SWAMIYE SHARANAM AYYAPPA

Introduction and Relevance

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is one of the most significant religious phenomenon of the contemporary period as it attracts several million pilgrims to its abode located in a mountains tract of South Central Kerala during the peak pilgrim period which lasts for two and a half months annually. This is unique in its geographical characteristics as it attracts essentially, the population originating mainly from India's four southern 'Dravidian' states and the Lord's territory is strongly structured through a hierachicized network of sacred places where pilgrims pay obeisance during the journey'. Its anthropological distinction is evident right through various ceremonies and practices during the pilgrimage, which transcends gender, domestic, and village territorialities. "On a socioligical level, the promotion and diffusion of a message of equality through its openness to all levels of society and all religious affiliations, reinforces the unique character of this pilgrimage".

In a geographichal view point, the implications of the pilgrimage on the region explains, the links nurtured between the multifaceted phenomenon of religious travel(pilgrimage) and the reflexive notions of territoriality and territory. The distance and inaccessability are geographical criteria, which reinforce the value and experience of the pilgrimage. Such places of venration are all the more sacred that they are inaccessible, disconnected from the dominant flows, implying long distrance travel in conditions which calls for physical strain. Since the fifties, the modernisation of the pilgrimage's infrastructure has led to an increase of attendance, at the holy locale. "... But this place is also the expression of a system of values and beliefs as well as the result of a system of social and political intentions at a given point in time".

About Festival

Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains(western ghats). Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.

The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.
Mandalapooja(Nov.15th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th)are the two main events of the pilgirm season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures.
Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumedi Kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.
The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.
MelshanthiSri.E. Eswaran Namboothiri of "Mavelikkara Thuruthi Illam" has been selected as the new Melshanthi of Sabarimala. Sri. Eswaran Namboothiri will be the Melshanthi for a time period of one year ( 2006- 2007).
Also Sri. Madhusoodhanan potty of Kottarakkara Vettikkavala Vaikundam Kizhakkemadam has been selected as the Malikappuram Melshanthi for a period of one year.

Video clipping of Pilgrimage can be viewed at keralatourism.org website

The Legend

The story goes that Shiva gives a boon to an asura (a demon) that allows him to merely touch a person on his head and he will fall dead. The asura then thanks him and wants to try out the boon on Lord Shiva himself. In fear, Shiva runs and calls upon Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu in the guise of the beautiful maiden Mohini, which literally means "enchantress" or "seductress", approaches the asura. She questions him about why he is chasing Shiva. The asura tells her how he has received this boon and wanted to test it on Shiva himself. Mohini tricks the foolish asura by telling him that the boon was really ineffective and Shiva did not want him to know that. If he wanted, he could test it on himself. The asura placed his hand on his own head, believing her, and he falls dead. Shiva is very grateful towards Vishnu but is enchanted by his female form. They have the child Ayappa to satisfy the demigods' plea to save them from the torments of the demon Mahishi. Ayappa is then raised by the King of Panthala, Rajashekharan, a truly royal king not a tribal king, who was childless. Right after adopting the child Ayappa, whom he called Mani Kanda, meaning ‘one who wears a bell around his neck’ (for the child was found wearing a small bell on a chain around his neck that attracted the king's attention who was out on a hunt with his men), the king has a child of his own. When Ayappa was about to reach age, the queen feared that her own child would lose his right to the throne, so with the minister of the court, she schemed to murder Ayappa. She faked being ill saying that her stomach was in unbearable pain. The minister bribed the court physician to say that the only remedy would be a female tiger's milk. Ayappa, willing to do anything for his mother, goes on the dangerous mission alone to get the milk. Instead, he meets Mahishi and slays her. The gods in happiness and joy assume the form of tigers and accompany back to the palace to give the so-called needed milk remedy. Upon seeing this, the queen confessed her schemes and begs forgiveness from the young prince. Ayappa, forgiving his mother, takes upon the right of celibacy and leaves the palace to reside on Sabarimala. Women are not allowed to go to the temple, not in fear that Ayappa might leave the shrine, but that women will desire and fall in love with the beautiful celibate god. They are allowed after they have reached menopausal age.

Instructions / Guidlines pertaining to Pilgrimage

Devotees visiting Sabarimala Temple should strictly adhere to the customs and traditions followed at the temple. Only those coming with IRUMUDIKETTU will be allowed to ascend the Holy PATHINETTAMPADI (Eighteen Holy Steps) leading to the Sannidhanam. Women aged between 10 years and 50 years will not be allowed to trek the Holy Hills. At the time of the Thiru Aarattu Festival, presence of women aged between 10 to 50 is not allowed at Pamba also.
In order to avoid environmental pollution on the road leading to Pampa, Sannidhanam and enroute, all items manufactured in plastic and polythene are strictly banned. Betel chewing, using pan masala and smoking are also strictly banned in the above mentioned places.
Though the Board is trying its level best to provide all amenities to the pilgrims, due to the severe rush the facilities may not be enough. Hence pilgrims are advised not to overstay at the temple premises. Since the boarding facilities at the Sannidhanam are not enough to cater to the heavy rush of pilgrims, the devotees are requested to leave Sannidhanam at the earliest, after Darshan and other rituals.
Parking of vehicles except light vehicles has been arranged at Nilakal. The heavy vehicles should drop the devoees at Pampa and go back to Nilackal, to park the same at the parking area provided by Travancore Devaswom Board. After the Darshan devotees may avail the facility of chain services arranged by KSRTC to reach Nilackal and catch their own vehicles parked at the parking area. These arrangements are to avoid the heavy rush and traffic jam at Pamba. On days having heavy rush, hevy vehicles will not be allowed beyond Nilakkal.

Buses Operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Travancore Devaswom Board and Private vehicles are available to Pamba.
Dolly service is available from Pamba to Sannidhanam for those who are unable to scale the heights. Dolly fare Rs. 660/- (Rs. 330/- for one way)
Pilgrims can seek the help of Cardiology centres at Appachimedu (Phone No. 04735202319) and Sannidhanam (Phone No. 04735202080)
Sabarimala is a "No Smoking" zone and smoking is strictly prohibited.
Using plastic materials, containers, carry bags etc., are totally prohibited
As Sabarimala ayyappa is 'Nithya Brahmachari' women between the 10-50 age group are not allowed to enter Sabarimala. Such women who try to enter Sabarimala will be prevented by authorities.

How to Reach

By Rail:The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broad gauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauage) and from there by bus to Pampa.

By Air:The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery by Air and from there reach Pampa by bus/car.

By Road:KSRTC has started operating buses to Palani and Thenkashi from Pampa for the convenience of the Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Govt. of Tamil Nadu has been given the permission to operate 20 buses from different parts of Tamil Nadu to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camp.

Points To Be Pondered.

1.) Situated on the fringe of Periyar Tiger Reserve means stringent forest laws are to be negotiated for making even small improvement.

2.) Govenment of India has agreed to divert forest land with condition that future activities shall be as per the master plan prepared.

3.) The present level of services/facilities to Pilgrims are inadequate, causing immense harm to environment in terms of environmental pollution

4.) How to provide essential pilgrim facilities across the region to reduce the dependance / overloading at the final destination.

5.) Suggest strategies to ensure the protection and upgradation of the environmental components which have over the year suffered due to unregulated use of intermediate halt points.

6.) In light of Global Terriorism steps required to be taken for safety and security of Pilgrims and the Temple.

I request that bloggers may suggest concrete measures to improve the present situation and also ideas / concepts to be included in future master plan.

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