swamyae saranam ayyappa

November 26, 2007

ABOUT AYYAPPA SWAMY

sabarimala Sree Ayyappa T

emple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples. This is one of the

most ancient temples in Kerala. Lord Parasurama consecrated the deity of the temple at the

foot of Sabari hills to which reference has been made in Ramayana. The temple attracts

pilgrims from all part of the country and abroad. The main feature of the temple is that

it is open to everybody. Sabrimala temple gives much importance for the secularism

and communal harmony and has turn out to be a model for the whole world. Another

significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor,

learned or illiterate holding position or not master or servant, are all equal before LORD

AYYAPPA. There is no other temple in the world in which the pilgrims itself are

called after the deity of the temple.

The Lord Ayyappa is always around

us. Yes in your mind, body, speech, thought and every inch of your body is made with the

blessings of the paramathma .The Lord affirms that "The

kingdom of God is within us" and that one is not to wander outside to achieve

salvation. The meaning of the holy word "THATHWAMASI" written in the front

of the temple shows how you are related to Lord Ayyappa.

Sabari Hills, the Secred aboard of Lord

Ayyappa, is thronged by millions of devotees throughout the year, particularly during the

Mandalam period. On the first day of 4th month of malayalam calendar, the pilgrims

commences a well defined preparatory routine of austerities enduring for a

"Mandalam" of 41 days. The emphasis is to give up all materialistic desires and

surrender oneself to the thought of Lord- a sort of penance from the sins committed

knowingly or unknowingly.

The accosting of "Maala"

symplices the invoking of the Lord into the pilgrims' hearts. The pilgrims lead a simple

life in uniform grab of black and dark blue colors. These and unkempt, unshaven face

signify immersing one's Ego in sacred anonymity. During the period the devotees greets

each other as "Swami Saranam" to be reciprocated by"Ayyappa Saranam".

Swami

Saranam, meaning one is at the

mercy of the Lord is a significant mantram. Anyone who had undertaken

pilgrimage to the Hills,especially during the peak period of "Mandalam", will

understand the significance and divine feeling one gets by chanting the

"Mantram", which echoes through the Hills. The Lullabies of birds, the whistling

winds and roaring sound of river 'Pumba' submerge in the chanting of mantram and all these

together create a divine atmosphere only to heard to be believe.

The Holi river Pumba is considered to

be sacred as the Ganga. A holi dip in the river before proceeding to the hills is an

experience itself.

The common offering to the Lord is ghee

filled coconut. The hard shell of the coconut signifies how stubborn are our desires for

worldly life, the sweet fruit inside signifies how serene is our heart and filling it with

pure ghee signifies our true love for the God.

Once the pilgrim reach the

"sannidhanam "after trekking the Hills, their hearts overflow with the

vision of Lord at the temple. What we see in the sanctum sanctorum is the Lord in a

posture of meditation. This is the "Nirvikalpa Samadhi" of the Lord as the Lord

in his superior manifestation, seeks His own identity with the cosmic immanent, as the

self meditates on itself.

The experience of the long walk from

Erumeli to Sabarimala,Commanding oneself to the total care of the Lord, signifies a unique

feeling and the effects lasts for long after returning home. This experience prospects the

temptation to accost 'Maala' year after year.

With the manifestation of Vishnu

as the divine mother in the form of " Mohini" and "Shiva" as divine

Father arrived Shaastha- the supreme Lord of Law and Love.

HISTORY OF AYYAPPA SWAMY

Lord Ayyappa of

sabarimala or Dharma Sastha as is universally called

has a number of historical stories about him which his devotees heard from their

ancestors or,Guru.The Stories about Lord Dharma Sastha is also mentioned in Vedas and

Puranas. However different stories are prevalent in different areas ,

depending upon the locality and places.

Lord Vishnu's " Mohini Vesham" is a well known story. After the

death of Mahishasura , His sister Mahishi took a decision to take revenge against all

Devas. Hence she started Dhyanam(meditation) to please Lord Brahma . Impressed

by her bhakti, Brahma made an appearance and granted her wish that,

nobody in the Universe could kill her except the son of Lord Shiva and

Vishnu.

