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Hinduism

Ayyappa festival begins

Ayyappan, is a much revered South Indian deity. Lord Ayyappan is worshipped in a number of shrines across India: at Kulathupuzha, in Kerala, He is worshipped as a child; at Achenkovil in conjunction with his consorts, Pushkala and Poorna; and at Sabarimala as an ascetic, a celibate meditating in solitude for the benefit of all mankind.

The word Ayyappa is derived from two words Ayya - meaning Vishnu and Appa - meaning Shiva.

The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple preaches the principle of Tat Tvam Asi. The temple is unique, in that there is no distinction of caste or religion in determining who can enter it.

Non-Hindus are equally welcome. It might be more instructive to talk about the mythic origins of Ayyapan first, before exploring the history, as the mythic story always has a deeper resonance as well as more significant spiritual truth in India.

Every year according to the Government statistics, at least fifty million devotees come to visit Ayyappan in Sabarimala and it provides ten thousand crores of rupees to the state.

Background

The asura princess Mahishi was burning up with anger at the dirty trick the Gods had pulled on her brother, the asura king Mahishasura. As Mahishasura was blessed with invulnerability to all men, the Gods had sent Goddess Durga, to fight and kill him.

Thus, Mahishi began performing a fearsome set of austerities, and pleased the creator God Brahma. He granted her the boon of ruling the universe and being invulnerable except to a being that had the combined strength of both Shiva and Vishnu.

Since such a person did not exist, she thought she was safe and began to conquer and plunder the world.

The Gods implored Shiva and Vishnu to save them from this catastrophe. Vishnu found a possible solution to the problem.

When Vishnu had taken on the Kurma Avatar, he also had to manifest himself as Mohini, the enchantress, to save the nectar of immortality from the demons who were not willing to share it with the gods.

If he became Mohini again, then the female Mohini and the male Shiva could have the divine child who would combine their powers and beat Mahishi.

Early childhood

Manikantan entered the forest to fulfill his divine duty, to rid the world of demoness Mahishi. Manikantan killed her and released a beautiful woman who had been cursed to become Mahishi. The young woman asked Ayyappan for his hand in marriage, but he declined, being a celibate.

However he promised that she would be visited by pilgrims and would be housed next to his temple, and if the number of new pilgrims visiting him stopped, then he would marry her. Hence she is now worshiped as Maalikapurathamma. There is also another version of this story. It is believed that Maalikapurathamma was a young girl in Cheerappanchira family where Ayyappan was trained for Kalari (martial arts).

On the death of Mahishi, Indra - the King of the Gods, who was displaced and banished by Mahishi, led several tigers for the disposal of Ayyappan.

Days later Manikantan entered the palace precincts riding a fierce tigress and followed by a pack of her cubs. The schemers were frightened into confessing their plot. They were convinced of his divine origins, and prayed to him to be with them for their own salvation and for the safety of the kingdom. Immediately Manikantan disppeared. The King would not eat anything if Manikantan did not come back. Then Manikantan gave a vision (Darshan) to the King.

Filled with emotions of happiness, grief, fear, wonder and ‘Bhakti’ (devotion to God) and self-surrender, the King stood praying for the mercy and blessings of Manikantan. He repented he could not fully visualise the truth of the divine powers of the Lord and repeatedly requested Him to forgive him for behaving as if He were his son only. The Lord lovingly embraced the King who prayed to bless him by freeing from ego and the worldly life of birth and rebirth and grant Moksha (salvation). He told the King that he was destined to return.

The King implored Lord Manikantan to allow him to build a temple and dedicate it to him and the Lord assented.

Manikantan then enlightened the King on the path of attainment of Moksha. The Lord shot an arrow that fell at the top of Sabrimala and told the King that he could construct a temple at Sabarimala, north of the holy river Pampa and install His deity there. Ayyappan also explained how the Sabarimala pilgrimage shall be undertaken, emphasising the importance of Penance vratham and what the devotees can attain by His ‘darshan’.

