Fwd: Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa - THE HOLY SABARIMALA YATHRA

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---------- Forwarded message ----------ag ravi <ag_ravi200013 Nov 2007 23:00

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.mohanakanna <mohanakanna

Dear Sir,

Plz see the attached file.Here I`ve sent first chapter on Maladharanam and virutham (11-pages.)The chapter two and three on holy yathra and dharsan (26-pages)will be sent to you within 5-days.

SARVAMANGALA DHAYAHARE SARANAM AYYAPPA.

 

Ravi

 

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Kirupa karo Gurunatha Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

SREE HARI HARA GURUJI BAKTHA SAMAJAM

363, P.R.R. NAGAR, RAJAPALAYAM -626 108

TAMIL NADU - INDIA.

E-mail : bakthaseva

Ph.Off :+91 4563236277, Mobile: +91 9360521557, +91 9361023882

 

LET NOBEL THOUGHTS COME TO US FROM EVERY SIDE Rigveda, 1-89-1

 

-

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.

DEDICATED TO MILLIONS OF AYYAPPA DEVOTEES

SERVICE TO WHOM MEANS SERVICE TO THE

LORD SREE AYYAPPA

Our sincere Branams to :

Gurunathar . Bramashri.Harihara Iyer. (life till 1944)

Sthanam Valia Velichapadu in Sabarimala

Pulikkal Madam , Kottarakara

Kerala.

Gurunathar. Bramashri.Neelakanda Iyer.( life1993 )

Baktha Dasar-Gayathri Ubhasakar,

hrivannathapuram, Kerala

Gurunathar. Bramashri.Subramania Iyer.(life till 1979) Ayyappa Dasar. Punalur, Kerala.

 

Gurunathar. Bramashri.Meenakshisundram Iyer-

(life till 2002)

Kambankudi Sthanam,

Retd. Devaswom Board Officer,

Sabarimala.

SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA.

This E-mail-article on THE HOLY SABARIMALA YATHRA is an attempt to provide a more comprehensive details of significance of the rigorous austerities [ virutham ] one has to observe, the adventurous trek itself and the mysterious meaning of the entire pilgrimage in order to satisfy the curious devotees and to equip them with full knowledge of the pilgrimage he undertakes.

 

We gives valuable information and guidance about the The Holy Sabarimala yathra to intending pilgrims in global level. It is also highlighted the ever-widening spiritual appeal of the Ayyappa cult, with its unique stress on a healthy asceticism, religious fervour, the spirit of equality, and openness and welcome extended to the followers of not only all the section of the Hindu religion but also to the followers of all the other religions of the world. we would like to express atmost pranams-namaskaram to our Satgurunathars who gave us various stories, their experience and sharings with us during the yathra.We give these so many information which got through our Gurunathar SREE.HARI HARAIYER-BakthaDhasaDhasar-AnnadhanaPrabhu and it is also referred to several old books and magazines in the preparation of this article.Hope

we answered the most of the questions that arise in the minds of the Ayyappa devotees.

SARVA MANGALA DHAYAHARE SARANAM AYYAPPA.

HOLY SABARIMALA YATHRA - HOLY TREK

The North-East monsoon ends in Kerala by the middle of November. The landscape presents a beautiful picture with sprawling rice fields and groves of palms, a constant study in green. The climate is pleasant and cool. The mild winter contributes to devotional feelings in the minds of people. Lakhs of bearded, black-clad men [ayyappa devotee ]are seen everywhere with their foreheads smeared with vibhuti, sandal paste and kumkum giving them a radiant and ascetic look [ Devine personality ].

 

"Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa "- Oh Lord Ayyappa, I come to Thee for refuge. Apart from engendering mystical and spiritual feelings among the devotees, the pilgrimage inculcates Bhakti, equality of all men before God and tolerance. The temple doors of Sabarimala are open to everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. The high and the low meet on equal terms in the presence of the Lord who is known as Sree Dharma Sasta – one who teaches and upholds Dharma.

Who is Lord Ayyappa or Sree Dharma Sasta that evokes such great veneration among so many? What is it that impels lakhs and lakhs of pilgrims [Ayyappa bhakthas] to undertake this pilgrimage disregarding the hardships and hazards of the journey?

