It's that time of the year when lakhs of devotees from across the world throng Sabarimala, chanting 'Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappo'.
Located in the Western Ghats in Patanamthitta district of Kerala, the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is a popular pilgrimage for Indians particularly those from the south.
This pilgrimage of love, faith, equality and devotion symbolises the steps towards attainment of salvation.
The long walk which involves a difficult uphill trek and then finally the ascent of 18 steps that lead to the temple represents a human being's journey through life, right up to salvation.
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala begins in the month of November and continues up to January.
The two main events of the pilgrimage season are the Mandal pooja and the Makarvilakku, which happens on January 14 every year. The latter one attracts more crowds because of the 'makara jyoti', the divine light that is seen in the sky on that day.
The temple stays closed for the rest of the year except for Vishu, the new year day, and the first five day of all months of the Malayalam calendar. Each pilgrim is required to carry a cloth bundle called ‘irumudi kettu’.
Sextagenarian Kesavan Nair says that a pilgrimage to Sabarimala has become a lot easier in recent years. “In my youth, we used to walk the whole stretch amid jungles, under constant fear of wild animals. It was sheer faith in Lord Ayyappa that took us safely to the temple and back home.”
Sharing her experience is his wife who says, “I went last year. Even in that crowd, one experiences peace. The whole rush is to catch just a glimpse of the lord, but even that one glimpse makes the whole trip worthwhile. As I climbed the last steps to the temple, I felt very energetic. “
The colour code for the dress while on pilgrimage to Sabarimala is black. Men wear black shirt and dhoti while women wear black sarees. The idea behind this colour code is to set them apart from the rest and to let others know that they are pilgrims headed for Sabarimala.
Exim consultant Babu Ezhumavil, who has made trips to Sabarimala thrice, says, “The 41-day austerity associated with the pilgrimage is basically to keep the body and the mind pure. It's about becoming a better human being. “
As part of the 41-day austerity rituals, one has to undertake an oath of celibacy as well as abstain from non-vegetarian food.
The pilgrim also has to follow a particular routine daily. Women can visit the temple once they have crossed the fertility age or before they reach puberty.
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