But before the departure of the Lord, the King secured a promise from the Lord that on His birthday on January 14, every year,(celebrated as “Makara Jyothy” all his personal jewellery (usually kept at the Palace) will be adorned on His image at Sabarimala. Hence on the 12th of January every year, the Jewellery will be taken on foot from the Palace by a special emissary of the kingdom, after the puja with all pomp, devotion and reverence. Immediately when the Arti is over, Royal Garuda (Eagle) flies over the Palace, (which seems to be quite automatic).

The Royal Garuda flies ahead, and guides the pilgrims throughout their journey. Since there was no modern means of communication like Telephone or Mobile, to the hundreds of thousands of Devotees desirous of worshipping Lord Manikantan’s Jewels enroute to His Abode, this Garuda was the sole and absolute signal of advance information even to the Temple authorities at Sabarimala to get ready for the adorning of the Jewels.

This journey on January 12 and 13, finally reaches Sabarimala on January 14. Immediately after the jewellery is adorned on the Deity, there is an Arati (offering by burning Camphor). The miracle is that just after the Arati, without loss a second, the Jyothy appears on the east side of the Temple up above the hills.

But then the Lord further consoled the King saying that the devotees who held him and his descendants in ‘Bhakti’ shall happen to be devoted to Him as well.

Manikantan then blessed the King and all others assembled there, and vanished. The King duly constructed the temple at Sabarimala, dedicated to him. The deity for installation was prepared by Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and was installed by himself.

Pilgrimage

The Pandala Raja constructed a small temple, 18 steps above the ground as instructed by the Lord himself.

Each of these eighteen holy steps represents a desire one must conquer in life. The 18 steps and the temple have in recent times been coated in gold. The vigraham (idol) is also coated in gold, and was inaugurated by Parashurama (incarnation of Vishnu).

The common cry heard during the pilgrimages to his shrine is “Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa!” (“Oh Swami, we take refuge in you”).

In Makarasankranti, every year without fail, miraculous events occur. Firstly as the jewels (Thiruvaabaranam) of the Lord are transported from the Old Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala, a Krishnaparanth (holy Garud circles above the precious jewels (in fact guarding them), like a protector. This rare eagle is rarely seen in the midst of people for a long period of time, yet the auspicious bird follows the Thiruvaabaranam procession, finally circling above Sanithanam at Sabarimala nine times as it pays its respects to Lord Ayyappan. During this time, there is not a single star in the sky except for a special Nakshatram. As the beautiful jewels are placed on the golden body of the Lord within the temple, the several hundred thousand devotees outside, crammed into any available free space, chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”. When the jewels are finally all adorned on the Lord, the Nakshatram in the sky miraculously disappears, as all the Devas and Celestial beings leave the sky to get a glimpse of the Lord in all his splendor. Within moments of the Lord being adorned with the Thiruvabaranam, an effulgence (Divya Jyoti) appears three times in the opposite hills of Shabarimala.

This hill is called Ponnambalamedu. It is believed that the Lord himself appears in the form of that Divya Jyoti.

It is firmly believed that Lord Indra himself lights the divine efflugence. The entire hillside reverberates with the chant “Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa” as the devotees witness this auspicious Darshan, as the Devas and celestial Rishis arrive at Sabarimala to participate in birthday celebrations of Ayyappan effulgence. These auspicious sights are different forms of the Lord Himself appearing.

The devotees then climb the 18 holy gold steps to arrive at the sanidhanam where they finally get a glimpse of the Lord as Himself, in all beauty, Manikanta Shri Dharmasastha, adorned with jewels. It is believed that if one witnesses these events after having undertaken 41 days of severe austerities (Vratham), one can attain Moksha.

This is why Ayyappan is also known as “Kaliyugavaradhan”, since He can help us attain Moksha in this difficult age of Kaliyuga, the age of hypocrisy and violence.

The Austerities Devotees observe traditional austerities (vruthams) before their pilgrimage to sabarimala. Devotees initiate the vrutham by wearing a Thulasi or a Rudraksha mala. After this ceremony, the male pilgrim and the female pilgrim are addressed as ayyapan and Maalikapuram respectively, until their completion of the pilgrimage.

