Built on a plateau about 40 feet high, the Ayyappan temple commands a lofty view of the mountains and valleys all around. The ancient temple has been rebuilt after a fire in 1950. Within the confines of the sanctum sanctorium with a copper-plated roof and four golden finials at the top, two mandapams, the belikalpura which houses the altar, the flag-staff replacing the earlier stone image of the deity, sits a beautiful idol of Ayyappa in panchaloha, an alloy of five metals, about one and a half feet tall.
18 Steps
Before one views the Sanctum Sanctorum, one has to climb over eighteen sacred steps. These steps are now covered with `Panchaloham' (a special composition of gold, silver, copper, iron and tin. Pilgrims initiate their ascent up the Pathinettam Padi by placing their right foot on the first step. The symbolism of these 18 steps is as follows:-
The first five steps symbolise the five human senses (Panchendriyas) i.e. visual (vision), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the `mortal' nature of one's body.
The next eight steps symbolise the eight Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boastfulness).
The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva, ( perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor).
The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance).
It is
assumed 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.
Maladharanam:- For SABARIMALA YATRA, the prime duty is Maladharanam. The Mala can be of either Rudraksham or Tulasi. The Mala should be worn through Guruswamy with whom the Bhaktha is intend to perform the Yatra. If Guruswamy could not be contacted or unavailable, the wearing of the Mala can be had through his mother or father or at any temple Sannidhanam.
Mandala Vratham:- As a main principle, Mala should be worn first and then the VRATHAM starts which should be observed for a minimum of 41 days and to be completed before the commencement of the Yatra.
Nitya Pooja :- From the day of Maladharan and commencement of Vratham, the Bhaktas should take bath twice every day, i.e., early in the morning and after Sun set and to do small pooja at both the times. Also should chant Ayyappa Swami Saranams before the end of the daily Pooja.
Brahmacharyyam:- Should be observed very strictly during the entire 41 days of Vratham and continue till the end of Dharsanam, Abishekam at Sabarimala & mala visarjanam.
Mita Aharam:-During the Vratham period, Bakthas should take only limited food as required to subside the hunger.
Mita Bhasha & Satya vaakku:-During this period always speak TRUTH and Talk LESS.
Karye Daivam:-What ever may be your daily work, you have to do for your livelihood, do it with full devotion on Lord Ayyappa and discharge it in the correct manner.
Sarva Prani Samanatvam:- Treat all living creatures with love, as they are also created by the GOD, like us.
Taraka Mantram:-While talking with others (whether they are Ayyappa Swamis or not) the main Taraka Manthram, i.e. Swami Saranam should be uttered with every sentence you use.
Swami Samuham:- As far as possible try to be in the company of small Ayyappa group so that you will not be deviated and also can gain more knowledge about swami miracles, Yatra and Vratham.
Swami Bhajana:-During this period, as far possible, try to take part in the Poojas and Bhajans.
Annadanam:-Before the date of commencement of Yatra, within your capacity, if possible, do a small Pooja and do a small scale ANNADANAM to poor and needy people. The guidance in all the connected books clearly says that Ayyappas should do ANNADANAM to poor. Feeding Ayyappas Bhakthas with big feast, assuming that we are satisfying Lord Ayyappa, is a great Sin, as during this period the Ayyappa Bakthas should have restricted food.
Nigraham:- Try always to be calm and even when you are being provoked by others, control your temper and say the only word “ SARANAM AYYAPPA”
Maligapuram & Manikanta:- Address all men as “Ayyappa or Swami” (Not only Vratham Ayyappas) and ladies and girls, including your wife as “MALIGAPURAM” and boys as “Manikanta”. Especially the Muslims should addressed as VAVAR SWAMY.
Sarvamata Samanatvam:-The main principle of Ayyappa Deeksha is, that all religions and castes are to be treated as ONE. Any body (Whether they are Christians, Muslims or other religion) having faith in Ayyappa, can worship Him. Ladies can participate in Poojas and Bhajans, but only girls below 10 years who have not attained Maturity and Ladies who have reached menopause, after certain age, can very well perform the Yatra duly observing the Vratham.
Manasa-Vaacha-Karma:-Manasa, Vaacha and Karmana (with mind, word and duty) have full devotion to Lord.
VastraDharanam:- Though there is no prescribed dress to wear during this Vratham and Yatra period, to distinguish you as Ayyappa on Deeksha either black, blue or saffron dresses can be worn.
Mukhalankarana:- As your mind is always occupied with devotion, it is desired to have always atleast Viboothi or Kumkumam or Chandanam or Namam on the forehead.
