Friday, August 01, 2014

Historical Significance of the 18 Holy Steps @ Sabharimala Sri AYYAPPATEMPLE

SWAMIYE  SARANAM AYYAPPA....................

AUM NAMO BHGAVADE RUDRAKUMARYA ARYAAYA HARIHARAPUTHRAYA MAHASASTHRE NAMO NAMAHA


Let me begin with Ganesh Gayathri & Sastha gayathri..............

"OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakkratundaya Dheemahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayat"

Ganesha Gayatri Translation - Meaning of Ganesh Gayathri.....................

We devote our thoughts to the One Tusked Lord
We meditate upon Him who has a Curved trunk
May the tusked one guide us on the right path.

 Sastha Gayatri Mantra.............................

Boodha Naathaya Vidmahe
Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thanno Saastha Prachodayaath.

Sastha Gayatri Meaning in English Translation:.....................

We worship Lord Ayyappa, the son of Siva.
Salutations to Saastha (Ayyappa).
May that Ayyappa stimulate our creative faculties 


"OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakkratundaya Dheemahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayat"

Ganesha Gayatri Translation - Meaning of Ganesh Gayathri

We devote our thoughts to the One Tusked Lord
We meditate upon Him who has a Curved trunk
May the tusked one guide us on the right path.


18 Holy Steps of Sabharimalai (Pathinettam Padi) and its significance................................


Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. 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. Pilgrims initiate their ascent up the Pathinettam Padi by placing their right foot on the first step. As per the tradition, only those who undertake the penance for 41 days and those who carry the irumudi on their head are allowed to use the steps.

The symbolism of these 18 steps is as follows:...................

The first five steps symbolise the five human senses
(Panchendriyas) i.e. visual (vision), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the `mortal’ nature of one’s body.

The next eight steps symbolise the eight Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boastfulness).

The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva, ( perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor).

The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance).

It is assumed that after climbing up these eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches oneself from all the worldly ties that bind one physically 
and mentally to the world. It is only then that a person will be in a receptive condition to be ‘one’ in consonance with the concept of ‘The Ultimate Creator’.

The above are the most prevalently accepted version of the significance of the Holy 18 steps. Other versions are as follows:..........

Ayyappa was a master of 18 weapons and the steps signify these. Ayyappa before merging into the idol at the 
Sanctum Sanctorum, surrendered his 18 weapons, one at each step of Pathinettam Padi.The steps represent the 18 hills existing in and around the region of Saharimala .


Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the Nature. The significance of 18 can be traced back to the Vedic age. The first Veda, believed to be protected by Lord Brahma himself, had 18 chapters. Later, Veda Vyasa divided it to create the four vedas: Rigveda,....Yajur Veda,.... Sama.....Veda..... and Atharava Veda. Each of these vedas had 18 chapters.Veda Vyasa also wrote 18 puranas and 18 upa-puranas. The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and the Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days.


There are many mythological stories associated with the holy Patinettampadi. Some believe the eighteen steps denotes the 18 puranas. Some believe that the first three steps depict “Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash”, 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 for Jhanandriya, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who cross all these steps are believed to achieve “Punyadarshan”.

The steep steps are so important and holy that no one can climb them without fasting for 41 days and carrying the holy irrumudi on ones’ head. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacred Irumudi on head while going up or down the 18 steps. While descending the steps the devotees climb down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.One who climbs the Patinettampadi for 18 times shall plant coconut sapling in Sabarimala. Built on a plateau about 40 feet high, the Ayyappan temple commands a lofty view of the mountains and valleys all around.

