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Significance of Ayyappa Worship 

Sabarimala has been a place of worship that has attracted people irrespective of religion, caste or creed. The first day of the Vrischika month marks the start of the 41 day mandala period during which tens of thousands of devotees begin their pilgrimage. People flock to catch a glimpse of the Lord and to offer their garlands and irumudis to Ayyappa after climbing the 18 holy steps following a bath in the holy Pampa River. 

Sabarimala has been a place of worship that has attracted people irrespective of religion, caste or creed. The first day of the Vrischika month marks the start of the 41 day mandala period during which tens of thousands of devotees begin their pilgrimage. People flock to catch a glimpse of the Lord and to offer their garlands and irumudis to Ayyappa after climbing the 18 holy steps following a bath in the holy Pampa River.

Ayyappan is shown in a manner that is different to other Hindu deities. Every other deity in Hindu worship is shown either standing, sitting or lying down. However, Ayyappan is shown meditating in a Yogasana that looks like he is squatting, but with all his weight on the front of his feet. This rather uncomfortable posture is indicative of a foundation based on firm discipline. Ayyappa is a Naishtika Brahmachari and the silk cloth that is used to bind his legs represents his control over the senses.

Pilgrims to the Sabarimala temple are given a Tulsi mala by their Guru Swamy, marking the first day of their mandala kalam commitments. Devotees that embark on the pilgrimage to Sabarimalai take on a vow to observe strict discipline austerities for the 41 day period before the temple visit. This involves wearing black, giving up creative comforts for the duration, consuming only sattvic and home cooked food, performing puja twice daily, observing celibacy and restraining their words and actions through the period. 

It is general belief that anyone that is able to get through 41 consecutive days of utmost discipline and self-restraint with utmost faith will have their desires fulfilled. Due to the arduous nature of the austerities to be followed, women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not allowed at Sabarimalai.

Guru Purnima

In Sanatana Dharma, a Guru is a revered, knowledgeable and wise person that guides one to enlightenment. Hinduism accords the Guru an exalted position, next only to God! The full moon day in the Shravana/Ashada month is celebrated as Guru Purnima, a day that is spent in honouring and expressing gratitude to all the great sages as well as ones’s lineage of Gurus. The day is also known as Vyasar Purnima in honour of Sage Veda Vyasa who was the compiler of the Vedas and Puranas and a great Guru himself.