On January 15, the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala will see millions of pilgrims throng to its doorsteps on the eve of Makara Vilakku Day. Makara Vilakku is a holy Hindu day when Lord Rama and his brother Lakhsmana met Sabari, a tribal Goddess. It is also the day, when it is believed that Lord Dharmashasta stops his Tapasya to bless all the devotees visiting the temple. There are many unique traditions that form a part of this pilgrimage. Some of these are discussed below:
  • It is a largely “Men’s only” pilgrimage as women between 10-50 years of age are not allowed to enter the temple. The women in the menstrual age group cannot enter the temple as Lord Ayyappa is a Brahmachari.
  • Pilgrims to Sabarimala can be easily identified through the colour of their clothing. They have to wear black or blue dress. Apart from this they will be seen smearing Sandal paste and Vibhuti on their forehead while undertaking the pilgrimage.
  • Prior to the pilgrimage, the devotees have to undergo Vratham (a 41 day fasting period). The Vratham starts when a devotee wears a chain made of Tulasi or Rudraksha beads. During this fasting period the devotees cannot have non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, use foul language, trim nails, cut hair or shave. Devotee has to bathe twice a day during this period.
  • The Ayyappa Temple is situated on a hill top at an altitude of 468 m above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains and dense forests (a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in the premises of the temple). Pilgrims have to journey through the mountainous path spanning about 61 km, from Erumely to the temple.
  • It is believed that all those who visit this temple as pilgrims gain ultimate knowledge and become incarnations of God themselves. So, pilgrims are heard calling each other as Swami.
  • One of the important rituals that the devotees undertake while in the temple is known as Neyyabhishekam. As a part of this ritual, ghee brought by pilgrims in their Pallikettu or Irumudi is poured on idol of Lord Ayyappa. Pallikettu or Irumudi is a two compartment bag that is made of handwoven cotton and used to carry the offerings.
  • There is a particular colour code for all the pilgrims. If a pilgrim carries a red coloured bag it signifies the first journey to Sabarimala, while Navy Blue bags are used till third visits and saffron coloured bags thereafter.
  • Pilgrims can enjoy the Prasadam after the pilgrimage is complete. The Prasadam consists of Aravana Payasam (made with rice, sugar and jaggery) and Appam (pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk).
  • If the devotees stay on late, they can enjoy the Harivarasanam song which is sung just before closing the temple doors. This lullaby (Urakkupattu) was composed by Sri Kambangudi Kulathur Srinivasa Iyer and has 108 words in 32 lines.
So, now you know about the unique traditions associated with a pilgrimage to Sabarimala Temple.