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Sabarimala The Holy Mount
Sabarimala Sri Ayyappa Swami Temple,
situated at the pinnacle of a hill in the
midst of a dense forest in Kerala, continues
to be a favorite pilgrim center to the
believers of all religious sects for
centuries. Millions throng to this
sacrosanct mount, every month. During the
auspicious 'Makarapattu', 'Makara Vilakku'
or 'Jyothi' (bright light) appearance
over the dark decoy sierras, which encircle
the holy mount on the 10th day of
'Makaram'- a month in the Malayalam
calendar. The 'Jyothi' has been a hot point
of debate among the believers and atheists.
On revenue front and pilgrims' arrival,
Sabarimala has a place among the primary
shrines of India.
Sri Ayyappa, the eternal bachelor is the
paradigm of self-discipline and strong
willpower for generations of believers. The
Ayyappa followers observe a rigorous and
excruciating 'Vrutha' (Penance) of 41
days. The devotees abstain from taking
non-vegetarian food, intoxicants and other
spirits during this ritual-filled Vrutha.
They also stay away from worldly pleasures
during the penance.
The females between the age of 12 to 50 are
strictly forbidden to enter the temple
premises. Sabarimala has a thrilling
tale/legend connected with its origin. The
myth is a leaf drawn from the Hindu Purans
(Historical Text). The Lore runs like this:
'Devaloka', the abode of the 'Devas'
(divine entities) was tormented by the
cruelties of Mahishi, the devil woman. The
agitated Devas approached Lord Shiva to
relieve them from the witch and save their
world. During this time Lord Mahavishnu took
the guise of Mohini - an enchanting woman,
Shiva who was enraptured by her beauty, fell
in love her and soon the woman gave birth to
a baby. He was Ayyappa, whose mission of
birth was the elimination of Mahishi.
Meanwhile, here in Kerala, the king of
Pandalam was distressed for not having an
heir to his coveted throne. One day while he
set out for hunting, he found an abandoned
baby boy at the core of the jungle. The baby
had a chain with a bell around his neck. It
possessed all the essential attributes of a
child of royal origin. The King decided to
adopt the baby as his son and since he was
found with the bell tied around the neck the
king decided to name boy as "Manikanda"
(Mani=bell; Kanda=neck).
The boy grew up showing extraordinary powers
and intelligence to the joy and surprise of
all. Dark clouds soon enveloped the sunny
days. The queen who was childless, since
years, gave birth to a baby. The minister,
who for no reason disliked Manikanda,
decided to play his cards against the boy.
He started to instill in the queen's mind
questions about the right of succession. The
queen easily fell a pray to this trap. She
knew that the sole way to secure the
kingship for her child would be by
alienating 'Manikanda'. At the malicious
instigation of the minister, she feigned
that she was suffering from an irremediable
headache.
The royal physician (who was also tipped by
the queen) prescribed the milk of tigress as
the only remedy. No one ventured to procure
the prescribed 'medicine'. As anticipated by
the schemers, Manikanda took the initiative
to find the milk. After consoling the
depressed king, Manikanda explored into the
deep jungles for tiger-milk. On his way he
confronted 'Mahishi' and in a fierce war
that ensued, Mahishi was killed.
The euphoric Devas appeared before Manikanda
and lauded his heroics. Then they assumed
the form of a herd of tigers and accompanied
Manikanda on his way back to the palace.
Panic struck the kingdom at the sight of
Manikanda riding over and leading a herd
of tigers to the palace. The queen, the
minister and their accomplices realized the
supreme powers of Manikanda and asked for
pardon for their misdeeds to him. Manikanda
readily showed mercy to the miscreants and
requested the king to forgive them, since
they were only meager pawns in a big game of
destiny. The revelation that Manikanda is
the incarnation of God surprised the King
and the public. Manikanda announced to the
king that he is relinquishing the worldly
life since his mission was fulfilled.
Manikanda renounced his name and became
'Ayyappa'. Ayyappa then shot an arrow in to
the jungle, which struck the top of a
mountain and told that the spot would be his
seat thence. Ayyappa soon disappeared from
the presence of the awestruck earthlings.
The king constructed a temple at the
hilltop, the spot where the arrow struck. It
is believed that the statue of Ayyappa was
sculptured by Vishwa Karma, the God of
Architecture and erected by Parasurama at
the hilltop. The devotees have to climb 18
steps to reach the forefront of the temple.
The 18 steps have been interpreted as 18
Puranas. (There is another belief that
the 18 steps are representation of the
18 weapons renounced by Ayyappa.) Devotees
take a plunge in the River Pamba before
embarking on the tedious climb to the mount.
Pamba, which is also referred in Ramayana,
is otherwise known as 'Southern Ganga'. Devotees
burst coconuts while ascending the 18
steps. Belief is that by this bursting all
the mortal sins are getting cleaned off in
the presence of God. While atheists refute
and dismiss the legend as rubbish, the sight
of the scores of fresh devotees that flock
Sabarimala, every year is a living proof
that faith on this holy mount and its deity
is ever on the increase.
The legend has been a part of the land,
since many centuries. It is ascertained that
Lord Ayyappa's story prevailed prior to the
Vedic Period. The Sabarimala temple had its
name from Sabari an ardent devotee of
Ayyappa who piously dwelled at these
mountain terrains seeking the blessings of
her Lord. Sabari finds a reference in
'Ramayana', where it is quoted that she once
hosted and served food to Sri Rama,
Sita and Lakshamana during their tedious
journey through the forests.
Vavar, a foe turned devotee of
Ayyappa who belongs to the Muslim sect, was
granted a reverent position near the Lord.
Even today the pilgrims who visit Sabarimala
pay their respects at the shrine of Vavar,
before climbing up the steps to the sanctum
sanctorum. The shrine is an excellent
example of the religious amity and unity
that prevailed even during the dark ages.
Followers of all sects, irrespective of cast
and creed visit Sabarimala, to pay respects
to Lord Ayyappa. Unlike other Hindu temples,
which prohibit, non-Hindus from entering
their premises, Sabarimala welcomes people
from all over the world. It is one of the
reason for its ever-increasing faith and
popularity.
How to reach:
72 kilometers form Pathanamthitta town, 191 kilometers from
Thiruvanathapuram and 210 kilometers from Cochin.
Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla - 102 Kilometers from
Sabarimala
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