PILIGRIMAGETO AYYAPPA TEMPLE IN SABARIMALAI

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Pilgrimage season which normally falls on 16th or 17th of November. Pilgrimage

season in Sabarimala starts from mid of November to mid of January. At first

the pilgrim breaks a coconut on the peedom (stone) placed on either side of the

step and then touches the first step with his hands in reverence. The first step

must be ascended with the right foot. Pilgrims climb the eighteen steps with

sincere devotion at heart and chanting aloud the holy manthram "You are my

refuge,O Ayyappa'. After climbing the eighteen steps, they form a part of the

queue and find themselves in the holy presence of the benevolent and

compassionate Lord. They get out either through

the northern or the western exit. Afterwards the pilgrims choose a convenient

place, and put up the Viri (spot for setting themseles with Irumudi). After a

holy dip in Bhasmakulam they take the ghee -filled coconuts out of the Irumudi.

Then the coconuts are broken and the ghee is poured into a vessel. The ghee is

taken to the sanctum sanctorum for Abhishekam. For this, one has to take the

Abhisheka ticket on payment of a fixed rate. Neyyabhishekam can be performed

only during forenoons. The Poojari does the Abhishekam, after which he gives

back a sanctified part (Prasadam). Many use this prasadam as medicine food for

incurable diseases. After Neyyabhishekam, the broken coconuts are thrown into

the Homakundam to be burnt by the holy fire. The belief is that the body is

burned to ashes after serving the deity. Mode of Darshan At first the pilgrim

breaks a coconut on the peedom (stone) placed on either side of

the step and then touches the first step with his hands in reverence. The first

step must be ascended with the right foot. Pilgrims climb the eighteen steps

with sincere devotion at heart and chanting aloud the holy manthram "You are my

refuge,O Ayyappa'. After climbing the eighteen steps, they form a part of the

queue and find themselves in the holy presence of the benevolent and

compassionate Lord. They get out either through the northern or the western

exit. Afterwards the pilgrims choose a convenient place, and put up the Viri

(spot for setting themseles with Irumudi). After a holy dip in Bhasmakulam they

take the ghee -filled

coconuts out of the Irumudi. Then the coconuts are broken and the ghee is poured

into a vessel. The ghee is taken to the sanctum sanctorum for Abhishekam. For

this, one has to take the Abhisheka ticket on payment of a fixed rate.

Neyyabhishekam can be performed only during forenoons. The Poojari does the

Abhishekam, after which he gives back a sanctified part (Prasadam). Many use

this prasadam as medicine food for incurable diseases. After Neyyabhishekam,

the broken coconuts are thrown into the Homakundam to be burnt by the holy

fire. The belief is that the body is burned to ashes after serving the deity.

#0066cc"> Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple Sree Dharmma Sastha (Ayyappa) is

the main deity of Sabarimala. This small shrine has turned the main attraction

of lakhs of devotees all over India. Pilgrims without consideration of caste,

creed, position or status visit Lord Ayyappa every year. At Sabarimala the God

and devotees are one and the same. The board on the Sreekovil "Thathvamasi"

meaning 'that thou art' reminds this unique philosophy. The legend says that

Parasurama who reclaimed the land of Kerala from the sea built a number of

temples to safeguard it. In the eastern hilly area he built Sastha temples.

Along the seashore Devi temples and in the middle land a number of Saiva -

Vaishnava temples were built. Sabarimala Dharmasastha temple is one among the

Panchasastha temples built by Parasurama. Others are Kulathuppuzha, Aryankavu,

Achankovil and Erumeli. At Kulathuppuzha temple, Balasastha idol is installed.

At Aryankavu temple, Lord Ayyappa is at his adolescence, ready for marriage and

at Achankovil the Lord is seen with his wife as Grihasthasrami.

