Sabarimalai Peruvazhi

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!

The pilgrimage to Sabarimalai starts after severe Viratham (fast) for about 41 days. On the day of departure, pilgrims have the ritual of “Irumudi Kattu” or “Kattu Nirai” in which they accept the Irumudi (a bag with 2 portions) from their Guru.

The front portion of the Irumudi consists of the ghee filled inside a 3 eyed coconut. The back portion contains eatables or provisions for consumption during the rigorous trek.

Pilgrims with much devotion carry the Irumudi received from their Guru and leave their homes. While leaving their home, pilgrims neither even bid good bye to their folks nor look back, as it’s believed that once started to Sabarimalai they are in the hands of the Lord Himself. So, one can’t inform his folks that he would be back. They are at the discretion of the Lord which depends on the sincerity of their devotion to God. In Sabarimala pilgrimage, Guru is the supreme of all and pilgrims strictly follow their Guruswamy's instructions throughout their fasting till they reach back home.

The traditional route to Sabarimala by walk starts at Erumeli. This place got its name from Mahishi who was in the form of Eruma (bull), killed by Lord Ayyappan in this forest.

Erumeli can be reached by road from Chengannur or Kottayam, which are well connected by trains.

Pilgrims after reaching Erumeli perform a traditional ritual called Pettai Thullal. Pettai means area and Thullal means Dance. Pilgrims disguise themselves like tribes, with leaves tied on their head applying color powders all over. Dummy weapons like Swords, Bows etc, are carried on their shoulders. They also hire music accompaniments like Dhavil or Chenda Melam and Nadhaswaram with them, chant “Swami Thinthakkathom – Ayyappa Thinthakkathom” and dance along the way for about half a kilometer stretch.

This is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Ayyappan over Mahishi. Also this enables the pilgrims to give up their ego and realize that everyone is the equal in front of Lord Ayyappan.

After this, pilgrims take bath in the nearby pond; get fresh and all set for the Peruvazhi trek. A refreshing bath in cold waters after a tiring dance makes one energetic and prepared for the rigorous walk.

There is a Dharma Saastha temple at Erumeli. Pilgrims gather here at, worship Saastha and then proceed to walk with Irumudi on their head.

From here, pilgrims also visit the Vavar’s Shrine (Mosque) located nearby and worship him before proceeding. In Vavar’s Shrine, Vibhuthi (holy Ash) is given as Prasaadham to devotees.

The Peruvazhi to the temple starts here. A lengthy walk in the forests through night and day on barefoot is a wonderful experience. There are ample refreshment stalls and Thaavalams (called Viri) to stay along the path inside the forest. But don’t expect a great refreshment center there. It’s just a petty shop with PU sheets as the roof and the same sheets on the floor to sit or sleep. You get Lime juice (Naaringa Vellam in Malayalam), Pine apple slices etc., to quench your thirst during the day walk. In the nights or early mornings, you get black tea (Kadunchaaya) or black coffee (Kadunkaapi) made with the available resources. The shop owners bring materials and food stuff along with crockery, by jeep to some extent and on donkeys to the interior forest. Most of the eatables are expensive as the labor charges to bring it inside the forest are tagged to them.

Parathas and Rice Kanji (porridge) with pickles are available for breakfast or lunch. Don’t expect great hygiene. After all you get something to eat in such a dense forest. Also after a strenuous trek for hours, whatever you eat gets digested, is more important. Moreover, the lighter you eat, the better you walk.

There is a proper road for up to about 3-4 kms from the starting point with many rubber estates around. After a walk of about 4 kms on plains, there is a place called Perur Thodu (Thodu means stream) where there is a small stream of a river passing by. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa rested here, on his way to Sabarimala. Pilgrims offer Pori (rice flakes) to the fishes here.

Lord Ayyappan’s Poongavanam (Garden) starts from this place. From here one has to walk through many small ups and downs on the hill range.