With this boon, she felt so powerful that ,she started

harassing Devandran and the Devas. The Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The

venerable gods sent their shakti & spirit together to the earth in the form of a

Mahisham. There upon the Mahishi along with Mahisham left heaven for earth and

started in a jungle.

One day Lord Shiva requested Lord Vishnu to show the Mohini Vesham once

more. As the Mohini appeared in front of Lord Shiva , Kamadeva sent his arrow

at Lord Shiva and thus the disaster began for Mahishi. A male child was born(Uthram

Star,wendesday )from the thigh of Lord Vishnu . The child was born with a bell in

his neck and so he was named as Manikandan(The one who was born with a bell in his

neck). Lord Shiva took him to Kailasam. The boy learnt all mantra and

tanthra under the tutelage living of Lord Shiva and became a good warrior. At the age

of 12, Manikandan was told about his mission of life and sent to earth as a

child.

Raja Rajasekharan was the king of

Panthalam, a small place in

southern Kerala. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and his queen

that of Lord Vishnu. They were childless. They prayed to god ceaselessly for a

child.

One day after hunting, while taking rest at the bank of

river pumba , the Raja heard a child's cry . When he went for a search with

his companions he found a child alone in the jungle . Immediately a

saint appeared and told the king to take the child to his palace and call him

Manikandan.

The king and queen were very happy and they brought up the child as their

own. After three years, the queen gave birth to a son and named him Raja Raja.

Manikandan was sent to Raja Guru for learning. Manikandan completed his

studies quickly and bcame expert in all fields. When the time for leaving the

Gurukul came, Manikandan wanted to give Dakshina to his Guru. The Guru then told

Manikandan to cure his son from blindness. As soon as Manikandan rubbed his hands over the

eye of the boy, his vision was restored. The Guru then told Manikandan that one day

he would become Lord of the Universe. Manikandan requested guru to keep it as

a secret and left the Gurukul.

The Panthalam Kingdom was one of the smallest kingdom, but it was rich.

There were frequent attacks from other kingdoms as well as Persian countries. The Diwan

was not loyal to the king. After his return from the Gurukul, Manikandan took keen

interest in the affairs of the kingdom . He put an end to the internal fight among

the warring kingdoms and restored law and order in the Kingdom.

One day a Muslim invader by name VAVAR reached the coastal

area of panthalam to attack the kingdom. Seeing the helpless situation of the king,

Manikandan insisted on going alone for the battle with Vavar. After much persuasion, the

king acceded to Manikandan's wish.

Manikandan with his divine power temporarily closed the eyes of

Vavar who could see only Manikandan. Realising the divine power Vavar became his ardent

and closest believer .

This was the beginning of a friendship between two people from

different religions and regions. It was a proof that caste,

religion or region were not barriers for a good friendship and that humanity

is above all. The mutual respect and love they shared helped them to overcome all

difficulties.

Raja started thinking of making Manikandan as the next king. The

minister did not like this and took several steps to kill Manikandan . The

Minister failed in his attempts because of the divine power of Manikandan and timely

intervention of Lord Shiva.

The Minister then persuaded the queen to make her own son the next king.

Persuaded by the Minister , the queen created a drama of suffering from severe headache

and the King, believing this, called the Diwan to bring in the best

physicians to treat her. The Physician, brought by the Diwan

examined the Queen and told the King that the Queen had been suffering

from a dangerous disease and it could be

cured only by applying Tigress' milk. The King sent several of his men

to the forest for bringing this milk. The King understood that it was an impossible

task and wanted his dear Queen to be

cured at any cost and offered half of his Kingdom to anybody

who brought the milk.

Manikandan wanted to go and fetch Tigress' milk but was refused permission

by the king as he was very young to go to the forest and that he was to be crowned.

Understanding the situation Manikandan requested the king for a promise to do something he

wanted. The King gave the promise and Manikandan asked for

permission to go to the forest. Disappointed that he was tricked the king had no other

alternative but to send Manikandan to the forest.

King Rajasekara made arrangements to send a group of his

loyal men along with Manikandan, which however was refused by Manikandan on

the ground that the tigress might run away seeing the crowd of soldiers. King

Rajasekara sent along with Manikandan necessary foodstuffs and

coconuts with three eyes, in remembrance of Lord Shiva.

