Sabarimala Temple is the target of christiam missionaries

Sabarimala is where Hindu God Lord Ayyappa meditated.  Temple is situated amidst 18 hills in the Western Ghat ranges at an altitude of 914 meters above sea level and four km from Pamba. Ayyappa devotees visit the temple after 41 days of Vrata.  The temple is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Temples exist in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. Devotees must go at least once in their lifetime. Sabarimala pilgrimage is the world’s biggest annual pilgrimage and some 5 crore devotees visit temple every year. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not allowed to enter the temple as Lord Ayyappa is a Bramachari. The important message given at the temple is the ultimate knowledge that you are the God, Tat Tvam Asi in Sanskrit meaning That is you and this is the reason why pilgrims call each other Swami.  This is the same message that was given by Sri Narayana Guru, who is another saint of Kerala who installed a mirror as the idol of a temple.

On 14-1-2011 around 102 persons were killed in a stampede in an unlit narrow forest road due to lack of proper arrangement by the Kerala government that controls the Hindu pilgrim site at Sabarimala. This is a repeat of history. In 1952 around 66 pilgrims died and on 14 January, 1999 some 53 pilgrims died in a stampede. Committee recommendations to avoid it were not implemented till now. Hindu temples and pilgrimages sites should be in the hands of Hindus away from the present control by anti Hindu communist and congress governments. Politicians and the contractors linked to the Travancore Devaswam Board loot the income of Sabarimala. There is no water to drink for the pilgrims on the way, or has any facility to protect them from elements, when they have to wait up to 12 hours in the queue. The sacred Pampa River is polluted. There is no facility for prompt disposal of garbage. Politicians are so corrupt that only an army rule of India can salvage India.

The present tragedy appears to be a conspiracy to damage the Left parties’ prospects to get elected in the coming election. The accident is very strange and appears to have caused by a jeep that was pushed to start as its self start failed. The jeep appears to ran over one pilgrim and caused some scuffle. This appears to have caused a stampede, which is difficult to accept. There was a chain that tied across the road that blocks any jeep travel along the forest road that is normally left open by December 10, was not opened. It looks like the moving mass of pilgrims started falling after hitting the chain across the road.  The forest area was not lit. Christian Congress of Sonia Gandhi can corner votes only if the Left government is discredited.  There were earlier attempt to discredit the pilgrimage to Sabarimala by the christians. All said and done, there was hardly any proper arrangement in an area where pilgrims are routinely gathered to watch the Makara Vilakku.

Efforts to destroy the Sabarimala temple were started in 1949 by Kerala christians. The temple was set on fire by Christians to scare away the devotees. The Christian lobby is involved in poaching of trees and ganja cultivation in forest areas. When thousands started visiting the Sabarimala temple in the forest, their income dwindled and they set the temple on fire. Between 1950 and 1955 there were three attempts to destroy the temple and several attacks on pilgrims. In the eighties a communal Christian minister and the church brigade tried to construct a church near Nilakkal. In 1983 church brigade attempted to plant a Cross in Nilakkal in Ayyappa’s garden. There was a conspiracy to build Pampa Valley Dam in Poonkavanam area which would have submerged the Sabarimala temple.  Forest land requested for Sabarimala development was not given. To  stop pilgrimage to Sabarimala christians have started a vicious campaign against Sabarimala pilgrimage by christians for the last sixty years.

Systematic efforts were made to denigrate Ayyappa and destroy Sabarimala.  Aravana payasam  is the Prasadam at Sabarimala temple.  There were many attempts to put dead lizard in the Aravana payasam  by the christians. Last decade saw the rise of  muslim terrorists and Mahdanis and they too tried to sabotage the Hindu pilgrimage. Pimps, prostitutes and christian media and professional gangsters, police etc were used of late in an international conspiracy to damage the reputation of the Sabarimala chief priest. Christians tried to defame Sabarimala and the devotees and the christian media planted fabricated stories to harvest Hindus for christian conversion. In spite of all these the temple is attracting large number of devotees, sometimes even from among the ordinary christians and muslims.