18 Hills enroute to Saharimala Ayyappa Temple.........

1.PONNAMBALAM MEDU

2.KUNDALL MAMALA

3.SUNDARA MAMALA

4.NAGARANEZUM MAMALA

5.INJIPPARA KOTTA

6.KARINIRA MAMALA

7.MAYILADUM MAMALA

8.CHITTAMBALA MALA

9.SRIPADAM MALA

10.PUDUSHERI MAMALA

11.MADANGGA MALA

12.KALKIMALESWARA MAMALA

13.NILAKKAL SIVAMALA

14.THALAPARA MALA

15.DEVAR MALA

16.KALAKETTI MALA

17.NEELIMALA

18.SABHARIPON MALA...SABHARIMALA


18 PURANA's according to HINDUISM........

    1. Vishnu Purana

    2. Naradiya Purana

    3. Padma Purana

    4. Garuda Purana

    5. Varaha Purana

    6. Bhagavata Purana

    7. Matsya Purana

    8. Kurma Purana

    9. Linga Purana

    10. Shiva Purana

    11. Skanda Purana

    12. Agni Purana

    13. Brahmanda Purana

    14. Brahmavaivarta Purana

    15. Markandeya Purana

    16. Bhavishya Purana

    17. Vamana Purana

    18. Brahma Purana

Now Let me conclude with Song HARIVARASANAM being Sung while closing the sanctum after completing the daily rituals at Night......................

This divine song which drenches the eyes of Ayyappa devotees in tears was written by Kambakudi Kulathur Iyer. Harivarasanam lyrics were composed in 1950. Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer used to sing it daily when the temple doors were closed after performing the Athazapuja — serving the last meal of the day to Ayyappa. Today it is known as the Urakku Pattu — or the song that sends Ayyappa to sleep.


In the beginning, the main priest used to play flute while closing the doors of the temple. Harivarasanam became the Urakku Pattu of Ayyappa after the infamous fire incident in the 50s, which burn down the old temple. When the new temple was built and the pujas commenced, Harivarasanam was inducted as the Urakku Pattu — the song to send Ayyappa to sleep.


Meaning of "Harivarasanam" ............song 

Harivarasanam 
Viswamohanam
Repository of Hari’s boons, Enchanter of universe,

Haridadheeswaram 
Aaradhyapadukam
Essence of Hari’s grace, He whose holy feet is worshipped,

Arivimarddanam 
Nithyanarthanam
He who kills enemies by good thought, He who 
daily dances the cosmic dance,

Hariharathmajam 
Devamashraye
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam 
Ayyappa
My refuge is in you  Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam 
 Show message history
My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Sharanakirthanam Bhakthamanasam

He who likes song of refuge, He who is in the mind of devotees,

Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam

He who is the great ruler, He who loves to dance,

Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam

He who shines like the rising sun, He who is king of all beings,

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam

He whose soul is truth, He who is the darling of all souls,

Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanchitham

He who created universe, He who shines with a glittering Halo,

Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam

He who is the temple of “OM”, He who loves songs,

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Thuragavahanam Sundarananam

He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face,

Varagadayudham Vedavavarnitham

He who has the blessed mace as weapon,

Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam

He who bestows grace like a teacher, He who loves songs,

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Thribhuvanarchitham Devathathmakam

He who is worshiped by the three worlds, He who 
is the soul of all gods,

Thrinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam

He who is lord Shiva, He who is worshipped by devas,

Thridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam

He who is who is worshipped three times a day, 
He whose thought is fulfilling,

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham

He who destroys fear, He who brings prosperity,

Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam

He who is enchanter of universe, He who wears 
holy ash as ornament,

Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam

He who rides a white elephant,

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Kalamridusmitham Sundarananam

He who blesses with enchanting smile, He who has is very pretty,

Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam

He who is adorned by sandal paste, He who has a pretty mien,

Kalabhakesari Vaajivahanam

He who is a like a lion to the elephants, He who rides on a 
tiger,

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Shrithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam

He who is dear to his devotees, He who fulfills wishes,

Shruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam

He who is praised by Vedas, He who blesses life of ascetics,

Shruthimanoharam Geethalalasam

He who is the essence of Vedas, He who enjoys divine music,

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,

Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

My refuge is in you Ayyappa 

AUM AYYAPPA BHAJANAM HANDHA BHAAGYAM JANAANAAM.......BHAGAVANE SARANAM AYYAPPA. 

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