In the mean time Mahishi was enjoying life along with

Mahisham.

However within a few days , Mahishi could guessing the plan of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva

abandoned the Mahisham and went to Devalok and again started attacking

Devas.

Devendra and others had to run away to seek the help of Lord Shiva, who

promised the early end of Mahishi .

In the jungle Manikandan was welcomed by the VAVAR and Panchbutha

of Lord Shiva .On his way seeing the atrocities of Mahishi in the

Devaloka,

he went there and in the battle between them, Mahishi was pushed by

Manikandan into the earth, where she fell on the banks of Azhutha River. Manikandan

clashed with her there. At the end of the battle

between Mahishi and Manikandan at Azhutha River

banks, Manikandan climbed up her chest and danced violently. The

impact of his dance was felt in the Earth and Devloka and the Devas were afraid. Mahishi

knowing that the divine power dancing on her body was none other

than the son of Hari and Haran, prostrated before Manikandan and died. This

dance was witnessed by Lord Shiva and Mahavishnu from a place called Kalakatti

.. A divine lady( Leela daughter of Karaban) came out of the body of Mahishi and

requested Manikandan to consider her as his Shakti. Manikandan expressed his inability to

accept her as his wife as he has taken Brahmcharya for welfare of the

Universe. He offered a suitable place near his temple and named her as

Malikapurathamma.

Manikandan visited one of his old devotee "Sabari" and

gave salvation to her soul. He also agreed the Sabari's request to

remain in Sabarimala for the welfare of the Universe.

Then Lord Shiva appeared before Manikandan and told him that though

he had done good for the Devas, still there was one main task and that was to

give comfort to the King Rajasekara who was very concerned about him and

also to cure the Queen's ailment. Lord Shiva

further told him that he could go to the Palace with the tigresses

and Lord Indran would help him. As stated by Lord Shiva, all female devas in

the disguise of tigresses and male devas as tigers with Lord Devendran as the

tiger on whom Manikandan rode, started their journey to the Palace.

When Manikandan approached the palace

with the tigers and tigresses, the people who

ridiculed him when he started his journey to teh forest whether he

wanted toy tigresses, really got panicky seeing the violent bunch of animals and

started running helter skelter.

The Sanyasi who appeared at the forest

at the time of King Rajasekara's visit there when he heard a child's

cries, again appeared at the palace and told King

Rajasekara the identity of Manikandan. Hearing this, the King stood in great

surprise and silence. He stood non plused as he saw Manikandan

riding a tiger and people running away. Seeing the King,

Manikandan descended from the tiger's back and told him that since the tigresses

were there, he could get the Queen cured with their milk.

King Rajasekara, fell at his feet and begged to

forgivence for whatever happened without his knowledge, and asked him to send

back the tigers as the Queens ailment had been

cured the moment Manikandan went to the forest.

King Rajasekara told

Manikandan that the Diwan was responsible for all these things and

hence he should be punished. However, Manikandan told the king

that he need not punish the Diwan and all had happened only through the

will of God. He also gave necessary advice to Raja for the salvation of soul (Which

is known as Boothanatha Geetha) . After giving necessary guidance and information for the

construction of temple at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa(Dharma Sastha)

informed Raja ,that he is going for meditation at Ponnambalamedu for the

welfare of the universe and to protect Dharma.

King Rajasekharan was heart broken hearing this and implored

Ayyappa,

"I have made all arrangements for your coronation and what shall I do with all the

ornaments which were made for your coronation ceremony?". To this Lord Ayyappa

replied, "I am entering eternal meditation for the betterment of the world. However,

every year at the time of Makara Sankranthi, I will wake up from my meditation and open my

eyes to see the world. At that time you may adorn my idol with all the ornaments that you

have made for my coronation ceremony and Makara Jyoti will appear in the

Ponnambala Medu. The Lord then merged in to the idol of Lord Dharma

Sastha in the Ponnamlamedu for meditation for the welfare of the universe and

to protect Dharma .