A little history is not out of place as the killing of pilgrims may not be a simple case of stampede but could be the result of a conspiracy by the most dangerous minority community in India that kill more Hindus in NE than by the muslim terrorists.  Lower caste Tamils were en masse being converted to Christianity using hawala money. The Sabarimala pilgrimage halted this en masse conversion by the Kerala christian family oriented missionaries. In the 1950s, before the pilgrimage became popular, Kerala Christians actually set fire to the temple. Then there was the attempt to manufacture a historical Christian presence at Nilakkal, on the route of the pilgrimage using a fake 2000 year old wooden cross, supposed to have installed by Saint Thomas, but this cross was unearthed intact. Kerala antique dealers could have made this new cross really old the way they sell fake antique immersed in acid and other method, but that technique was not available for the christian mafia of Kerala.

A 2000 year old wood will not survive burial in Kerala’s humid earth and the racket was exposed.  The nazi pope said that Thomas never came to India and never killed by a knife wielding Brahmin in M Karunanidhi’s Chennai, but died in Ortona, Italy, as certified by the Vatican. On 13 November 1952 the Vatican sent a letter to the Christians of Kerala stating that the landing of St. Thomas at Muziris the present Kodungallur was untrue. This also exposed the so called Syrian christian theory created in Chennai, that the Kerala christians are Brahmin converts and the conversion was done by Thomas. A historical reference book by a priest M L Mateer who lived decades in Kerala published in 1883 clearly established that the Syrian christians of Kerala are Pulaya converts like the retired Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and his father.  KG Balakrishnan’s father was a Pulaya Syrian christian called Lookose, but changed the name to Gopinath to get reservation benefits of Hindu ST/SC. All Syrian christians look like AK Anthony or KG Balakrishnan.  Look at the features of both of them have lot of similarities. Reference web pages bit.ly/16qK6t, bit.ly/y372D, scr.bi/b26ikK, bit.ly/dy88Ou, bit.ly/buUX4h, scr.bi/9ykqkw, scr.bi/d82ARV, bit.ly/eV6F7V, bit.ly/gLEIdy, bit.ly/hP6ZOr, bit.ly/hUmwkM, bit.ly/fOiqVI, bit.ly/f8EOSm, bit.ly/eJoz53, bit.ly/gg5ZcT, bit.ly/gBBlg0, bit.ly/eSoJT6,  bit.ly/bdmMlr, bit.ly/cG7ALU, bit.ly/9ehQY2, bit.ly/9bAbN8, bit.ly/aVgD17,

Kerala christians invited Vasco de Gama to attack Kerala, says Portugese documents. After the Portuguese settlement, hundreds of temples in and around the Portuguese-held territories were demolished, often to be replaced with Catholic churches. Saint Francis Xavier described with glee the joy he felt when he saw the Hindu idols smashed and temples demolished. Most sixteenth and seventeenth century churches in India contain the rubble of demolished Hindu temples. Chennai was used to create the fake encounter killing of St Thomas using a knife wielding Brahmin.  Thomas mount now sells sacred sand by kilos to christians. In 1561 christians destroyed the Kapaleeswara temple and constructed the St. Thomas church over it. Hindus had to collect all the destroyed stones and construct the same Kapaleeswara temple in Mylapore some 250 years later. There was a temple called ‘Velar Kanniamman temple’ in Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. This was destroyed by the Kerala christians and a church was constructed over it and the Christians called it Velankanni church.  To confuse Hindus, they now call it Velankanni shrine. Attempts were made to turn the Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari into a Virgin Mary shrine. Christianity started in AD 325 and Bible was written by an editor called Eusibius employed by King Constantine and is based in lies and violence. As per a BBC documentary the fake Bible had some 62 authors. Like Tehelka funded by Sunny Varkey, a Kerala christian in Dubai to discredit BJP and defense using prostitutes, christians tried to discredit Sabarimala priest. A sex racket story was created by abducting the priest using a Dawood man, a christian prostitute with Sunny Varkey funding, who in turn was given Padmashri by Sonia Gandhi for his services.  Christians also created a touching the Ayyappa idol story by a Kannada actress married to a christian. Reference web pages. bit.ly/cG7ALU, bit.ly/9ehQY2, bit.ly/9bAbN8,  bit.ly/aVgD17, bit.ly/eU9z3d, bit.ly/a51h4T, bit.ly/hbHXGT, bit.ly/eHoXkt,  bit.ly/hxVB1v,  bit.ly/dV4iJR,