Next important point is called Kaalai Katti, which is about 10 kms from here. It’s the place where Lord Shiva came with Parvathi Devi, tied his Kaalai (Rishaba Vaahana or Ox in English) and witnessed Lord Ayyappan defeating Mahishi. As he tied his Kaalai (His carrier) here, the place came to be known as Kaalai Katti.

There are many Thaavalams here to eat and stay. From here, when you walk down for about 2 kms, there flows the sacred river Azhudha. Pilgrims also stay on the banks of Azhudha, as they can bathe in the river before proceeding. Pilgrims also carry a pebble from this river to be offered at Kallidum Kunru.

Azhudha hill starts from here. Azhudha hill is steeper to climb. Pilgrims move upwards, resting often to take a breath. After walking up the hill, one will reach Kallidum Kunru. Pilgrims throw the stone which they picked up from Azhudha River to mark the defeat of Mahishi, as Lord Ayyappan threw huge stones on Mahishi after defeating her, to ensure that she doesn’t come up again.

From here, after another steep climb comes the Azhudha Uchi (peak) which is called Injipparakkotta or Udumbara Mala. There is a small Ayyappan temple here. Also there is another small shrine for Udumbara (a forest God). This is the peak of Azhudha hills where devotees offer worship lighting camphor. Also Vedi Vazhipaadu is done here, in which crackers are burnt in the name of the devotee. This tradition is followed in many places along the way because the noise of the crackers would keep wild animals away.

One has to descend from here to reach a place called Mukkuzhi. There are many Thaavalams (sheds) in Mukkuzhi to rest and to eat. There are small shrines for Sri Ganapathi and Sri Bagavathi here.

After descending further from Mukkuzhi, one will reach a valley like place where a stream of water passes by. This is the foot hill of Karimalai.

The stream flows with Azhudha hill on one side and Karimalai on other side. Many elephants from the forest come here to quench their thirst. This place is called Karivalanthodu (Karivalam Thodu). Kari means elephant, Valam means wander, Thodu means stream of water.

Next starts a lengthy trek on Karimalai, which is the most difficult part of the trek. Many elephants live in this hill and hence it is called Karimalai. Karimalai has about seven levels to cross before reaching the peak. It takes hours to climb up the whole hill to reach atop. The mound near the peak is too steep to climb, where pilgrims constantly chant the name of the Lord to reach the top.

There are many Thaavalams on the top for resting. Pilgrims rest here before proceeding. There are shrines for Sri Karimalanathar, Sri Kochu Kadutha Swamy and Sri Karimala Bagavathy here. Pilgrims worship these deities before proceeding. It is believed that these Gods don’t allow pilgrims beyond this place, who didn’t properly follow the austerities during their Viratham (fast). The holy river Pampa is about 5 kms from here.

After this peak, the descend starts which is more strenuous with rocks and huge trees hurdling the path. After about 3 kms comes Valiyanavattam or Periyanavattam. One will get a good sight of Makara Jyothi from here too. There are many Viris to stay here. After walking another kilometer, comes Siriyanavattam.

Many pilgrims prefer to stay at Periyanavattam or Siriyanavattam as Pampa is too crowded. After descending about a km, one can reach the holy Pampa River on the banks of which Lord Ayyappa was found.

Pilgrims take out the provisions etc, carried on the back portion of their Irumudi and prepare food here. They also feed many other fellow pilgrims. In the Ayyappa cult, Annadhaanam (free feeding) is an important tradition. One can witness Annadhaanam at various places in Pampa. Cooking and feeding the food here is called Pampa Sadhya (Pampa feast).

The first timers to Sabarimala (called Kanni Swamis) go from place to place to collect the ashes from the fire on which the meal is cooked for Annadhaanam. They go from Viri to Viri to collect as much ash possible and this ash is distributed as Prasaadham and also taken back home. It is believed that wherever Annadhaanam is happening, Lord Ayyappan joins a place to eat or feed the pilgrims. Since, one don’t know in which Viri he was present, they collect as much ash possible from various Viris to be taken as Prasaadham.