At the advice of Saint

Agasthya,

King Rajasekara laid the foundation stone for the building Shabarimala

Temple. Bhagwan Manikandan, had made it clear that he would grace only those

devotees who offer Dharshan after performing Viradha for forty one days keeping

themselves isolated from family desires and tastes and leading a life like

Brahmacharyas, thinking of good things always, and that

while coming for his darshan, they shall adorn themselves with three eyed

coconut and foodstuff/Aantha Garland in their heads, as the Bhagwan did when he went to

the forest to fetch tigress milk, and bathe in River Pampa raising slogans of Saranam and

climb the eighteen stairs.

As graced by the

Bhagwan, King Rajasekara

completed building of the temple with eighteen stairs to reach

it. When the King was thinking how to put Dharmasastha's figure in

the temple for darshan to devotees, he recalled the words of the

Bhagwan, the River

Pampa was a holy river as River Ganga, Sabarimala was

a holy place as Kasi. Dharmasastha sent Parasuraman to Sabarimala

who carved the figure of

Lord Ayyappa and installed it

on the day of Makarasankranthi. Every year lakhs and lakhs of people throng to

Sabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and

adorn themselves with garlands and

irumudis, chant slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in

holy river Pampa, climb up the eighteen stairs and get the grace

of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha.

The Jewel Casket is carried on head from the ancestral residence of the

royal family of Panthalam to the Shrine on the day. A Garuda, the Brahman kite, follows

this ornaments carrying procession, hovering about in the sky. After these ornaments are

adorned on the Lord the bird circles the temple in the sky three times and disappears.

Excited by this sight the devotees begin to chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa".

A Star(Uthram Nakshathra) never seen before in the sky appears on

the day of Makarajyothi day before the sighting of the

Jyothi. A

Jyothi is seen for a little time on the hilltop showing the presence of Swamy Ayyappan

gracing his devotees.

Pathinettampadi(Holi 18 Steps)

Sabarimala

temple complex mainly comprises of the Holy Eighteen Steps (PONNU PATHINETTAMPADI) in the

front side for ascending to the upper thirumuttom, the main temple of SREE DHARMA SASTHA,

shrines of KANNIMEL GANAPTHY and NAGARAJA. The pilgrims with IRU MUDI KETTU alone

are permitted to ascend the Holy Eighteen Steps. Entry to the temple for all other is

through the steps on the northern side.

The pilgrims

with Irumudi kettu have to come in queue through the barricades in the Nadapandal area for

ascending the holy eighteen steps for the darshan of Lord Ayyappa after breaking coconuts

in the space provided (lower side of Pathinettampady ).

The sacred

18 steps (Ponnu Pathinettampadi) are covered with `Panchaloham'(a preparation of special

metals and mortar). The inner meaning of these 18 steps is as follows:-

The first

five steps represents the Five Senses m(Panchendriyas) ie visual, auditory,

olfactory, gustatory and tactile. These signify theortal' nature of one's body.

The next

eight steps represents the eight Ashtaragas viz Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha,

Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb(Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition,

Jealousy and Boast fulness).

The next

three steps represents the three Gunas (nature-born qualities), Satv, (perspicuity,

discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor).

The last two

steps represents Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance).

It is believed that, those who detaches themselves from all these worldly

pleasure, can see the Lord Ayyappa in real sense. It is considered that after climbing up

these eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches oneself from all the

worldly ties that bind one physically and mentally to the world . It is only then that a

person will be in a receptive condition to be one' in consonance with the concept of 'The

Ultimate Creator'. There are other opinions also about the inner meaning of

the holi steps .

Austerities (

Vrutham)

The

Vrutham (austerities) starts on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrichikam ( November

14/15/16 ) for those devotees who intend to worship Lord Ayyappa on Mandala Pooja Day(

around 25th December ) or Makara Sankranti day (around Jan 14th). "Makara

Sankranti" day is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala and " Mandala

Pooja day " is considered as second most auspicious day. Nowdays the temple is open

to devotees on 1st day of each Malayalam month and other kerala festival days such

as "Vishu", "Thiru Onam", etc. However 41 days minimum vrutham

is necessary before the day of Pilgrimage to Sabarimala as per the conditions of the

pilgrimage.

