Rituals followed by Sabarimala Pilgrims
Mandala Vrutham
Prior to the pilgrimage, the pilgrims are expected to follow a Mandala Vrutham (41-day austerity period).This begins with wearing of a special Mala (a chain made of Rudraksha or Tulasi).During the 41 days of Vratham, the devotee who has taken the vow, is required to strictly follow the rules that include follow only a vegetarian diet, follow celibacy, not use any profanity and have to control the anger, allow the hair and nails to grow without cutting. They must try their maximum to help others, and see everything around them as lord Ayyappa. They are expected to bath twice in a day and visit the local temples regularly and only wear plain black or blue colored traditional clothing.
The idea behind the 41-day ‘Vrutham’ is to develop discipline and healthy practices and make it a habit. It is all about good habit formation through sustained efforts achieved through a combination of self-control and prayers.
Kettunirakkal
Kettunirakkal is conduct under the guidance of guru swamy.This ritual includes the preparation and packing of "irumudi kettu".
During the Kettunira, after the initial prayers, the sacred offering of ghee is filled inside a coconut. The draining of the water within the coconut through a small hole on the top and filling it with ghee is a symbolic act. It signifies the draining out of worldly attachments from the mind and filling it with spiritual aspirations. Now the ghee-filled coconut, an offering for Lord Ayyappa, is known as the Nei-thenga.
The first compartment of the bag will be filled-in with the Nei-thenga and other sacred offerings to Lord Ayyappa and the accompanying Deities. Then the other compartment is filled with a few coconuts, rice etc.
Only those who carry the Irumudi kettu on the head would be allowed to climb the 18 sacred steps to the temple, as they are the ones considered to have observed the austerities and thus eligible to climb the holy steps.
Erumeli Petta Thullal
Petta Thullal is a ritualistic sacred dance to celebrate the victory of Lord Ayyappa on Mahishi (victory of good over evil).
Sabarimala pilgrims with irumudi kettu |