On October 17th 2018, the highly pious and controversial temple of Kerela, Sabarimala Temple opened its gates for devotees for the first time since the Supreme Court’s order that overturned the century-old ban on women from entering the temple. This temple has followed a norm of traditionally banning women of menstruating age and the reason for this rule is that menstruating women are looked upon as ‘impure’. Since the Supreme Court’s order to allow women to enter the premises of the temple, there have been divisions amongst people as some feel this change in the ancient law is of a good measure while others still believe it should have been implemented. Under this light, let us get to know more about the popular Sabarimala Temple.
1. Lord Ayyappa’s Abode
Situated on a hilltop at an altitude of above the mean sea level, this temple is considered the humble abode of Lord Ayyappa. Given the myth, this is a prominent pilgrim centre in South India. The Lord is believed to be born from the union of Lord Shiva and Vishnu (Mohini avatar), and he is also known as Hariharaputra.
2. Rules Followed By Devotees While Visiting Sabarimala Temple
A sincere devotee of Lord Ayyappa will have to abide by certain rules connected to Sabarimala Ayyappa worship. He or she needs to observe 41 days of fast (usually from November 15 to December 24), abstain from non-vegetarian food except dairy products, not shave, bathe twice, not to use foul language, not to consume tobacco or alcohol, and not to indulge in sexual intercourse till the completion of the pilgrimage. Also, while visiting the shrine, the devotees also need to wear black or plain blue clothes. However, some even wear saffron clothes as per the Vedic norms.
3. Devotees Are Expected To Do The Following
Only the pious devotees are said to complete these tasks and visit the Lord for their spiritual fulfilment.
The 18 steps that lead to the Ayyappa shrine are considered to be highly sacred. These steps are a symbolic representation of various elements. The first five steps indicate five senses, the next eight indicate eight rages, the next three represent TriGunas and the last two stand for vidya and avidya. It is popularly believed that whoever climbs these steps detach themselves from all worldly desires.
4. Association Of Sabarimala Temple With Vavar
This point is slightly unknown to the denizens outside South India. Any devotee before reaching the hills, need to get blessings of Vavar from his mosque. In fact, legend has it that Vavar was a close friend of Lord Ayyappa and even helped him kill Mahishi the demoness. There is, in fact, a mosque dedicated to Vavar, which is situated near the main shrine of Lord Ayyappa.
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5. Women Were Not Allowed Inside The Temple Previously
Previously women between the age group of 10 to 50 years were barred from entry as they fit into the menstrual cycle. However post the Supreme Court’s order, women can now enter the temple premise.
Sabarimala is a majestic temple that is known for its divinity. So do try to visit this temple at least once in your lifetime. Did you know Lightning Strikes The Shiva Lingam Every Year At Bijli Mahadev Temple In Himachal Pradesh?