Eighteen Dont's :-
While speaking with others, do not address in singular forms. i.e., HE, SHE, IT etc.
From the date of Maladharan and the commencement of Vratham, till reaching home after Darsanam and removing of Mala, do not consume any alcoholic, intoxicating substance and avoid eating non-vegeterian food.
Avoid oil bath, smoking and chewing of pan during this period.
Never get angry under any circumstances.
Do not tell lies.
Do not hurt others feelings either by word or action
Do not take part in death ceremony. After the Mala dharan during the Vratham period, if any close relatives passes away, adhere to your family traditions and as far as possible avoid performing the Yatra this time. As per the advise of Guruswamy, late poojya Shri. Kambamkudi Meenakshisundaram, if it is of distant relatives, you can remove the Mala, take bath observe the morning for that period without removing the deeksha and on the completion of the said period, take bath, ,keeping three times very little cow dung every time and then chant SARANAM 108 times or if you had GAYATRI MANTRAM upadesam already, chant 108 times and wear the Mala after purifying it with Panchagavyam, through Guruswamy or in the temple.
Do not tease anybody or any living things
Do not earn illegal money.
Do not scold any Ayyappa even they are your disciple.
Do not point out other’s mistakes
Do not take part in Court Cases and stand surety for anybody during this period.
Do not take part in Dramas or in Cinemas in which you have to act in undesirable scenes and avoid seeing such Cinemas.
Either knowingly or unknowingly, do not commit sins.
Do not go near or touch ladies who are in monthly period. If it happens it is advised to have bath immediately and to take “PANCHAGAVYAM” if available or chant SARANAM 108 times before attending other works.
Do not have shaving and hair cuttings during this period.
Avoid sleeping day time and to avoid sleeping long time in night.
As far as possible avoid taking solid food outside and consume only fresh food. If you have to take food outside, due to unavoidable circumstances, have it after bath and avoid spending money lavishly. Note :- After having Dharsanam and after reaching home only remove the Malas. On reaching home, breaking coconut at entrance, keep the Prasadam at your Pooja place at home, take bath, do Harathi for the Prasadam with Naivedyam, distribute the Prasadam for the entire family of yours and then remove the Mala yourself, duly chanting Saranam or chanting the Manthras for the removal of Mala, if you know it. Removing the Mala en-route is not advisable.
THER POINTS COMMONLY TO BE OBSERVED
As you have to spend atleast two nights in the forest, during your Yatra and as you won’t get comfortable beds, it is advised to practice by sleeping on mats without pillows.
In the book form which the above rituals are copied, there is no information about the particular kind of dress to be own during this period. But for identifying as Ayyappas, it has become a custom to wear either black, blue or saffron color dresses
As the route through out the forest is slippery as well as with smooth rocks, it is advised to practice walking without foot wear during this period..
“During the early years of Sri Bhagwan Ramana Maharishi’s abode at Virupaksha, Palaniswami and others used to go into town to beg food for the small group of devotees, and one day they asked Sri Bhagavan for a devotional song to sing as they went. He replied that there were plenty of sublime songs composed by the Saints, many of them neglected, so there was no need to compose a new one. However, they continued to urge him and some days later he set out on pradakshina round the Hill, taking a pencil and paper with him, and, on the way, composed the hundred and eight verses.
Tears of ecstasy streamed down his face as he wrote, sometimes blinding his eyes and choking his voice. The poem became the great devotional inspiration of the devotees. All the pain of longing and all the bliss of fulfillment are mirrored in its glowing symbolism. The perfection of Knowledge is combined with the ecstasy of devotion. And yet this most heartfelt of poems was composed from the standpoint of the devotee, of one who is still seeking. It is also an acrostic, its hundred and eight verses beginning with the successive letters of the Tamil alphabet. Nevertheless, no poem could be more spontaneous. Some devotees asked Sri Bhagavan the interpretation of some of the verses and he replied: "You think it out and I will too. I didn't think while I was composing it; I just wrote as it came."
The Tamil explanation was written by a close devotee of the sage named Muruganar. He used to have discussions about his understanding with Ramana Maharshi. This translation is based on this Tamil exposition.
“Arunachala” literally means “Mountain of the colour of the purple sun.”. This mountain is situated in Thiruvannamalai of Tamil Nadu. Devotees consider the mountain itself as a form of Lord Shiva. “Arunachala” can also refer to Lord Shiva who is consecrated in the temple near “Arunachala.”