During the period of vrutham, Devotees are expected to undergo practices of simple living, and absolute cleanliness. The mind and body are to be kept impeccably pure and absolute celibacy is practiced. The devotee is expected to behave in an austere and sober fashion during his vrutham. Total abstinence from all vices like alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food is stipulated. Personal adornments, hair cutting, shaving, etc. are also taboo. The devotee is expected wear black/blue/saffron clothes. The devotee is expected to pray daily in the mornings and evenings after bathing. The prayer ritual may be performed by going to any temple or in one’s own pooja room. Those devotees who are desirous of worshipping Lord Ayyappa on ‘Makara Vilakku’ day, January 14 (this year, 2008, it is on January 15), may continue their vrutham till that day. The vrutham continues till the pilgrim returns from his pilgrimage to Sabarimala and removes his ‘mala’ after breaking a coconut and offering prayers.

The pilgrims should give the due respect and reverence which the Guru deserves.

All instructions of the Guru should be carried out without fail. The Guru will enlighten the Shishyas about the austerities to be followed. He will teach them the slokas, and ways to perform pooja and bhajans. He shall prepare them for the pilgrimage mentally and physically. He will lead the pilgrims safely and comfortably to Sabarimala “Swamiye Sharanam Aiyappa”...

****************

All Ceylon Anantha Ayyappa Devasthanam

Main Annual Festival Program

* 15.07.2008 (Tue) 6.00 p.m.: Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting)

* 16.07.2008 (Wed) 9.00 a.m.: Miruthuyanja (Ruthra Siva) Homam

* 18.07.2008 (Fri) 9.00 a.m.: Sutharsana (Maha Vishnu) Homam

* 19.07.2008 (Sat) 8.00 p.m.: Palli Vettai festival

* 20.07.2008 (Sun) 8.00 a.m.: Arrattu Festival (Theertham), 3.00 p.m.: Kodiyerakkam

* 21.07.2008 (Mon) 9.00 a.m.: Nagarajah Pooja

* 22.07.2008 (Tue) 8.30 a.m.: Manjamatha Pooja,

* 9.30 a.m.: Latcha Archana with Lamp Pooja

* 23.07.2008 (Wed) 9.00 a.m.: Karuppasami Pooja

* Daily 6.00 a.m.: Maha Ganapathy Homam

* Daily 9.00 a.m.: Kalssa Abisheka Pooja

* Daily 5.30 a.m.: Holy 18 Steps (Padi) Pooja

* Daily 7.00 p.m.: Theeparathanai

* Daily 8.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m.: Sri Bootha Bali Pooja,

* Daily 8.30 p.m.: Harivarasanam

In Arattu Festival Swamy leaves from temple to Crow Island (Mutwal) River Bank.

All events will be conducted by Sabarimala Traditional Supreme Priest Bhrahmasri Kantaru Maheswararu Thanthri.

Thazhamon Madom, Chengannur, Kerala, South India.

Aruna Ponnambalam


Araneri Hindu School

Mayurapathy Sri Bathrakali Devasthana

“Kalabhooshanam”

Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar

The Ministry of Regional Development and Hindu Religious Affairs was established by the former Minister Chelliah Rajadurai with the view to develop and promote the Hindu religion, Hindu culture and Tamil language in 1980.

In fact, this Department has already completed more than 22 years fulfilling the aspirations of the Hindu populations ever since it was established in 1986.

Further, the Department has expanded its activities with the restoration and rehabilitation of temples which have been neglected for several years, reprinted and published numerous books pertaining to Hindu religion and art and culture.

The Department has also encouraged several Tamil scholars, writers for the publication of books with the aim of enhancing and enriching the religious knowledge of students of schools and universities.

Indeed, the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, remarkable achievements was the launching of the ‘Hindu Encyclopedia’ with the able guidance, co-operation and assistance of professor C. Pathmanathan and Professor P. Poologasingam. The Department also established Navalar Mani Mandapam in Nallur, cultural hall and College of Fine Arts in Batticaloa in the name of Swami Vipulananda, a centre for Hindu pilgrims at Kataragama.