As Brahmachari at Sabarimala, Dharmasastha is in the state of meditation

holding 'Chinmudra'. The old temple at Sabarimala was completely destroyed in a

fire in 1950 (In Mithunam 1125 M.E.). It was in May 1951 that the present idol

of Lord Ayyappa and that of Malikappurathamma, Valiyakatuththa swami,

Kochukatuththa Swami and Karuppai Amma were installed. Sabarimala is situated

in Pathanamthitta district in the midst of 18 hills, in the eastern hilly

regions of

Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu. It is believed that there were temples in the

eighteen hills in the poomkavanam including the one in Sabarimala. One can see

remnants of old and ruined temples in most of these hills. In Karimala,

Kalaketti, Nilakkal and Inchipparakkotta temples function even today. This

small temple in the dense forest with a handful of devotees for the monthly

pooja and 50,000 devotees in the pilgrim season gradually developed beyond

imagination in the last fifty years. Now lakhs of people from all over India

and abroad reach Sabarimala every year to dedicate themselves before the divine

feet of Lord Ayyappa. Do's and Do Nots Pilgrims affected by heart diseases,

Asthma, B.P., diabetes etc. should consult doctors before they depart to

Sabarimala. Those who do not do exercise or do not walk for long daily should

do preparatory exercises before they go to Sabarimala. It is advised to walk at

least for an hour a day. Those who have heart disease should do ECG and

treadmill test and those who have asthma should do the lung functional test, as

advised by doctors. If any one experience any difficulty while climbing or

coming down the hills do not rush back to the native place. Sabarimala is well

equipped with medical facilities. Rush to the medical centers on the way, at

Pampa or at Sannidhanam. Do not climb the hills with full stomach. Do not smoke

while you climb. Keep the Holy River Pampa and surroundings clean and hygienic.

Rituals Lot of rituals are interwoven with the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The

most celebrated one among them is thePetta Thullal at Erumeli. The pilgrims

visit the Vavar Mosque and Vavar Temple and perform a frencied dancing called

Thullal. The pilgrim groups from Ambalapuzha and Alanghad participate in this

annual ritual. The procession with the Golden Jewellry of lord Aiyyappa

(Thiruvabharanam) from Pandalam to Sabarimala is another ritual. The Golden

Anki offered by the Chithira Thirunnal Maharaja of Travancore is taken from the

Aaranmula Temple and adorn on lord Aiyyappa for the Mandala Pooja. Mandala

Pooja

blue"> The important pilgrimage to Sabarimala starts from the first of Vruchika

(usually on 16th or 17th of November). Mandalam means 41 days. This season of

41 days is known as the Mandala period and the Mandalapooja is on the last day

of this period. The Sabarimala temple opens on the first of Vrischika.

Devotees irrespective of religion, cast, creed, nationality or social status

are equals in His abode and are all addressed by His own name,

namely 'Ayyappa'. In fact, the pilgrimage includes worship at Vavar temples at

Erumeli and Sannidhanam, managed by Muslims. This stands as a glittering

example of Hindu-Muslim unity. However, women in the age group 10-50 shall not

go to Sabarimala. Other women devotees are permitted to trek the hill and are

called as 'Malikappurams'. The Mandalapooja at Sabarimala falls on the 41st

day of the Mandala season i.e. 27th or 28th of December of every year.

Makaravilakku

blue">Makaravilakku festival is conducted on the Makarasankarama day (usually on

14th of January). The 60 days pilgrimage season ends with pooja. Makara vilakku

festival starts after the thiruvabharanam is adorned to the Lord Ayyappa and

the holy Makarajyothi appeared. Makaravilakku marks the grand finale of the

two-month period of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Three days prior to this, the

procession

carrying the holy caskets containing the sacred ornaments , as also other relics

and paraphernalia needed for special poojas at Sabarimala starts on its long

trek from Pandalam. A scion of the Pandalam royal family , chosen and blessed

by the Valiya Thampuran (Senior Raja) accompanies the procession in a palanquin

(pallakku). Medavishu Vishu comes on the day of Mesha sankrama day. In Kerala

Vishu is celebrated as a national festival. Vishukkani and Vishukkaineettam are

the main aspects of this festival. At Sabarimala lot of devotees reach

Sannidhanam and sleeps there to wake up on the Vishu day and to see the Lord

Ayyappa as

their Vishukkani. Special poojas are also conducted. The temple opens for five

days as Vishu coincides with the monthly pooja. Thiruvonam Thiruvonam is

biggest festival in Kerala. Keralites celebrate Onam with lots of enthusism.