Oh merciful Ganapathi, give a hand and help me, To make a garland of letters suitable for Lord Arunachala. Refrain ( this refrain has to be chanted after each verse)
Oh Arunachala, I am worse than a dog, For when did I ever steadfastly seek you.
Gnanamillathu, un asayar thalar vara, Gnanam therithu arul, Arunachala.., 40
Oh Arunachala, I sought you without wisdom, But did only get tired because of my desire, And so grace me with the wisdom to seek you.
Jnimiru po neeyum malarnthilai yendre, Ner nindaranai, yen arunachala.., 41
Oh Arunachala, When I as a bee wanted to enter you, And when I thought that you have not opened like a bud, To my surprise I found you standing in front of me.
Oh Arunachala, When you cured me of my disease, Of confusion about the problems of birth and life, Why should I bother and so please shine as the mountain of cure.
Manam kondu urubhavar manathai azhitha pin, Manamillathu olir Arunachala.., 77
Oh Arunachala,you have destroyed the ego, Of the people who were suffering from ego, And please shine as something beyond ego.
Minjidir kenjidum konja vari vaniyaan, Vanchiyathu arul yenai, Arunachala.., 78
Oh Arunachala, I am an ignoramus, who begs, When some one overwhelms and rules over me, And so without deceiving me show your grace to me.
Meegaaman illaman maa kathu alai kala, Magamar katharul, Arunachala.., 79
Oh Arunachala, Protect me from this great illusion, When I am floundering like a ship without helmsman, And caught amidst, the wind and storm of a storm.
Mudiyadi kaanaa mudi vidu thanai ner, Mudi vida kada mnilai arul, Arunachala.., 80
Oh Arunachala, when I am trying to untie, The knot of ego like the one trying to find your head and feet, Be like a mother and help me to untie the knot.
Mokilam mun kkattu mukurama kadenai, THooki anainthu arul, Arunachala.., 81
Oh Arunachala, do not show me a mirror, To point out my absence of nose, But raise me and hug me tightly.
Meyyagathin manamen mala ranayinaa, Mey kalathida varul, Arunachala.., 82
Oh Arunachala, in the flower bed of my mind, Within my body, permit me to merge with you.
Men mel thazhindhdu melliyar cherndhu nee, Menmayuthana yenna, Arunachala.., 83
Oh Arunachala, how is it that you became great, Even after again and again mixing with the poor and humble.
Mai mayanetharun maiyinal unathu, Unamai vasamakkinai, Arunahala.., 84
Oh Arunachala, after removing the collyrium of ignorant confusion, By granting me the collyrium of your grace, you made me truly yours.
* Girivalam alone is sufficient. * The mind will wander when you sit and do japa but if you do pradakshina that mind will remain one-pointed even though the limbs and the body are moving. It is known as sanchara samadhi. * There are many types of herbs on the hill. The breeze that blows over them is good for the body. * So as we do pradakshina, the body will become healthy and the mind will attain the peace of the Self. * Girivalam is an extraordinary sadhana."
How to do Girivalam
1. Before setting out take a bath, wear clean, fresh clothes, smear sacred ash on the body and wear a rudraksha mala. 2. Seek Lord Ganesha and Arunachala's permission to do Girivalam. 3. With every step you take around Arunachala, all sins committed in one's past lives will be expiated. By circumambulating the sacred hill, you will obtain the merit of innumerable yagnas and bathing in all the tirthas. 4. So, Walk slowly, carefully, silently, and noiselessly. With palms folded, meditating on this great Lingam walk with immense love in your heart and praise and reverence for Arunachala on your lips. It is said that thousands of invisible devas, siddhas and Gods will accompany a devotee who circumumbulates in this manner.
Girivalam on days of the week
A devotee who circumambulates the Hill on: Sunday: attains liberation and he gains the world of Siva.
Monday: he lives free from the afflictions of old age and death.
Tuesday: is released from all debts.
Wednesday: he becomes wise.
Thursday: he attains fame as a guru.
Friday: brings prosperity and takes him to the abode of Vishnu.
Saturday: averts the ill-effects of planets. If those who suffer from physical and mental ailments, as well as those who are weak and emaciated, circumambulate Him, their ailments are cured.
It is also regarded as particularly auspicious to perform "Girivalam" during every Full moon day (poornima) to coincide with siddars' movements, and the heady perfumes of herbal plants surrounding the Hill. Once a sadhu who went regularly around the Hill, requested Sri Ramana for a Vedantic text. A devotee casually remarked, "He only goes round the Hill. What will he do with any Vedantic text?" To which Sri Ramana retorted, "What better sadhana can there be than going round the Hill?