During the sunset, pilgrims prepare decorated lamps in various shapes made out of bamboo from the forest. They carry it from their Viri up to River Pampa and make it float on Pampa. This is called Pampa Vilakku. It’s a feast to watch so many such lamps floating on the river in the night.

Pilgrims also perform Pithru Tharpanams (annual rites) to their ancestors at the banks of River Pampa, as Pampa is considered equivalent to River Ganga.

After the traditional rituals at Pampa pilgrims again start their treck further towards Sabarimala. Pilgrims, who choose to take the shorter route (Chinna Paadhai), reach by road till here. From here Sannidhaanam is located at about 6 kms.

After crossing Pampa River one has to climb up to visit Kanni Moola Ganapathi temple, which is the first point from here. The main deity here is Sri Pampa Ganapathy or Kanni Moola Ganapathi. Pilgrims break coconut in this temple as a mark of their arrival. Other deities present in the temple are Sri Rama and Sri Anjaneyar.

After crossing this temple there is a small shrine like place meant for Pandala Raja (King of Pandalam). According to legend, as Lord Ayyappan comes from the Pandala dynasty, whoever visits the Lord has to obtain permission from the king or his representative here. Vibhuthi (Ash) is given as Prasaadham here by the Pandala Raja’s representatives.

This is the foot hill of Neelimalai. From here the Neelimalai starts. It is much steeper than all the other hills here. Though there are steps made of stones and many resting places, one has to sweat out to cross Neelimalai. Cardiac patients are advised not to take this trek. There are Cardiac clinics on the way, for emergencies. Also many oxygen parlors are there to freshen up. Pilgrims constantly chant “Yendhividappa – Thookkividappa” (ஏந்தி விடப்பா ! தூக்கி விடப்பா !) while climbing this hill. It means "Oh God! please lift me up".

The place near the top is called Appaachimedu which is too steep to climb. People throw small balls made of Rice flour into the forest at a place called Ippaachikkuzhi, which is next to Appaachimedu. This is believed as the offering made to the Vana Devathas (Godly spirits of the forest). In next few steps the peak (Uchi) is reached.

A few meters from here, Sabari Peetam is reached. This place is connected with Ramayana. It is where an old lady called Sabari did Thapas praying Rama. Sri Rama, on his way to Sri Lanka, visited Sabari at this place and blessed her. Pilgrims worship Sabari here and proceed.

Next place is Saram Kuthi Aal. There was a huge Aalamaram (Banyan tree) on which the first timers bring Saram (a small arrow made of bamboo) and fix it here on the tree to inform their arrival for the first time. The tree is not present here now. According to legend, Lord Ayyappan promised to marry Maaligappurathamman when there are no first timers visiting Sabarimalai. That is when there is no Saram fixed here the marriage would happen. But every year thousands of first timers (Kanni Samis) come to Sabarimalai which is disappointing for Maaligappurathamman.

Sannidhaanam is about 15 minutes walk from here. Near Sannidhaanam there is Karpoora Aazhi. The Ghee carried inside the coconut is offered to the Lord as Abishegam. The broken coconut from which the ghee is taken out is thrown here and burnt. This Karpoora Aazhi starts burning when the season starts in Mid November and burns constantly till the end of the season in Mid January. Lakhs of coconuts, burn day and night. It is also said that, the smoke coming out from the fire in which so many ghee soaked coconuts burn, cleanses the whole atmosphere.

After crossing the Karpoora Aazhi, one will reach the Pathinettaampadi (18 holy steps). At the foot of Pathinettaampadi there are small shrines of Kadutha Swami and Karuppa Swami on either side, who serve as Dwarapaalakas. Adjacent to this pilgrims break a coconut before ascending the 18 holy steps.

Pilgrims raise slogans and chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” while ascending the steps, bowing to each step. Only the pilgrims with Irumudi on their head are allowed to ascend the steps. Also people with shirts (or any upper garment) are not allowed. The steps can be used only twice – once to ascend for dharshan and next before leaving the place after dharshan. Even while descending pilgrims have to carry the empty Irumudi on their head.

