How many steps are there in Sabarimala?
Sabarimala temple is surrounded by eighteen hills and it has eighteen steps.
What is the reason for Makara Jyothi?
Makara Jyothi is a star which is worshiped by pilgrims in huge numbers at Sabarimala Temple in Kerala on Makara Sankranti on 14 January every year. It is believed that the deity Ayyappan asserts himself as Makara Jyothi to bless his devotees.
Who is the father and mother of Lord Ayyappa?
A late Sanskrit text describes Ayyappan as the son of Shiva and Vishnu (with the latter in his form as the enchantress Mohini). Abandoned by his parents with but a bell around his neck, he was adopted by a Pantalam king of Kerala, and, soon after, his divinity was recognized and a shrine erected to him.
Can we go to Sabarimala without Irumudi?
You can go to Sabarimalai without even wearing the Mala or having irumudi kettu. You won’t be able to climb the holy 18 steps without both of these. In virtual queue there are no such restrictions.
What is ayyappa?
Ayyappan (Sastha or Dharmasastha or Manikandan) is a Hindu deity popular in the Southern India, particularly in the state of Kerala. Ayyappa is also known as the Hindu god of self-control. Ayyapa is considered as the son of Mohini (Vishnu) and Shiva and step son of Mother Parvati.
Did Lord Ayyappa married?
Ayyappan temples typically show him as a celibate yogi. A few important temples such as the one at Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple near Travancore, however, depict him as a married man with two wives Poorna and Pushkala, as well as a son Satyaka.
What is the significance of the 18 steps of Sabarimala?
It is believed that Ayyappa finally surrendered at the “pathinettam padi” or the eighteenth step. There is a belief that the steps also represent the 18 hills around Sabarimala. The temple stands on the highest of these hills. Some believe that the 18 steps stand for the 18 chapters of the Bhagwad Gita.
How many steps does it take to reach Ayyappa Temple?
Ayyappa devotees have to climb 18 steps to the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine. As they climb, they chant the ‘Pathinettam padi’ (song of the 18 steps). There are some rules for the climb. The devotee must begin the climb with their right foot.
How many devatas are there in Sabarimalai?
There are eighteen devatas who are the adhishtana moorthis of 18 mountain ranges (or Parivara devats) who are installed in the 18 steps and Sastha was seated above all ( Here the steps are not built. but it is done as a pratishta. that is the most important thing and uniqueness of Sabarimalai ).
How many steps does Ayyappa have to walk to see Sanctum Sanctorum?
Every Ayyappa devotee, before he sees the Sanctum Sanctorum, has to lay his footsteps over eighteen sacred steps. Initially the 18 steps were made of granite. It was later covered with Panchaloha (a special composition of gold, silver, copper, iron and tin), in the year 1985 to prevent it from deterioration.