The

vrutham starts from the day of wearing of "Thulasi Mala" (garland) or"

Rudraksha Mala with the locket of Lord Ayyappa. The mala is to be accepted from a temple

Priest or Guru Swami/Periya Swami (The devotee who has visited the Sabarimala Temple

several times and who can guide the other devotees in all matters relating to Sabarimala

pilgrimage) after the mala is duly sanctified in a temple/ or pooja room. A

"Dakshina" is to be given to the priest/Guru Swami/ Periya Swami

concerned. After wearing the "Mala" the devotee is called as

"Ayyappan" or "Swami"( in the name of Lord Ayyappa) till the

completion of his pilgrimage and removal of Mala thereafter. The eligible female( aged

between 1 and 9 and above 50 years) devotees are called as "Malikapuram"( The

Shakti of Lord Ayyappa).

During the

period of Vrutham utmost care should be taken by each devotee to keep their mind and

body clean,pure and balanced. The devotee is expected to live like

"sadhu", "Yogi" and his action,word,thought should not under any

circumstances hurt the feelings of the others. The devotee should avoid all worldly

pleasure and avoid taking alcohol,tobacco and non-vegetarian food. They are also not

expected to cut hair and nails a shave. Black / dark blue dhoti and shirt is the proper

dress for the vrutham. Wearing Chappal, Shoes are not allowed as per traditional rule of

the Vrutham. Absolute Bramacharya during the period is essential without which

no devotee should go to Sabarimala Temple. The devotee is expected to pray in the morning

and evening after taking bath. Before each meal devotee should pray and take the meal as

"Prasadam" of Lord Ayyappa.

Without

proper Vrutham Pilgrimage to Sabarimala is not at all advisable. The mental

satisfaction of the pilgrimage can be attained only through the proper

Vrutham. May

the Lord Ayyappa help everybody to follow the rule of traditional Vrutham for the

attainment of salvation of the soul .

ERUMELI

Situated about 60 kms. away from Kottayam

town, it is the biggest pilgrim centre in the district. There is an ancient temple where

'Sridharma Sastha' is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to

Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa.

Every year, lakhs and lakhs of people

throng to Sabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and adorn themselves with garlands and

Irumudis, chant slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the holy

Eighteen Stairs and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha.

Devotees will start their yatra either

from Erumeli to Sabarimala (48 miles) by climbing hills (dense

forest) on foot. Some Devotees start their yatra from Pampa to Sabarimala (7

kms) .

The unique feature of the

Temple is that it is open to people of all faiths and many none hindus conduct

pilgrimages to this temple. The secular aspect of the temple is best exemplified by the

existence of the "Vavar Nada" in honor of a Muslim saint in close proximity to

the main temple (Ayyappa Swami Temple) at Sabarimala by the side of Holy

Pathinettampady.

The pilgrims worship in this place also. The pilgrims on their sojourn to Sabarimala

worship at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal". They

also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their pilgrimage. Ayyappa Cult gives a

lot of importance to secularism and communal harmony and has set out to be a model for the

whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether

rich or poor, learned or illiterate, holding position or not, master or servant are all

equal before LORD AYYAPPA and all address each other as AYYAPPA.

Petta Thullal

According to traditional belief, Petta

Thullal is the re-enactment of the annihilation of Mahishi by Lord Ayyappa. The

Ambalappuzha group, as per the ritual, will first proceed to Erumeli Valiyambalam while

the Alangattu group will commence from the Mosque Junction.

Thousands of pilgrims will join the

procession. They will paint their faces with colors and dance to the tune of drumbeats

chanting Swami thinthakathom...Ayyapppa thinthakathom'.

After offering prayers at Valiyambalam,

both the groups will proceed to Sabarimala temple through the traditional trekking paths.

1. Erumeli to Pampa

Sarasthadam.

(via

Peroorthodu, Kalaketti, Azhuthayaar,

Kallidam Kunnu, Azhuthamedu, Inchiparakotta, Kariyilamthodu, Karimala, Valiyanavattm-by

walk through mountainous forest. (47 KMs)

(This is the holy

traditional route)

1. Erumeli

2. Peroor Thodu

3. Irumboonni Kara

4. Arasumudi Kotta

5. Kaalaketi

6. Azhutha

7. Azhutha Nadi

8.

Kallidam Kunnu

9. Inchipara Kota

10. Mukkuzhi

11. Kariyilam Thodu

12. Karimala

13.