The Sannidhaanam is located above the holy steps at a height of 40 ft amidst a serene ambience of forests and hills all around. This ancient sanctum is rebuilt after a fire accident in 1950, caused by some miscreants. The original stone idol of the Lord was replaced by a new idol made of Panchaloha (5 metals) which is present now. There is a huge Dwajasthambha (flag staff) in front of the sanctum.

The Lord here is seen in a meditating posture with smiling face, blessing His devotees. The Lord is in sitting posture with his legs folded and tied with a cloth (called Yogappattai). After the dharshan the devotees break the coconuts which they bring to take the ghee out of it and offer to the Lord for Abishegam. It’s a wonderful sight to see the Lord bathed in so much of ghee from early morning till noon. There are no Abishegams performed in the evenings. The Lord appears with grand alankaaram (decorated) with flowers. Except Makara Sankaranthi day, all the other days the God is seen with just a Saffron cloth, a bell around his neck and a Thulasi Maalai (garland made of Thulsi beads).

The other deities present in the temple are Sri Ganapathi and Sri Nagaraja at the south west of the sanctum.

About 100 meters away from the main sanctum, Maaligappurathamman shrine is present.

Here devotees offer their prayers to the Goddess in a unique way by rolling the coconut around this shrine. Pilgrims also bring blouse materials which are kept at the feet of the Goddess and given back. They carry it home as the blessings for the women at home.

The other deities here are Kadutha Swami, Navagraham, Nagaraja (Snake God) and Naga Yakshi (Snake Goddess).

Adjacent to Maaligappurathamman shrine, the temple tank called Bhasma Kulam is situated, where pilgrims take a holy dip. This is where Sabari, who was performing Thapas here, is believed to have entered the fire to end her mortal life. Sabarimalai is named after her only.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Vavar near the Sannidhanam which is called Vavaru Nada. Vavar was a Muslim friend of Lord Ayyappa who was a bandit in the forest. Vavar first had a fight with Ayyappa on His way to Sabarimala. The deity here is as old as the original deity of Lord Ayyappa. According to the available records, Vavar shrine has been renovated sometime in 1905. A carved stone slab is seen here as the deity, with a green silk cloth hung across. There is an old sword displayed in the sanctum.

The layout of the whole temple is believed to be based on the instructions of Lord Ayyappan Himself.

This pilgrimage to Sabarimala ends when the pilgrims reach back home and remove their holy Maalai.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!

Sabarimalai Sri Ayyappan

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!

Sabarimalai is situated amidst the dense forests in Sahya hill (Sahyadri) range in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. The temple (Sannidhanam) is located on the hill top, at an altitude of 4135 ft.

To reach the temple, one has to trek through the hills by walk in the dense forest range.

According to both history and mythology, Lord Ayyappa is the last and only God belonging to the present Kaliyugam.

A demon female called Mahishi, performed severe penance towards Lord Brahma to take revenge against Devas who were responsible for the death of her brother Mahishasura. Mahishasura was killed by Mahishasuramardhini (Kali) as per Devas’ prayers.

Lord Brahma appeared to Mahishi and told her that she can ask for any boon except immortality. Mahishi prayed Lord Brahma that she should get such powers that no one should be able to kill her except a son who is born out of the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. She cleverly asked such a boon as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were male Gods. Brahma offered her the boon. Mahishi started troubling Devas as the revenge.

A demon king called Bhasmaasura performed penance praying Lord Shiva. When Lord appeared to him, he asked for a boon that whoever he touches should turn into ashes. The Lord granted him the boon. Bhasmaasura just couldn’t believe it and wanted to test it on Lord Shiva Himself. Lord Shiva went and requested Lord Vishnu to rescue him. Lord Vishnu took the form of a Mohini (a beautiful woman), and went to Bhasmaasura. On seeing her beauty, he wanted to marry her. Mohini agreed to it with a condition that he should touch his head and swear that he will not think of any other woman after marrying Mohini. Bhasmaasura innocently touched his own head and turned into ashes.