 

Ayyappa, the son of Siva and Mohini (Vishnu in the guise of an enchantress) is the deity of the Keralites, because according to legend, he played his human drama in Kerala. From Distant Kerala, Ayyappa has been however, gradually casting his halo over other states, and even abroad. The feeling of ecstasy and the spiritual solace one derives after visiting the Shrine is something unique and indescribable. This explains the increasing popularity of this none-too-easily accessible shrine. We have heard of inspiring experience of the arduous pilgrimages to the great Himalayan Shrines – The kailash, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Now well known to those outside the southern states and outside India about the great pilgrimage to Sabarimala.

The Sabarimala shrine is thus the most important and very popular of the Sasta temples in Kerala. It is also the most significant because the pilgrimage to the shrine symbolizes the struggle of the individual soul in its onward journey to the abode of heavenly enjoyment. The Path of the spiritual aspirant is always long, arduous and hazardous. And so is the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, what with the observance of severe austerities and trekking up forested mountains, risking attacks from wild animals.

 

The temple doors of Sabarimala are open to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. Here is no difference in pilgrims. All are alike – Ayyappas – as the devotees are called, after the deity itself. Indeed nowhere else can one see such amity and brotherhood in practice which is the speciality in Sabarimala. It is noteworthy that both at Erumeli, the base and at Sabarimala there are shrines for the Muslim saint Vavar, a close associate of Lord Sree Ayyappa. Devotees worship at these shrines with equal fervour and receive Prasad from Muslim Priests.–

"One caste, one religion, one God." This spirit prevailed in Sabarimala only.

FEELING OF ECSTASY :

There are many temples in the plains dedicated to every deity in the Hindu pantheon. These can be easily reached, and there one can pray to one's heart's content. Yet, how is it that shrines were established in far-off and inaccessible regions like Badrinath, Kedarnath and Sabarimala?

 

And what impels lakhs of pilgrims to visit these shrines after undergoing severe trial and tribulations? The reason is that our sages thought that unless an element of rigour and sacrifice was added to worship, belief in God would not be firm and enduring. The ever-effulgent and merciful Lord of the Sabari Hill has thus been a magnificent refuge to millions who seek Sree Ayyappa Darshan.He sheds light and peace as Kaliyuga Varadha; He is a giver of boons in this degenerate age of Kali. He is also described as Tarakabrahma – one who helps mankind to cross the ocean of Samsara sahara.

THE PENANCE-VIRUTHAM

First and foremost there is the physical and mental cleansing of the devotees by the hard penance (Virutham) they have to observe for at least 41 days preceding the pilgrimage. During this period the pilgrims wear a Rudraksha or Tulasi garland as a token of their avowal and determination for the observance of Bramacharya (Celibacy). They grow beard, wear blue, black or ochre and partake of only satvic food. They avoid anger and spend their time in constant prayer and worship of Sree Ayyappa with repeated chanting as `

SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA`.

A UNIQUE PILGRIMAGE [ HOLY SABARIMALA YATHRA ]:

Shouting of "Saranam" (Surrender to God) is another feature of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims trekking to Badrinath and Kedarnath, shout "Jai Badri" and "Jai Kedarnath" as the case may be. But Sabarimala pilgrims shout "

Swamiye, saranam Ayyappa!" – Lord Ayyappa I come to Thee for refuge – day in and day out, in fact during most of their waking hours right from the time they take the vow till they returns from the trip. When devotees meet one would say "

Swamy saranam" or "Saranam Ayyappa". Others would answer in the same form. During the gathering like Pujha "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" shout is repeated in a full throated manner by all the bhakthas with increasing intensity. Thus during this period the whole atmosphere gets surcharged with intense devotional fervour.

 

Only pilgrims those who observe the strict regimen for a minimum period of 41 days and carry the Irumudi can step on to the sacred "Pathinettam padi

" (Flight of 18 steps) leading to the sanctum. This is again without parallel as nowhere else are the steps leading to a temple held as sacred as those of the Sabarimala Shrine. Teenaged girls and young women are prohibited from undertaking the trip to Sabarimala. Little girls and aged women who have attained menopause are permitted to this yathra. This is why very few female pilgrims are seen during the trek. The belief is that since the Lord is an avowed celibate, young women should not enter the Shrine. Just as a male pilgrim is called "Ayyappa" or "Swamy" the female called as "Malikappuram".