Pilgrims have to take a dip in the Pampa river. But the river is highly polluted and the Rs.320 crore Sabarimala Pamba Action Plan under the National River Conservation Programme (NRCP) is yet to be completed. The Travancore Devaswam Board (TDB) controls the functioning of all temples in south Kerala including Sabarimala. Government control of Hindu temples means looting by corrupt politicians from all parties and the atheist government staff. This is vividly seen at Tirupati. The late christian Y Samuel Rajasekhara Reddy put his christian half brother as TTD chairman and used the TTD funds to carryout sports activities in the name of his christian parents. Sonia has put a liquor dealer MP, as the chairman of TTD as he voted and saved the UPA government in the parliament. His relatives were seen using the temple rooms at the Tirupati temple at Himayat Nagar, Hyderbad for drink parties and immoral activities.  The curse of Tirupati is said to have caused the death of christian YSR.

Devaprashnam or DP is conducted in 1995 and 2002 and in 2006,  to know the sentiments of the deities. It was done by P Unnikrishna Panikker. While the earlier ones were vague, the last one was specific and he said a woman had entered the Sreekovil and touched the deity; undesirable activities like sale of liquor, drugs, immoral activities are going on in Sabarimala. Devaswam members, traders, contractors, politicians are fighting like cats and dogs for money. Panikker suggested free annadanam for pilgrims and bringing of Vavur mosque attached to the temple under the control of Sabarimala temple since non-temple activities and fleecing of devotees are going on at Vavur mosque. Panikker conclusion was that due to the arrival of crores of devotees, hundreds of crores of rupees are being pumped into Sabarimala, which is not being used for welfare of pilgrims but being swindled by the political mafia. The net result is that the Lord is not happy with the conduct in Sabarimala.

The astrologer Parappanangadi Unnikrishna Panikker had found that a female had defiled the temple by getting inside the sanctum sanctorum. As on cue, Immediately after this a Kannada actress Jayamala claimed that when she was 27 year old in April 1987 had touched Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala.  Women who are 10 to 50 years and are fertile are barred from the temple because of the legend that Lord Ayyappa, to whom the temple is dedicated, was a celibate and confirmed bachelor.  It was a blatant lie and is not possible as per the Supreme Priest of Sabarimala Kantararu Maheshwararu as there are several rungs of security to reach the innermost precincts of the Lord Ayyappa where women between puberty and menopause are strictly barred.  Minister in the Communist state government had also taken a serious view of the actress’s statement. Kantararu Mohanaru had refused to accept the devaprasnam’s credibility and attacked not only the astrologer but also the Devaswam board members.

One month after the Devaprashnam the chief priests of Sabarimala Sri. Kantararu Mohanaru was kidnapped on Sunday 23-7-2006 evening by a 10 member gang that came in two vehicles. They took him to a flat of a christian Sobha John and robbed his of two gold necklaces, bracelet and mobile phone. Later Sobha John was identified as a known christian prostitute who was previously booked for immoral traffic. Abducting team stripped Sabarimala priest Kantararu Mohanaru and made him to pose for photographs with naked christian prostitute Sobha John.  On releasing, Mohanaru registered a police complaint of kidnap with the police. But the police was already bribed and the D.I.G of Police Padmakumar came out strongly against it by saying ‘no one kidnapped the Tantri and Tantri does many things that a normal person would be ashamed of doing. D.I.G .Padmakumar, said that the complaint had no substance and that the tantri had been visiting a prostitute for the past one year.

Police claimed that the Tantri’s vehicle number is recorded in the christian prostitute’s building watchman’s register many times in the past one year. The whole operation by the christian mafia was a well planned and executed. The Kerala police that created the fake ISRO spy case for CIA, claimed that Mohanaru was caught in an embarrassing position by some people while he was in the flat. The complaint was an attempt to cover up the events. Following the incident, the Travancore Devaswam board handed over the charge of the Tantri to Mohanaru’s father with immediate effect. Supreme Priest of Sabarimala came out in open in support of his son Kantararu Mohanaru and also made his grandson Rahul Easwar, the spokesperson of the Tazhamon family. Rahul Easwar told the media that all the events are a part of bigger conspiracy against Sabarimala and Tantri family. He said that the Tantri was trapped by the forces who want to destroy Sabarimala and its glorious tradition.