Valiyana Vattom

14.

Cheriyana Vattom

15. Pampa Nadi

Distance

Chart : Erumeli - Pampa

Erumeli - Kaalaketti - 11Kms

Kaalaketti - Azhutha - 2.5 Kms

approx

Azhutha River - Pampa - 37 Kms

approx

Peroor Thodu - Irumboonikara -

3 Kms (Forest starts from Irumbooni Kara)

Irumboonikara -

Arasumdi Kotta - 3 Kms approx

Pamba is the most important and

holy spot on the way to Sannidhanam. It is here Lord

Ayyappa was found by King Rajasekara.ThePampa river is as holy as the ganges.

The Pampa water purifies one from curse and evil.

Pamba: Where the devotees take

their holy bath at the confluence of the three rivers(Triveni ).

This is created by the Lord as parallel to the Ganga (

"Dakshina Ganga" ).

All pilgrim should take a dip in

the Pamba river before and after trekking the holy sabarimala. The

pilgrims should also perform "Pitru tarpanam" (offering to

ones departed souls) at Pamba before the trekking .

Triveni Sarasthadom is about 6

kms. Road transport facilities are available only up to Pampa (Triveni) on

the southern bank of Pampa river. There are two bridges across the river at

Triveni, one is pucca concrete footbridge and the other is a motorable

bridge. Traffic through the latter bridge is not permitted during festival

seasons.

On the upper side of the north

bank of the river shrines of Sree Mahaganapathy. Sree Rama, Sree Anjaneya

and goddess Parvathy are situated. There is a big Nadapandal adjacent to the

shrines where the pilgrims take rest after worshipping these shrines.

From Pampa temple premises, foot

of the Neelimala hills is at a distance of about 200 meters to the western

direction of the temple. Neelimala is a very steep hill. There are two

routes from here to climb Neelimala. One is the old conventional route of

climbing the hills through the straight and very steep path via Appachi medu,

Sabaripeedom and the other is a pathway through the slopes of Neelimala with

lesser gradient but about one more kilometer in length known as Swamy

Ayyappan Road constructed by Sri Subramaniam Trust. Both these Roads meet at

Mara Koottam (beyond Sabaripeedom in the first route). There after the road

again bifurcates one through SARAMKUTHY and the other through the lower

slopes of Saramkuthy hills and meets again near the NADA PANDAL at

SABARIMALA. During peak season the pilgrims are allowed to proceed to

Sabarimala temple through Saramkuthy road and return through the lower road.

For avoiding stampede due to heavy rush & also to facilitate

smooth passing of pilgrims recently a subway has been

constructed.

Pampa

Feast :

Pampa Annadhanam (feast) and

Pampa Vilakku are important rituals followed at the Pampa bank. Pilgrim

groups prepare feast with the provisions taken from the Irumudi of the

pilgrims.Thousand of pilgrims are fed at Pampa. When a group of pilgrims

are ready to feed the fellow pilgrims they display a large papad outside

their cottage. It is usually the kanniswamy who are fed first, as they are

considered to be Lord Ayyappan himself. After the feast the Guru is

honoured by way of prostration and offering of Gurudakshina by the

pilgrims.

Kanni Ayyappas move from

kitchen to kitchen collecting the ashes which are considered to be very

sacred. It is done with the belief that Lord Ayyappa would have had the

feast in one of the cottages in the disguise of a pilgrim.The ash is

considerded as prasadam.

Pampa Vilakku :

On sunset pilgrims believe

that Lord Ayyappan will be present at the banks of Pampa and the cottages

are decorated with lights and candles. Small floats are decorated with

lights called Pampa Vilakku are sailed in the Pampa river.

At Pampa also

there are a few pilgrim sheds. There are three Hospitals (one Allopathy, one

Ayurveda and one Homeopathy) functioning during the festival period. At

Appachi Medu also one First Aid Centre functions during the peak days of

festival period. One information Centre is working at Pampa Anjanayar

Auditorium.There are number of information Centres at pumba for the help of

Pilgrims. Pamba sadya and Pamba vilakku are famous among the pilgrims during

Makara Jyothi season.