The pilgrimage is symbolic of the pilgrimage of the individual self or Jeevatma to Parmatma. The soul has to pass through various Sadhanas or Spiritual practices before attaining self-realization or God-realization. The 41-days austerities preceding the pilgrimage consist of rigorous disciplines like prayer, meditation and celibacy which help the pilgrim to get rid of his ego; to withdraw his mind from the objects of the senses and to turn it towards God. Indeed, the purpose of Ayyappa's avatara was not only to establish the divine rule of righteousness, harmony and peace but also to spread the doctrine of the oneness of all existence, the identification of self with all life and of all life with the Divine. The spirit of equality and fraternity that animates all the pilgrims alike is indeed striking. Irrespective of social status the pilgrims mingle unreservedly thus nurturing piousness and tolerance among everyone.

 

The first step to mark the beginning of austerities is for the prospective pilgrim to wear a garland of tulasi or rudraksha beads. This ceremony known as Maladharanam, be tokens the pilgrim's vow to observe the austerities faithfully. The garland is worn for at least 41 days – called one mandalam – before the pilgrimage. In Kerala the mandalam season begins on the first day of Vrichikam-Karthigai (Mid-November) and lasts till the end of December. Most of the pilgrims have the Maladharanam on the first of Vrichikam-Karthigai whether they proceed to the Hills to participate in the Mandalam festival (December – end) or Makara Vilakku on the first day of Makaram-Thai (Mid-January). But nowadays the shrine is open right from the first of Vrichikam-Karthigai and remain open for 65-days therefore devotees wear the garland or Mala on any suitable day so that they can complete 41 days before they visit the shrine.

 

SABARIGIRIVASARE SARANAM AYYAPPA

MALADHARAM :

Maladharam is performed before a any temple deity or in one's own house after offering pujha. The Garland must be received from mother or father or Gurunswamy or elderly person or from the temple priest (Each group is led by a Guruswami who because of years of experience in the pilgrimage acts as leader and guides pilgrims during the trek.) in the midst of loud chantings of "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa". After the performance of Maladharanam the pilgrim becomes an Ayyappa himself as mentioned earlier and fully carries out the demands of the pious life. He spends his much time to visiting temples, praying,meeting his Guruswamy and attending pujhas, sathsangh, religious discourses alongwith his regular and normal works. He dons coloured cloths, blue, black and grows a beard. He bathes twice a day, partakes of only satvic food and abstains from meat, intoxicating drinks and drugs. In short, he leads the life of an ascetic, his activities being strictly regulated.

 

Here we should pause to understand the real significance of tapas or austerities. Says Sant Keshavadas: "A man who practices any spiritual discipline rigidly , at any cost, is really doing tapas. The inner meaning of tapas is burning. It burns all karmas and ignorance. The daily practice of sandhaya vandana or morning and evening meditations, daily reading of the holy texts, daily chanting of the "

Gayathri Mantras" or any mantras for a number of times, daily worshipping God, are all tapas. If it is rigidly practiced at least for forty one days at a stretch one should certainly reach one step higher than before in the path of truth. The Vedas declare: The foundation of all creation is tapas.

 

Again, the word, tapas means to melt. Useful metals are extracted by melting ores. Gold and Scrap metals are renewed by the same process of melting. The life of man can similarly be renewed and rejuvenated by tapas or austerity. Blessed is the man who applies himself to this spiritual means so that he may emerge from manhood to godhood.Diet plays an important part in the observance or virutham. Even in ordinary circumstances restricting the intake of food to the minimum needed to sustain ourselves is good for us. But during austerities, especially, consumption of satvik food helps very much in the observance of continence. Here again let us be guided by the Gita ideals. The food we daily take has its effect on our psychology and character. satvik foods gives good and strengthening to the spirit. It promote long life, vitality and amiability. Rajasik foods gives destructive of serenity, passion -producing .Tamasik foods gives wholly bad causing deterioration of mind and intellect and increasing inertia. The three kinds – satvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik. It is clear that satvik food only suitable for the devotees.