Furthermore, the Department has given intensive and extensive training for Hindu priests to conduct poojas in the temples according to Agamas, lectures and Hindu religious discourses by way of inviting great scholars from India, purchasing religious books written by local and foreign writers, presentation of ‘Kalabhooshanam’ awards for those who have excelled in their respective field of activities.

In fact, the Department has provided financial assistance to children’s homes, conducted yoga classes, donation of books for libraries and Araneri Hindu schools. It has also involved in Research on Hindu Culture, promotion of Hindu Culture and Arts and the Development of Araneri Hindu Religious Schools in many parts of Sri Lanka in religious organisations and temples.


A cultural event by the student

Realising the paramount importance, significance and glory of Nanthy flags and the hoisting of these flags in religious organisations the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs had come forward to distribute the same at religious functions, festivals and flag hoisting ceremonies in temples and Araneri Hindu schools.

Though, the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs has expanded its activities and done immense religious service under the able guidance of former Secretary of Regional Development, Hindu Culture and Implementation of Tamil Language C. Gunaratnam, Additional Secretary of Religious and Cultural Ministry and former Director of the Department of Hindu Religion E. Kailasanathan, K. Thayapasam, Nadarajah Paramsothy, Enthiri Devanayagam Regunathan, K. Parameswaran, K. Paramalingam K. Mahananthan, S. Thillainadarajah (Former Director of the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs and presently Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education), B.N. Jinasena (Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs), Shanthi Navakkarasu (Director of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs Department), the establishment of Araneri Hindu Religious Schools in Temples and various other religious organisation is indeed considered to be a remarkable achievement. In fact the former State Minister P.P. Devaraj had a big hand in the establishment of these Araneri Hindu Religious Schools in various temples in Sri Lanka and also in Hill countries for the benefit of the students.

Furthermore, the Colombo Mayurapathy Sri Bathrakali Amman Devasthanam under the able guidance of the Chief Trustee Pon Vallipuram is rendering tremendous service in the spheres of religions, social, art and culture and education.

In fact, immediately after the Maha Kumbabeshekam in 1987, Pon Vallipuram with the Divine Blessings of Bathrakali Amman established a religious school (Araneri Hindu Religions School) for the benefit of the students both girls and boys.

Realising the paramount importance of Hindu Education for the children in their tender age, he established this school which has now grown strength to strength and does splendid service to the Hindu community.

Even great men like Swami Vivekananda and former Governor General of India Sri C. Rajagopalachariyar have on numerous occasions stressed the importance of religious education to children.


Senior students with the temple Trustee

They wanted character building education to make the children to be good citizens and leaders of the world. In fact, education provides many lessons in life for the children and adds to the knowledge that is vital for the individual to perform in this world.

The aim is to let these seeds of knowledge bloom into a garden of wisdom, for it is wisdom that let’s the individuals strike a fine balance between his own material pursuits spiritual enrichment and contribution to society.

In this Mayurapathy Araneri Hindu School there are teachers who are very efficient and competent to teach the children music, dance, violin, mirudangam, bhajan, veena, sewing and various other forms of art. With the view to encourage and to make them to discharge their responsibilities with devotion, dedication and commitment, the teachers of this school are provided with remuneration. Further, during Poya Days English language, mathematics are taught free to students of Grade 7 and Grade 8 besides religious studies and several students are benefitted by this.

This school which was started in 1987 with eleven students is having now more than 500 students and 17 teachers. Furthermore, with the view to enhance and enrich the knowledge of the students of the Hill country, the Mayurapathy Bathrakali Amman Devasthanam has donated typewriters, TV and several other educational instrument.

Besides, these the trustee of this temple Pon. Vallipuram has donated clothes and various other materials for the children of “Trincomalee Annai Illam”.

Undoubtedly, Pon. Vallipuram is a multifaceted and multi-dimensional personality who renders yeoman service for the people of different communities.

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