Do Christians go to Sabarimala?
The government said the famous ‘Petta Thullal’, an essential part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, starts from the Vavar mosque. The state said it was a well-known fact that several Christians and Muslims are devotees of Lord Ayyappa and go on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala every year.
Why is Ayyappa Worshipped?
Ayyappa, who is believed to protect the cosmos from evil, is also known to be worshipped as Hariharaputra — the son of Vishnu (Hari) in his female form, Mohini, and Shiva (Hara). Transgender people commonly identify with and worship the various Hindu deities who embody gender diversity like Ardhanarishwara.
Which God is Worshipped in Sabarimala temple?
deity Ayyappan
The temple is dedicated to a Hindu Brahmachari (Celibate) deity Ayyappan also known as Dharma Shasta, who according to belief is the son of Shiva and Mohini, the feminine incarnation of Vishnu. The traditions of Sabarimala are a confluence of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and other Śramaṇa traditions.
Why does Lord Ayyappa have a strict religious code?
Lord Ayyappa, however, is believed to have laid down a strict religious code to enable people to receive his blessings. First, the devotees have to observe a 41-day penance before embarking on the temple pilgrimage. They would also have to maintain abstinence from physical pleasures, live a celibate or ‘brahmachari.’
Why was Ayyappa temple built at Sabarimala?
As advised by the Lord, the Raja of Pandalam constructed the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. It is also believed that there already existed the DharmaSastha temple at Sabarimala, one of the 64 temples established by Parasurama, and Lord Ayyappa merged into the deity there.
Was Sabarimala temple attacked by Christians?
The vandalism and attack by Christians on Sabarimala temple on 15th June 1950 is a proof of this intent. Converted Syrian Christians living around Sabarimala, set fire and burnt the temple down. Then Minister of Kerala, C Keshavan, had stated that “one temple down means so much of reduction in superstitions.”
Do Christians want to make Sabarimala a Christian Centre?
But remember, Christian missionaries never stop at that. They have set out to make Sabarimala a Christian centre. The vandalism and attack by Christians on Sabarimala temple on 15th June 1950 is a proof of this intent. Converted Syrian Christians living around Sabarimala, set fire and burnt the temple down.