Onam is time to reap the harvest, to celebrate and to rejoice. This harvest

festival has the reminiscences of the legendary ruler Mahabali. Keralites

celebrate Onam with lots of enthusiasm. They make floral decoration in front of

the house to receive the visitng king Mahabali.

blue">At Sabarimala Onam festival is celebrated and special poojas are

conducted. The temple opens only for one day. Niraputhari Niraputhari festival

falls in the month of Karkitakam (July - August). This marks first harvest of

the season. The date and asterusn if Niraputhari will be decided on receipt of

information from the Travancore Palace. The sheaf of paddy is kept before the

Lord Ayyappa and poojas are conducted. The temple opens for only one day.

blue">Srichithra Aattathirunal Sreechithira Aattathirunal is the birthday of

the Travancore Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. It falls on the

Chithira day of Thulam (October last). The temple opens only for one day. Sri

Chithira Thirunal is a most respected personality. He was instrumental for the

temple entry for thousands of downtrodden and lower caste people though the

historic temple entry proclamation.

Roman">He was a ruler with vision. It was his initiatives that led Kerala to the

path of development. The golden apparel of the Lord Ayyappa was presented by

him. Painkuni Uthram The main festivals other than the Mandalapooja and

Makaravilakku are Painkuni (Meenam) Uthram - the birth day of Lord Ayyappa,

Meda Vishu (April 14), Prathishta Dinam (Idol installation day), Niraputhari,

Onam and Sreechithira Aattathirunaal. Lord Ayyappa believed to be born on

the Uthram day of the month Meenam which usually falls in the middle of March

every year. Sabarimala opens for one day to conduct special poojas on that day.

Prathishtadinam The present Panchaloha idol was installed by thantri Kandaru

Sankararu in 1951 (4th Edavam 1126, at 7.45 A.M) . It was on an Atham (Hastha

day). This day comes usually in the first week of June. The temple opens for

one day and closes after udayasthamana pooja, padi pooja etc. The Ayyappa idol

was made in Chengannur. Two brothers of the Thattavila family were the

sculptors.

6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Sabarimala Festival & Arattu The beginning of the

temple festival at Sabarimala is symbolised by `Kodiyettam' or hoisting of the

flag on the temple flag post by the thantri during morning hours. This is done

on `Atham' day. The festival lasts for ten days. Ultsava Bali will be conducted

from 2nd day onwards. Purification rites to cleanse and sanctify the temple are

carried out a day prior to the commencement of the temple festival.

6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">During festival days special poojas are offered to

Lord Ayyappa poojas and rituals (Ulsava Bali) are also conducted in memory of

the Lord's `Bhootaganas' and their associates. On the ninth day, Lord's Siveli

Vigraham is symbolically taken out for a tour around his territory till Saram

Kuthi- where the Pallivetta is conducted .A big crowd of pilgrims follow the

procession. Nayattu Vili is performed, in the lower thirimuttam at the

beginning of the Pathinettam Padi, on all days of the festival. The hereditary

rights to perform Nayattu vili has been entrusted to the family of Perunad

Punnamootil house by Pandalam Maharajah through a proclamation. The Lord

hearing all the tributes sung during Nayattu vili, relaxes in a

contented mood at the Manimandapam. This repose is called `Pallikkurupu'. Aaratu

signifies the end of the temple festival. On the 10th day of the festival i.e.

on the Thiruvonam day is the Aarattu. The Lord who was reposing in peace at the

Manimandapam is gently awakened through prayers and chanting at Brahmamuhurtham

(around 3 am) and is ceremoniously taken to the Sreekovil or Sanctum Sanctorum.

Pooja rituals are conducted there. After usha pooja, the siveli vigraham (a

small replica of the idol at the Sanctum Sanctorum, symbolising the powers that

are inherent in the main idol) is taken out in royal procession from Sannidhanam

to

Pampa. At the Aarattu Kadavu at Pampa, the idol is given an abhishekam of

`Haridra Choona' (turmeric powder). The idol is given a bath by immersion in

River Pampa by the thantri. During the days of the festival, there are chances

of minor modifications to the routine timings of the temple. Pilgrimage Season

For the Sabarimala pilgrimage, detachment from worldly life is required. So the

rituals practised for this journey are symbolic of the Yogasanas practised to

withdraw the mind from the material and sensual world.

