“Sabarimala temple is situated in deep forests of Kerala and is opened only two months in a year for devotees.” Read on to know more about the significance of the Sabrimala pilgrimage in India.
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Author: Shabuprasad
Sabarimala….a unique wonder in spirituality
Spirituality and faith in God has a history, as old as the age of human being. There are hundreds of schools in spirituality and rituals all over the world. There is a common element in all schools that, God is a supreme power who sitting in a different world and control all activities of Universe.
Indian spirituality gas given very much importance to the state of mind and its manifestations. The ever great vision on the spirituality “ Aham Bhahmasmi” ( I am the God) is originated and established here only. As per the Indian spiritual vision, there is no separation between man and God, there is no two only one.
These are the parts of very high spiritual thoughts which need very high intellectual level to understand. In case of a common man, these are the philosophies which beyond his limitations. For him, God is a separate entity have a supreme authority on us
Sabarimala and “Advaitha”
Sabarimala temple is situated in deep forests of Kerala and is opened only two months in a year for devotees. The pilgrimage needs a trekking of about 5Km through an extreme terrain having steep hills and rocky ways. The temple is a very small one compared to other temples in Kerala and the idol is only length of a feet and half. The devotees have to enter in disciplined habits such as avoid non vegetarian, sexual acts and leading an ideal life in this period. During this time the devotee is known as “swami” or “Aiyyappa” ( The name of the God itself). So the idea is that by becoming a devotee, he became the lord itself. The General public treat him as the lord only. So…the idea of “Advitha” is become a true fact here.
Once you reach the temple after trouble some trekking, you have go up by 18 Holy steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. A famous quote from “Upanishads” has brightly written there “Thathwamasi” . Its mean that “ “That is you”…in contrary…what you and whom you search…its you only.
We can’t see any were else such a great and philosophical practice which common people involve. The advaitha and Aham Brahmasmi are not hot debating subjects of Philosophy students here…its day to day practice of extremely poor as well as multi millioners here…in front this temple…everybody is Aiyyappa..no bar of cast, creed and religion…God and its manifestations becoming inseparably blended.
History and Myths
As like every temple, Sabarimala has also some myths behind. Lord Aiyyappa was the incarnation from both Vishnu and Shiva. He was adopted by the King of Pandalam who didn’t have subjects. Later his wife given birth to a male kid and Aiyyappa was forced to go to deep forests because of the conspiracy by the Minister and the queen. He killed lot of evil forces in temple and returned back. Then only every body got aware that this is not an ordinary child and the King constructed the temple and placed him there.
As per the available history, the rituals and practices are formulated by Parasurama and Adi Shankara. The myths tell us that the Lord is a Brahmachari ( Those who doesn’t lead a sexual life). So, ladies between the age of 10 and 50 are not allowed here.
Practical side of customs and practices
The customs related to the pilgrimage will feel so strange to those who don’t have enough awareness. You have to wear black dress, you have to carry a two folded cloth bag known as “Irumudi” on head, you have to offer explosive rituals, you have carry ghee and coconut, you don’t cut your hair or shave during the period…like that. But there is a scientific fact behind every act. The pilgrimage is taken place from Mid November to Jan middle. The climate is winter and black is the most recommended colour of dress to prevent the extreme cool atmosphere. You cant see the peak to cover when your head carries the “irumudi”, so there will not be any psychological barrier when see the peak…trekking is through deep forest and explosives and fire works are the best way to keep animals away and to ease the winter…due to heavy rush and difficult trekking, its always better to keep young ladies away. After stringent followings of the customs for two months, a man become more mature and ethical.
Last year, the no of devotees visited here is more than 2.5Cr…The total income of the temple has crossed Rs.100 Cr. If you add up the total business related to pilgrimage season such as Hotels, bookstalls, publications, lodges etc its more than Rs.4000 Cr.
Yes…it’s a real ongoing wonder in front of us.
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