Lord Shiva saw Lord Vishnu who was in the avatar of Mohini. He got attracted with the beauty of Mohini, and there happened the union of Lord Shiva and Mohini (Lord Vishnu), out of which a male child was born to them. He was named Dharma Saastha who was growing up in Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. He was also called Hariharan as he was born to Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva).

During the Pandya dynasty, while the Pandyas were ruling parts of Kerala apart from Tamilnadu, the descendants of the dynasty were given the rights to rule the country of Pandalam.

One such king called Rajasekara, who was the direct descendant of the Pandya dynasty was ruling Pandalam region. King Rajasekara was very successful as a king, keeping his kingdom prosperous. The king had only one worry in life that he had no children to take up the responsibility after his tenure. The king and the queen prayed Lord Shiva for blessing them with a child.

Lord Shiva decided to answer their prayers through Dharma Saastha. He directed Dharma Saastha to be born as a baby and grow up in Pandalam. Lord Shiva along with Mohini left the baby in the dense forests on the banks of River Pampa, which was in Pandalam territory of Rajasekara.

One day, while Rajasekara went for hunting, he was resting in a place after a tiresome hunt. He heard a noise of a baby crying. He went around and saw a beautiful male baby left alone in the forest. He was astonished to see the baby with a golden bell tied around the neck.

While he was confused on what to do with the baby, a sage who was passing by told him that the baby is so divine and reminded the king of his prayers to Lord Shiva for blessing him with a baby. He also said that the baby is not a normal human being and an avatar of God himself.

As there was a bell tied around the neck, the sage named the baby “Manikandan” (Mani means bell and Kanda means neck in Tamil) and advised the king to take the baby to the palace and bring him up. He also told that the king would realize the purpose of the boy’s birth when He turns 12.

The king was too happy and took the baby to the palace and brought him up. The queen and everyone in the kingdom were very happy that the king now had an heir to succeed.

There was a Diwan (minister) in the kingdom, who was planning to take over the rule as the king didn’t have a successor, now got worried as his dreams were shattering.

As the child grew up the king put him Gurukulam, where he learnt various arts and excelled. Everyone was surprised to see Manikandan being the best among others, with his brilliance and divinity.

After completing his studies from his Guru, Manikandan wanted to offer Guru Dhakshina to him. Guru said that his only worry was about his son, who was dumb. Manikandan made him speak instantly. Guru was too happy about his son who got back his speech and to see the divine powers of Manikandan.

Few years later, the queen gave birth to another male child. They named him Raja Rajan. Both the sons grew up happily. One day king Rajasekara decided that the time has come to crown Manikandan as his successor, as he was the eldest. He ordered the Diwan to make necessary arrangements. But the Diwan was not for it as he already had a grudge against Manikandan.

He went to the queen and spoiled her mind and made her go against the king’s decision. He told the queen that only Raja Rajan is qualified to be a successor, as he was actually born to them. The queen took his words and started believing him. He also told that he will take care of elimination of Manikandan, so that the queen won’t be blamed. He told the queen to act as if she had a severe stomach pain.

The queen followed his words and started acting as if she suffered an intolerable stomach pain. Diwan arranged for a doctor who told the king that, the only medicine for queen’s pain is the Tigress’ milk.

While the king was planning to send his men for it, Manikandan volunteered to go to the forest and fetch the tigress’ milk, for which the king refused, as Manikandan was proposed to be crowned. But Manikandan insisted and made the king to accept him go.

Manikandan went alone into the forests to fetch milk from tigress. He carried a bag on his head containing necessary food etc., during his search in the forest.