0in 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">A pilgrim observes Vratha to attain this goal. The

period of Vartha may vary. But from the day he wears the maala or bead-chain for

pilgrimage, he observes Vratha till the day he is able to to go the shrine of

Sabarimala. Usually most people observe 41-day Vratha during the Mandala

season (Vrischikam 1st to Dhanu 11th of Malayalam era),which falls around the

15 November to 28 December. It is a custom that everyone should observe Vratha

prior to the day of Darshan. Irumudikettu The two-pronged sacred bundle

(Irumudikettu or Pallikkettu) in cloth bag is a must for the pilgrimage to

Sabarimala. After tying the sacred bundle, the pilgrim starts his trip to

Sabarimala. Preparing the bundle is done at home or in a temple or at a place

where pilgrims gather. The long fresh cloth bag of the bundle has an opening in

the middle part. The bag has two parts, the munkettu (the front part) and the

pinkettu(the back part). It is a senior Ayyappan (Guruswami) who fills the

bag and fastens it. The place (pandal) for the ceremony must be clean and

decorated. Ideally, all objects used for the fire ritual should be arranged for

this ceremony, too. In any case, the sacred lamp, aval (beaten rice), malaru

(fluffed rice) rice , a coconut, betel leaves, arecanut and a coin are

absolutely necessary items. First, a coconut of the proper shape is filled

with ghee in great reverence, amidst cries of 'Saranam Ayyappa' (

Ayyappa, I take refuge in thee). Continuing the chantings, a betel leaf, an

arecanut and a coin are placed in the front bag of the bundle. This is

conceived as a symbolic of the installation of the Lord in the sacred bundle.

Three handfuls of rice are dropped into it. Offerings for the Lord are also

deposited in this part of the bundle. The other side of this bag is filled with

objects such as provisions that are needed during the trek. When the bundle is

ready in this way, betel leaves, arecanut and a coin are placed on the top of

the bundle as a symbolic act of praying for forgiveness for all sins. Then the

Kanni Ayyappan

(first-timer) is blessed by the Guru Swami and other seniors present. After

this, camphor is lighted as part of the pooja. Last of all, the pilgrim, with

the help of the Guru Swami, turns east, puts the sacred bundle on his head,

chants the 'Saranam' mantra and breaks a coconut. Now he is on his way to

Sabarimala. First he visits the local temple. He can lay down the bundle only

in a clean place as the bundle is considered sacred. It is the duty of the

Guru-swami to place the bundle on his head or place it down as the case may be.

 

justify">Observance of Vratha Sabarimala vratha is observed by the devotees

after wering a maala bearing the Ayyappa mudra.They usually wear black dhothi

and shirt and observe complete celebacy. It is normally done in the month of

Kanni as the vratha period should last for 41 days i.e. a Mandala. So that one

can got to Sabarimala on the very first day of Mandala Pilgrimage season which

normally falls on 16th or 17th of November. Pilgrimage season in Sabarimala

starts from mid of November to mid of January. Vazhipadu Many vazhipadus

(Offerings) and Poojas are conducted at Sabarimala, Malikappuram and Pampa

Temples. The rates are given separately. The following are the important Poojas

and Vazhipadus at the Sabarimala Temple. Neyyabhishekam Neyyabhishekam is the

most loved offering to the Lord Ayaappa.The devotees carry coconuts filled with

ghee- called mudra- to the sannidhanan in their irumudikkettu. This ghee is

offered to the Lord as abhishekam. The ghee in the sealed coconuts is

considered as the Jeevaatma. While doing abhishekam, the ghee- gets one with

the Lord. The broken two pieces of coconuts are then become life less. So they

are offered to the Homakund or the coconut aazhi. Padipooja Padi pooja is the

most costly offering.

This pooja can be booked at Sabarimala Devaswom or the Tranancore Devaswom Board

paying Rs 15001/-. Usually padi pooja is conducted after the deepaaraadhana in

the evening. At this time pilgrims are not allowed to climb through these holy

steps. Red silk, Cloth, Coconuts Cloth for Kalasa ,Nilavilakku, Flowes Camphor,

bathis etc will be placed on each step. The pooja will start after the

Deepaaradhana in the evening under the priesthood of the thantri. Separate

poojas are done for each step. Now the 18 steps are covered with golden sheets.

