Pallikattu Sabarimalaikku
Any fast needs the blessings of all the gods to complete it successfully. It is said that if you want the blessings of 27 Nakshatras, 12 Rasis and benefic planets (27+12+9) 48 days i.e. one mandala should be fasted. But in the case of Sabarimala fast, one mandal means only 41 days.
Starting from the day of wearing a garland to the mountain, bathing in cold water twice daily, applying sandalwood on the forehead, chanting the 108 stanzas of Sami, maintaining control over food, sleeping without a pillow, and controlling sexual immorality are all our fasts for self-control and discipline.
So it is special to fast for 41 days and go to the mountain. It is helpful for climbing tough mountain trails without difficulty. Kanniswamis visiting Sabarimala for the first time must fast for 41 days.
The Long Trek the Short Trek
Starting from Erumeli in Kerala, you will reach Pampai via Barur, Kalaikatti, Aruthaimaali, Karimal.
Going and crossing Neelimalai to reach Sabarimala is called the Great Path.
There are buses and vehicles going to Pampai. Those who cannot walk on the main road can take a vehicle up to Pampai and from there climb up to Neelimalaya and reach Sannithanam. This is called small path.
Before starting the journey from Erumeli, the devotees apply colorful powders and strings on their bodies and dance along with strings. This is ‘Pettaithullal’. They will finish this and start walking on the big path.
On the Long Trek, Arutai Hill climb and Karimal climb are a bit difficult. Even those who have been going to the mountains for years; They will have a little trouble here. If Arutai and Karimal climbs are a form of hardship, then the Karimal climb is a step above it. If you need to climb up, you can stop there for a while. In downward walk, it cannot. If you take the leg, you should keep going down with successive steps.
Samis who are struggling in ups and downs will be lifted by some faceless Sami. Looking at the tired faces, they pour a hand full of glucose. Fanned with a cloth. These experiences are unique to Sabarimala. It is difficult to describe in words, it can only be understood when experienced.
Coming down to the holy Bambai River at Karimal is the Bambai River which is revered as equal to the Ganga River. Its water is cold like ice. If you take a bath in it in the chilling cold, boredom and fatigue will fly away.
The short trek from Bampai to Sannithanam is not too difficult. This is also a bit of a boom. However, there are wires to hold on to, lights along the way, and shops, so you may get caught unawares. This also has a couple of up and down breaths. Sannidhana in 4 hours even if you walk slowly and calmly can reach.
As you approach the ghee-smelling Sabarimala Sannithana, along with that snow The smoke of the omarund also blows around. After draining the gheeDevotees speed up the coconuts all together in a gigantic way Its lingering heat and coconut scent wafted for long distances.
Since leaving the house Ayyappan devotees face no proper rest, no sleep, constant travel, going from town to town, visiting many temples, going up and down the mountains… the feet of the devotees would tired on the sannithana pandal.
The joy of getting paid before the sweat of labor dries up, the joy of looking at Ayyappan in all the fatigue and with iru mudi is the reward for all the hardships devotees have faced. After waiting in a long queue and approaching the sanctum, Ayyappan would shine appropriately within the sanctum amid the flamboyant ghee lamps, past the glistening golden perimeter wall and the Dwara Palakars.
The chant of ‘Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa’ raised by the devotees at the mere sight of him, the thrill that penetrates through every pore of every devotee who stands with tears in his eyes, belongs only to that sannidhana. This is what makes lakhs of Kannisamis flock to that Sannithan every year. This year also attracts the devotees who came last year. Pulls annually.
Although there are fasting days like Ekadasi, Pradosha and Somavaram, there is a practice of fasting on a weekly basis in all religions. Similarly, Sabarimala is fasted by wearing garlands.
Devotees wearing garlands call each other ‘Sami’ and greet each other Touching and bowing is also common for everyone to see.
On other days, a common man has no control when fasting season starts when sandalwood necklace around his neck and a sandalwood strip on his forehead, Neela climbs on his waist… the very next day everyone calls him ‘Sami’. Not only father, mother, wife and child at home, but also those who meet on the road say ‘Vanga Sami’, ‘Bonga Sami’. To hear this.. the spiritual doubt that ‘I may be a Sami’ arises in the common man. That comman man will try to behave as ‘Sami’ because everyone calling like that.
How great is the thought of ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ (I am Brahman, I am God) which is considered to be the essence of the Vedas, arise in one’s mind when he wears a garland of tulsi and sandalwood around his neck!
Living at home is like water over lotus leaf. Staying away from the rituals of mourning. An Ayyappaswamy observes very simply ‘home asceticism’, which is not so easy to achieve even after studying, realizing and following Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, starting with taste and suppressing all the senses. It is an unparalleled fasting magnificence!
You are God
At Sabarimala, the main facade of the Ayyappan Temple Sannithan does not have ‘Ayyappan Sub’ or ‘Swamiye Charanam Ayyappa’ written on it. The text there is ‘Dattvamasi’. What is Dattvamasi? Dut + Dvam + Assi. That is, ‘You are not different from me. You are God’,
The Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple Sannithanam will be opened on November 16 and closed on December 27 for Mandal Puja. After 2 days, the path will be opened on 30th December for Makaravilakku Puja. Makarajyothi darshan will be held on 14th January. The path will be open till January 20. In the month of Karthikai is a special day for devotees to wear garlands of Ayyappa by Guruswamy’s hands.
Mantra to be recited while wearing garland
Ñāṉamutrām cāstru mutrām kurumutrām namām yaham vaṉamutrām cukta mutrām rutra mutrām namām yaham cāntamutrām cattiyamutrām vrutumutrām namām yaham catyēṉa pātu satāpimē kurutakṣiṇayā pūrvam tasyā nukraha kāriṇē caraṇākata mutrākyam tvaṉ mutrām tārayā yaham ciṉ mutrā kēcari mutrām patra mutrām namām yaham caparyācala mutrāyai namastupyam namō nama
ஞானமுத்ராம் சாஸ்த்ரு முத்ராம் குருமுத்ராம் நமாம் யஹம் வனமுத்ராம் சுக்த முத்ராம் ருத்ர முத்ராம் நமாம் யஹம் சாந்தமுத்ராம் சத்தியமுத்ராம் வ்ருதுமுத்ராம் நமாம் யஹம் சத்யேன பாது ஸதாபிமே குருதக்ஷிணயா பூர்வம் தஸ்யா நுக்ரஹ காரிணே சரணாகத முத்ராக்யம் த்வன் முத்ராம் தாரயா யஹம் சின் முத்ரா கேசரி முத்ராம் பத்ர முத்ராம் நமாம் யஹம் சபர்யாசல முத்ராயை நமஸ்துப்யம் நமோ நம