On his way, he realized the purpose of his incarnation on earth. As Mahishi had a boon that she can only be killed by a son born to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Ayyappan realized his duty to save Devas from Mahishi. By then Mahishi was at her peak in devastating Devas and their places. Manikandan on his way to forest pulled her for a fight and waged a strenuous battle with her. Knowing this, Lord Shiva came down to earth along with Parvathi Devi on His Rishaba Vaahana (Ox – His carrier). He tied the Ox in a near by tree in the forest and watched Manikandan fighting with Mahishi. The place where he tied the Ox is called as Kaalaikatti (Kaalai means Ox and Katti means tying) which is on the banks of River Azhudha, on the way to Sabarimalai. There is a Shiva temple now at Kaalai Katti.

Manikandan defeated Mahishi and threw her on the ground. Doubting that she may come alive again, Manikandan threw huge stones on her to ensure that she can’t come up again.

This place is called Kallidum Kunru on the Azhudha hill, where even today, pilgrims pick up a stone from Azhudha River and throw it in this place marking Mahishi’s defeat.

Once Mahishi died, Manikandan blessed her to reach heaven. Mahishi who got relieved of some past curse with an opportunity to die from the hands of God Himself, prayed Manikandan to marry her. But He refused saying that, his birth on earth had a different purpose and he was meant to live as a Brahmachari throughout. But as Mahishi insisted, Manikandan told her that she can take abode in the same forest meant for him and assured her that whenever there is no new devotee coming to see Him, He would marry her.

From then Mahishi took abode just near the Sannidhanam with the name Maligapurathamma. Till today, she is eagerly waiting to see that no new devotee is visiting Ayyappan, but in vain. Because, every year, thousands of first timers (called Kanni Samis) visit Sabarimalai. To mark their visit, they bring a sharp bamboo stick called Saram and fix it on a tree at a place called Saram Kuthi. It is believed that when there is no “Saram” fixed on the tree, Lord Ayyappa would marry her, which never happened.

On seeing Manikandan killing Mahishi, Lord Shiva and all Devas were too happy and showered him with praises. Lord Indra, along with all Devas volunteered to become tigers and tigresses and accompanied Manikandan back to the kingdom.

Manikandan entered the palace sitting on a tiger, followed by a huge group of tigresses. The entire Pandalam and Palace was shocked to see this happening. Everyone started running for life on seeing this.

Rajasekara realized that Manikandan was not an ordinary child. As told by the sage in the forest that Manikandan’s intent of birth would be known at his age of 12, Manikandan had reached the age of 12 by then. The queen and diwan fell at Manikandan’s feet for His pardon. But Manikandan said it’s not their mistake and everything happened for a cause, with God’s blessings.

King Rajasekara apologized with Manikandan and requested him to take up the throne which was his dream of life. Manikandan politely refused and said that, becoming a king was not the purpose of his birth. He said His duty on earth is over and wanted to perform penance to reach back to Kailash.

King Rajasekara told Manikandan that he wished to construct a temple for Him, in a place wherever He chooses. Manikandan took his bow and shot an arrow, saying that he would be on Thapas in the place where the arrow falls. The arrow went and fell at this place called Sabarimalai, which was already a holy place, where an old lady called Sabari, a devotee of Rama lived. She always was chanting the name of Rama and wanted to meet Him at least once in her life time. Rama met her in this place and accepted her hospitality. As Sabari lived in this hilly forest, it was called Sabarimalai.

Manikandan said that he would be meditating in Sabarimalai and would be called as Ayyappan by his devotees. He also said that whoever visits him has to undergo a severe Brahmacharya Vratham (fast) and must abstain from worldly pleasures for 41 days before coming to Sabarimala. He would be blessing the devotees from Sabarimala near the river Pampa, which is as sacred as River Ganga.

Rajasekara who was eager to see Ayyappan as a king, felt very sad to see him as a Sanyasi with saffron clothes. Ayyappan granted a boon to Rajasekara that, every year on Makara Sankaranthi day, He would give Dharshan to the world as a king, with all costumes and weapons, a king would adorn. He also said that He would give appear in the form of a Jyothi (light) on that day, which happens till today on every Sankaranthi. After this, Manikandan proceeded to Sabarimala on his celestial journey.