In olden days Padi pooja was conducted once in 12 years. But now it is conducted

whenever the

temple is open for poojas. (But during festival season of

Mandalam-Makaravilakku, this pooja is not conducted). Kalabhabhishekam

Kalabhabhishekam- i.e.-applying kalabham- on the idol is done to reduce the

heat produced on it due to the incessant pouring of ghee for the

neyyabhishekam. So kalabhabishekam became yet another offering to the Lord

Ayyappa.The Brahma kalasa will be filled with Kalabham after the pooja on it by

the tanthri. After the forenoon pooja, the kalasa is taken to the Sreekovil and

the abhishekam is done by under the priesthood of the tantri. Sahasrakalasam

Sahasrakalasam is offering arghya-paadyas to the lord. This pooja is conducted

in twodays.One Brahma kalasa 24-ghanta kalasa and 97s pari kalasa are offered.

The kalaspooja is conducted in the evening first day. Padma is drawn on the

floor and kalasam are placed. Under the priesthood of the tantri the Jaladroni

pooja is conducted and the kalasa pooja is followed.

blue">After cleaning and neatening the sreekovil and the thirumuttam the kalasam

are brought to the sreekovil. After Ushapooja, neyyabhishekam the sahasra

kalasam abhishekam is performed at the time of Lord's bath time in the

forenoon. Udayasthamaya Pooja As the word indicates this pooja is the one-day's

pooja from the beginning usha pooja to the last aththaazha pooja. There are 18

poojas a day. So the Sreekovil has to be closed and opened for 18 times at

different intervals. So udayasthamaya pooja is not conducted during the

pilgrimage season to avoid the difficulties for the

devotees. 15 poojas will be over by forenoon i.e. uchcha pooja. 25

kalasabhisheka is done for uchchapooja. Deeparadhana is the 17th and Aththazha

pooja is the 18th pooja in order. 'Vella nivedyam' is offered for all the 18

poojas. 'Payasam' for morning pooja 'Aravana'for forenoon pooja 'Appam' for

deepaaradhana 'Paanakam' for last pooja are offered. Those who have done

booking in advance can offer this pooja .For the coming two three years the

booking is over.

Roman">Lakshaarchana The 'Lakshaarchana' is a pooja chanting the sahasranama

several times. In Sabarimala 'Hariharaputhra sahasranama' is the Laksharchana

mantra. After the Brahma Kalasa pooja the chanting of Mantras begins. This ends

by the fore noon pooja. The mantras and Archanas are done on behalf all the

persons belonging to the 27 different nakshatras. Then the Brahma kalasa is

taken inside the Sreekovil for abhishekam. Navagraha Pooja Navagraha

Pooja is done to avoid the evil effects of the nine planets. There are specific

Devathas and days related to the Grahas or planets. So the poojas to the

navagrahas should be conducted knowing the days and deities related to each.

Pushapabhishekam Offering with flowers is known as pushpabhishekam. Normally 10

basket full of flowers are needed for this pooja. Cheththi, Tulsi Lotus Arali

and Koovala leaves arew used.. the flowers and malls for this Poona are

to be brought by the devotees themselves. Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

Sree Dharmma Sastha (Ayyappa) is the main deity of Sabarimala. This small

shrine has turned the main attraction of lakhs of devotees all over India.

Pilgrims without consideration of caste, creed, position or status visit Lord

Ayyappa every year. At Sabarimala the God and devotees are one and the same.

The board on the Sreekovil "Thathvamasi" meaning 'that thou art' reminds this

unique philosophy. The legend says that Parasurama who reclaimed the land of

Kerala from the sea built a number of temples to safeguard it. In the eastern

hilly area he built Sastha temples. Along the seashore Devi temples and in the

middle land a number of Saiva - Vaishnava temples were built. Sabarimala

Dharmasastha temple is one among the Panchasastha temples built by Parasurama.

Others are Kulathuppuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli. At Kulathuppuzha

temple, Balasastha idol is installed. At Aryankavu temple, Lord Ayyappa is at

his adolescence, ready for marriage and at Achankovil the Lord is seen with his

wife as Grihasthasrami. As Brahmachari at Sabarimala, Dharmasastha is in the

state of meditation holding 'Chinmudra'. The old temple at Sabarimala was

completely destroyed in a fire in 1950 (In Mithunam 1125 M.E.). It was in May

1951 that the present idol of Lord Ayyappa and that of Malikappurathamma,

Valiyakatuththa swami, Kochukatuththa Swami and Karuppai Amma were installed.

