadhaswaram with them, chant "Swami Thinthakkathom - Ayyappa Thinthakkathom" and dance along the way for about half a kilometer.

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