 

BRAHMACHARYA -CELIBACY:

Perhaps the most important and also the most difficult discipline which the pilgrim has to practice is brahmacharya or continence. In fact it is the foundation of all spiritual disciplines. It is not merely abstaining from sex, it is elimination of sex in thought and word also. The true meaning of brahmacharya is to make our mind move towards Brahmam. Thereby the mind keeps itself away from the pleasures of the senses.Though Brahmacharya the physical energy in man gets converted into spiritual energy. Even a formidable task can be accomplished with the help of this spiritual power. Hanuman, who is considered the greatest of all yogis, provides a good example. He lifted mountains, destroyed demons, flew across the ocean, and became a worthy servant of Sri Rama because of this power.

 

This type of Brahmacharya an Ayyappa Bhaktha is expected to observe – a brahmachari who, untouched by lust, is as pure as a baby in thought, word and deed. Apart from its importance in his spiritual quest it helps him to keep perfect health and strength of body and mind and to endure the physical strain during the trek.

TOTAL SURRENDER [sARANAGATHI]:

'SWAMIYE-SARANAM-AYYAPPA' 'SWAMY ELLATHORU MATTONTRUM SARANAM IELLAI AYYAPPA'

 

'Lord! Ayyappa! I come to thee for refuge'.

This is the greatest of all disciplines and very difficult to practice. "Saranam" or Total surrender as an essential feature. It needs to be reiterated here to understand its true import as otherwise the mere mechanical repetition of "Swami Saranam ayyappa" any number of times will have no meaning. Saranagathi is unconditional. It is total surrender to the Lord Sree Ayyappa. Self-Surrender leads to self realization. The self that is surrendered is ego. The self that is realized is God. This philosophy of self-surrender-Saranagathi has been given the highest place in the Hindu Sanathana Dharma.The story of Gajendra-elephant and story of Durupadi also the reference for the Total Surrender.

VARIOUS PUJHAS

A feature during the season of pilgrimage, from mid-November to mid-January, is the conducting of Pujas and bhajans to propitiate Lord Ayyappa. These are conducted by individuals, in their homes or collectively in community halls or pandals. In either case a large number of pilgrims gather and participate in the worship.

 

The worship conducted in TamilNadu and Kerala is called Sasthapreethi which consists of Pujas, singing of songs in praise of Ayyappa and an elaborate feast the annadhanam. Every village, every locality in a town conducts these pujhas where the faithful congregate and sing in praise of Lord Sree Ayyappa, recounting His legends. As the singing continues, its rhythm gradually increases until it becomes frenzied and everyone present catches something ecstasy. And some of them lose themselves so much in trances that they become transformed into the very God whose praise is sung.

They shake vigorously and utter some benedictions making the devotees believe that Lord Ayyappa Himself has come in their midst to bless them.In kerala there is ritual called Ayyappan Pattu conducted by the pilgrim in his house before leaving on his journey to Sabarimala. This is a sort of ritualistic dance-drama lasting either a night or a whole day and night. A hut is erected in the yard of the house. Stools, either seven or nine are placed in the hut. Gods and Goddesses like Ganapathi, Subramaniya, Sastha, Malikapurathamma, karuppan etc.. are imagined to be sitting on them. Lamps are placed before them and coconuts, molasses and popped corn are offered as holy food. A group of singers starts singing songs which are usually about the life of Ayyappa. In the night, a procession is conducted in which Malikappurathamma is taken out. The next part is dramatic. Two actors come forward and as the singers sing, they dance in rhythm. This is supposed to be the fight between Ayyappa and the Vavar.

 

VALUE OF THE PUJHA AND NAMASANGEERTHANAM

Normally Pujas, Bhajans and rituals are so frequent in a village or in a locality of a town, that pilgrims are constantly subjected to the discipline of Puja during the Virutham period. The idea is to engage your sense organs like the eyes, ears etc. in things divine so that the senses will be controlled, purified and calmed to enable the mind to be forced always on God. This is how it happens. "You see the image or the symbol of God, you sing the songs or chant the mantras, you smell the flowers, you hear the songs and chants, you offer the flowers, ring the bell, wave the light, you circumambulate and salute the Lord, finally you partake of the Prasad or the sanctified food offerings. Thus, your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, hands, legs, the whole body as such, participates in the worship service and thereby is sanctified." That is why pujas and rituals engage a major part of the pilgrim's life during the virutham[41-days].