Later, king Rajasekara, as per advice of Sage Agasthiyar, laid the foundation for constructing the shrine for Ayyappan in the said place. When king Rajasekara didn’t know how to personify the image of Ayyappan in the temple, Sage Parasurama came to his help, carved the image of Lord Ayyappan and installed it on the day of Makara Sankaranthi.

The temple shall be reached by walk either from Erumeli or from Pampa. The trek from Erumeli (called Peruvazhi) is strenuous and about 48 kms (approx.) by walk. The route from Pampa is about 6 kms which is shorter but steeper too. People also take another route to reach the temple which is called Pul Medu (meaning Grass Hills).

The temple (Sannidhanam) is located amidst a serene beauty of nature, surrounded by hilly forests. One has to climb 18 steps to reach the sanctum. It is believed that the holy 18 steps denote 5 Indriyas (senses), 8 Ragas, 3 Gunas (characters), Vidya and Avidya. It denotes that once a person crosses these 18 stages he can reach the supreme God.

Devotees undergo severe austerities during 41 days fasting and start their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. One has to carry the Irumudi (a bag containing 2 portions) on his head throughout the journey. In the front portion, the Ghee is carried inside a 3 eyed coconut for Abhishegam to the Lord. The back portion contain the food stuff is carried for cooking in the forest, as one won’t get any food in the forest. When one reaches the Sannidhanam, the back portion would be empty and the front portion containing Ghee is offered to the Lord.

It signifies that, only when we reduce all our sins and worldly pleasures, we can reach the Almighty.

Devotees break a coconut in front of these 18 steps (Pathinettaampadi) before ascending. People without Irumudi are not permitted to climb the holy steps.

On Sankaranthi day, the jewels, clothing and weapons which from the Pandalam Palace is brought to Sabarimala to be adorned by the Lord. This entire Jewel box (called Thiruvaabaranam) is carried by the persons or their representatives belonging to the Pandalam King’s family ancestrally, who walk down all the way from Pandalam to Sabarimala. The Thiruvaabaranam is kept at a Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Tempe at Aranmula, as a ritual, on the way to Sabarimala. A Brahman Kite (Garuda) accompanies Thiruvaabaranam right from Pandalam till Sabarimala.

Sankaranthi is the only day, where one can have dharshan of the God dressed up like a king. For the rest of the year, God gives dharshan here as a Sanyasi wearing Saffron clothing and a garland made of Thulsi beads with the bell tied around his neck.

On Makara Sankarandhi day, a star appears on the sky at a particular time in the evening, after which a light, Makara Jyothi appears for a while, amidst the adjoining hill called Ponnambala Medu. Lakhs of devotees excitingly witness this rare event every year, chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Vavar near the Sannidhanam which is called Vavaru Nada. Vavar is a Muslim friend of Lord Ayyappa who was a bandit in the forest. Vavar first had a fight with Ayyappa on his way to Sabarimala. Later knowing the powers of the Lord he surrendered to Him. Ayyappan accepted him as his best friend, who accompanied and helped Ayyappan throughout his way to Sabarimala. One can see a Muslim priest here blessing the devotees. Thus, Sabarimala marks the Hindu – Muslim unity. A Muslim shrine inside a Hindu temple is a rare sight which is not seen anywhere else in the world.

Even these days, people who start their trek from Erumeli, visit Vavar’s Mosque situated opposite Dharma Saastha temple to seek his blessings and guidance throughout the hilly forests.

Other deities of the temple are Sri Ganapathy, Naagar, Maaligappurathamman, Nava graham, Kochu Kadutha Swamy and Valiya Kadutha Swamy.

The temple attracts crores of devotees every year and it has the record of being the world's second largest annual pilgrimage, next to Haj.

A must visit temple at least once in the life time.

There are also few other mythologies and history connected to this temple. I have narrated the above, with what is widely told and believed by many, for generations. Your valuable comments are invited.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.