MAKARA JYOTHI

"I am entering

into eternal meditation for the betterment of the world. However, every year at the time

of Makara Sankranthi, I will wake up from my meditation and open my eyes to see the world.

At that time you may adorn my idol with all the ornaments that you have made for my

coronation ceremony and Makara Jyoti will appear in the

Ponnambala Medu." Said Ayyappa swami to King Rajashekara at the time of entering

into meditation at Ponnambala Medu.

"Makara

Sankranthi" (around 14th January) day is the most

auspicious day at Sabarimala.

The

Jewel Casket is carried on head from the ancestral residence of the royal family of

Panthalam to the Shrine on this day. A Garuda, the Brahaman kite, follows this

ornaments-carrying procession, hovering about in the sky, After these ornaments are worn

on the Lord the bird circles the temple in the sky three times and disappears. Excited by

this sight the devotees begin to chant "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa".

UTHRAM

STAR

A Star(Uthram Nakshathra) that can

never been seen in the sky appears on the day of Makarajyothi before the sighting of

the Jyoti. A Jyoti is seen for a little time on the hill top showing the presence of Swamy

Ayyappan gracing his devotees. "SWAMIYE SARANAMAYYAPPA"

Lyrics & Meaning of Harivarasanam

____________________________

Harivarasanam Vishwamohanam

Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam

Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

I

worship the one who is seated on a throne befitting a king - the one

who captivates the world.The queller of enemies and the one who dances

the eternal dance.I worship that God - the son of Hari and Hara, who is

my sole shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

Saranakirtanam Shakhtamanasam

Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam

Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

The

one who is worshipped by the sharana goshas and who recharges the

butter-like minds of devotees. The one who is captivatingly

decorated.The one who likes the beautiful dance.The Lord of the

bhoothas (elements/aspects of terrestrial nature) who is of the radiant

hue of the dawn.I worship that God - the son of Hari and Hara, who is

my sole shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam

Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham

Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

The

one who is the very truth. The one dear to the life..The one who

created the universe. The one fond of keertanas The very form of the

pranava mantra or Aumkara.

I worship that God - the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

Thuragavahanam Sundarananam

Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham

Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

The

one who rides on a horse. The one who has a beautiful face.The one who

has the revered gadhayudha (mace). The one whose darshan is wonderful

& to whom Vedas sing praises. The one who is the compassionate guru

(beloved as Guru & beloved to his own Guru too .... who showered

his mercy on his Guru's son) and the one fond of his praises being

sung. I worship that God - The queller of enemies and the one who

dances the eternal dance.- the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole

shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam

Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam

Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

The

one worshipped by all the 3 worlds.The soul of all divinities. The one

who pure son of the threeeyed Lord Shiva.The one worshipped by the

devas.The one who grants wishes & who is absorbed in the welfare

(thought) of his dependants. I worship that God - The queller of

enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance.- the son of Hari and

Hara, who is my sole shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham

Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam

Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

The

one who removes the fear of the cycles of births and deaths. The one

that carries or brings happiness. The captivator of the worlds (as he

born of Vishwa Mohini, Sriman Narayana himself).The one who is one

decked in vibhuti and has a white elephant for a vehicle.I worship that

God - The queller of enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance.-

the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam

Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam

Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

The

one who is enchantingly handsome. The one who has a smile on his

beautiful face. The one who is softer than the softest (..as

Kalabham..) & is highly attracted by chants/hymns. The one who rode

on a tiger as the king of gods. I worship that God - The queller of

enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance- the son of Hari and

Hara, who is my sole shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam

Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam

Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye

The

one who is dear to his devotees.The one who bestows all desires. The

one praised in the vedas and one who bestows life to ascetics. The

captivating one who is fond of music. I worship that God - The queller

of enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance.- the son of Hari

and Hara, who is my sole shelter.

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa

The Sacred Irumudi

'Irumudi Priyanne Saranam Ayyappa !

'

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lrumudi is the only travelling kit which a pilgrim carries on his head during the pilgrimage. Only those who observe fasting for 41 days are allowed to carry it. Without the Irumudi one is not allowed to step onto the holy 18 steps at the Sannidhanam.

This bag is in two compartments - the Munmudi (the front part) and the Pinmudi (the back part) & the opening at centre. 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.