Sabarimala is situated in Pathanamthitta district in the midst of 18 hills, in

the

eastern hilly regions of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu. It is believed that there

were temples in the eighteen hills in the poomkavanam including the one in

Sabarimala. One can see remnants of old and ruined temples in most of these

hills. In Karimala, Kalaketti, Nilakkal and Inchipparakkotta temples function

even today. This small temple in the dense forest with a handful of devotees

for the monthly pooja and 50,000 devotees in the pilgrim season gradually

developed beyond imagination in the last fifty years. Now lakhs of people from

all over India and abroad reach Sabarimala every year to dedicate themselves

before the divine feet of Lord Ayyappa. Dharmasastha Generally, people have

doubts whether Ayyappa and Dharmasastha are one and the same or different. The

word Ayyappa is exactly of South Indian origin. It was derived in Malayalam

from the word 'Ayya' that means the great man, and 'Appa' the father, in Tamil.

The name Dharmasastha is of Sanskrit origin. The incarnated Ayyappa named

'Manikantan', and the noble son of Siva and Vishnu, arises in the memory of

every devotee. Lord Ayyappa is the authority to control people who practise

unrighteous activities and possess inhuman nature. Likewise Sastha is also

considered a man of Laws or Dharmas. The Almighty incarnates periodically

whenever He desires. The incarnations of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna are the real

examples. Likewise Ayyappa himself is also considered an incarnation of

Dharmasastha, ordained by the glory of Siva and Vishnu. Here both of them have

joined together. Further when He was incarnated in the form of a human being

to do his duties as a member of a royal family, people with reverence called

him 'Manikantan' or

'Ayyappan'; Swami Ayyappan means the Lord, the great 'Avatara'. Ayyappa holding

the 'Jnanamudra' is the symbol of wisdom in a profound ascetic mood (Tapobhava)

- 'Ardhasana'. Ayyappa is the real symbol of 'Brahmam', Chinmudra, Yogapatta,

Jata, Brahmacharya, Dhyanasthiti all are the symbols of 'Brahmachari'.

Significance of Pilgrimage The pilgrimage is a reminiscence of the Lord's

journey to the forest to fetch leopard's milk, carrying on his head an

irumutikettu containing articles of food. The important feature of the Ayyappa

cult and pilgrimage is that there is no distinction between the devotees on the

basis of caste, creed or colour between rich and poor. All are equal. It is

significant that all along the pilgrimage the pilgrims spontaneously help each

other maintaining perfect equality, both in appearance and status, because all

are clad alike. Absolute Surrender It has been the experience

that a person who once visits the temple observing the 'vratha' is tempted every

year to undertake the pilgrimage despite the hardship involved. Perhaps this is

the faith-giving factor, offering consolation and relief. Sabarimala is the

spot where miracles happen every year to those devotees who come in full faith

and complete surrender. The faith of people in Lord Ayyappa as the guardian

deity of mankind for the age of Kaliyuga is growing stronger and stronger every

year. Religious Harmony

blue">There is no other temple or centre of pilgrimage where such equality is

maintained as a matter of principle, and as a factor of religious tolerance.

Further, there exists the ''Vaavaru-thara'', where a Muslim Saint named Vavar

is worshipped as an Upadevada. He is considered a friend and a guard of Lord

Ayyappa, and this is a peculiar feature of Sabarimala temple. Climbing the 18

steps at the foot of the temple to reach the sanctum sanctorum for the holy

darsan is considered an important privilege of every devotee. The

Pathinettampadi (18 steps) represents the eighteen stages man has to pass

through, to attain ''Moksha''.

blue; mso-hide: all"> The sacred jewellery for the deoration of the deity is

brought all the way from Pandalam, 88 km away, on foot by men who cover the

entire distance within one day and a half. It arrives at Sabarimala just in

time to decorate the deity for the pooja at sunset on ''Makarasankramam Day''.

The Legend The Maharaja of Pandalam was very sad and unhappy because he had no

off spring. He had done many poojas and homas in order to get a son. But all

went in vain. One day while hunting, the Pandalam Raja found on the bank of the

river a charming child - really a divine baby. He took the child to the palace

and brought him up as his own, calling him ''Manikanta'' as he wore a

glittering necklace. The queen of Pandalam did not like the action of the

Raja, but she wisely hid her displeasure from the Raja and others. Soon she

gave birth to a child and the Raja named him Rajendra, it is stated. The two

children grew up as children of the same parents but Manikantan excelled the

royal Prince in all respects. No wonder the queen's displeasure grew stronger

every day. She secretly planned to do away with Manikantan, but her attempt

failed. In course of time the Raja decided to make Manikantan, the elder of

the two children, the heir apparent to the kingdom. The queen resented this,

but she was

helpless. Manikantan sent to Forest to fetch Leopard milk The King had a wicked

minister who had a strong dislike for Manikantan. He came to help the queen. He

advised her to feign serious illness. Physicians were consulted and one of them,

the Minister's own man, prescribed leopards milk as the only remedy for the

disease. But who was there to undertake the task of fetching leopard's milk.

Manikantan readily agreed. With great reluctance the Raja gave

permission and the boy proceeded to the forest alone carrying on his head an

"Irumudikettu' (a bag with two compartments containing articles of food)..

Battle with Mahishi When the Lord reached the forest, the Devas who were

harassed by Mahishi approached the Lord as advised by Brahma and implored him

to save them from Mahishi. The Lord met Mahishi in battle and killed her. The

corpse was taken to the hill ''Azhutha'' and covered with sand and stones.

Pilgrims proceeding to Sabarimala through Azhutha even now throw a stone at the

place which is known as ''Kallidumkunnu''. The Lord who came out victorious in

the battle with Mahishi was placed on a ''palanquin'' by the Bhoothas who came

to witness the battle and there were great rejoicings. The ''Pettathullal''

conducted at Erumeli is believed to be a reminiscence of the fight between the

Lord and Mahishi, and the consequent rejoicings. The place name ''Erumeli'' is

derived from the word ''Eruma'' which is Malayalam for buffalo or ''Mahishi''.

0in 0in 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Manikantan reveals the aim of his birth When

the battle was over, Lord Siva appeared before Manikantan and reminded him of

the fact that the object of his birth had been fulfilled and that he should

return to Pandalam with leopard's milk and enlighten the Raja by giving him an

idea of the object of the birth. Lord Ayyappa returned to Pandalam leading a

herd of leopards and requested the Raja to make use of their milk. All present

were struck dumb with fear and they requested Manikantan to drive the leopards

away. As Manikantan

showed the gesture they at once disappeared. The queen, the wicked minister and

all present craved pardon and he blessed them all. He also revealed to the Raja

who he was, and why he took birth, and gave him blessings. The Raja implored

the Lord to reside permanently within his territory and bless his kingdom. The

Lord agreed to this and advised the ruler to construct a temple at the place on

the western side of the Neelimala. The Lord also

ordained that devotees who would visit the temple carrying ''Irumutikettu'' and

an arrow for protection against wild animals and performing bali (oblation) at

Pampa would attain Moksha. After this the Lord aimed an arrow to the east and

both the Lord and the arrow disappeared. Sabarimala and Ramayana The name

Sabarimala is believed to have derived from the sage Sabari of Ramayana times.

It was on the west side of the Neelimala, where Sabari the saint had done

severe penance, that Ayyappa temple was consructed. The shrine of Malikappuram

on the western side of the Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Mahishi, otherwise

known as ''Manjambika'' Manjamatha). Ayyappa Temples Ayyappa temples are seen

in almost all places in Kerala. Some Ayyappa temples including the one at

Sabarimala assumes importance due to mythological, social or traditional

significance. Mainly seven are the most important Sastha temples in Kerala.

They include the Pancha Sastha temples, such as -

Sabarimala - Ponnambalamedu, - Achankovil

- Aryankavu - Kulathupuzha. - Erumeli Ayyappa

temple - Pandalam Valiyakoyikkal Temple A full fledged temple at

Ponnambalamedu is yet to be constructed. There are temples at all the six other

places. The five important Ayyappa temples - Pancha Sastha temples - in Kerala

are believed to be established by Sri Parasurama Swami, the legendary creator of

Kerala (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu). In some of these Ayyappa temples, Lord

Ayyappa is conceived to be in different images, like child Ayyappa, teenaged

Ayyappa, married Ayyappa etc.

blue"> Source: http://www.sabarimalatemple.org

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