Christian church brigade funded by West have organized a well planned and funded attack on Sabarimala Tantri. The operation planned and executed by Bechu Rehmans, Shobha Johns and Biji Peters. Bechu Rahman’ is an ally of Dawood Ibrahim and he is the fake currency wholesale distributor of Dawood  in Kerala. He is the second accused along with the first accused Sobha John, They are booked under the charges of conspiracy against trapping Tantri Kantararu Mohanaru. Christians and muslims join their hands to defame Hindus. Kerala christians like Sunny Varkey based in Dubai, is rumored to have funded the Tehelka operation against BJP.  Sunny Varkey is the front man of Dawood Ibrahim and he launders the mafia money for Dawood and runs Pakistani schools in the Gulf along with the wife of the Dubai Pakistani counsel General.  Sunny Varkey is the man who introduced his keep Sunanda Pushkar to Sasi Taroor, and he was under RAW scanner. Yet Yet Sonia had given Padmashri recently to Sunny Varkey.

There is  jihadi threat to Sabarimala and Guruvayoor temples. Both these temples are symbols of Hindu unity. Both these temples are under jihadi scanner. Explosives have been found near Sabarimala Sreekovil two years back. Also a mysterious fire broke out near Prasadam preparation area. Two terrorists involved in the Coimbatore blast case have been arrested from Sabarimala. As per a recent intelligence report, there is total security negligence in Sabarimala. Moreover, jihadi groups are targeting Sabarimala pilgrims from outside Kerala. Later investigation proved an international conspiracy was behind this controversy to defame Sabarimala. Christians are the most dangerous and enemy community of Hindus. There is a close co operation between Jihadi and christian church in attacking Hindu saints, institutions and temples all over India.

CPM Branch Secretary of Vallikunnam in Allapuzha was elected in October 2010 as the main priest of Mallikapuram temple in Sabarimala  Anti Hindu CPM  failed in their agenda to destroy Sabarimala by nominating hardcore Anti Hindu Sudhagaran as Devaswam Minister. CPM  is now trying to destroy Sabarimala by nominating a CPM leader as the Main priest. Bishops and Jihadis are dreaming of complete social apartheid against Hindus with the help of pseudo-secular politicians. The church brigade routinely abuse Hindus and Hinduism and create scams around Hindu saints and temples.  The Kanchi Seer case, Premananda case, the recent Nityananda case were all conspiracies originated by the church brigade that is headed by Sonia Gandhi the Italian pope’s plant.  The death of 102 Hindu pilgrims at Sabarimala is one of the last conspiracies of the church brigade for getting votes in the coming Kerala elections. bit.ly/eXJnH2, bit.ly/hxVB1v, bit.ly/ffc0IL, bit.ly/evUcRm, bit.ly/cnJM6Q, bit.ly/eqMRKr,  bit.ly/dMJSK8, bit.ly/h6jqqS,  scr.bi/9NR7nR,  bit.ly/gvtUAg,

Kerala Government earns every year from the Sabarimala pilgrimage, Rs.10,000/- crore via sales, taxes etc. Yet Kerala government carryout  step motherly treatment to pilgrims and the  Sabarimala temple. Kerala government are paid from offerings given by the devotees. The Devaswam board is forced to pay Lakhs of rupees to the Government during the Mandala Makara Vilakku season to Govt. for nil services rendered. On the other hand for the festivals and conventions of christians and muslims the government spend money. For availing of drinking water facilities at Sabarimala, the Devaswam board pays around 50 Lakhs to the Kerala water authority. For meeting the expenses of doctors and Para-medics the Devaswam board pays 55 Lakhs annually. The electricity charges are exorbitant and unheard of anywhere. The government charges Rs. 1.8 crores for supply of electricity as advance deposit. The Devaswam pays Rs. 25 Lakhs to the sanitation society headed by the district collector for the cleaning work.

Roads leading to Pampa are built on BOT basis. That means new tollgates are supposed to collect Rs 3 or Rs 4.50, but they fleece the pilgrims and collect Rs 30 and Rs 50 per vehicle. Due to security threats from Islamic terrorists there is extra expenditure for the Devaswam board to deploy a large number of police and security personnel. The temple pays around 75 lakhs towards security. But for the christians Maramon convention Kerala state provides free security. The Travancore Devaswam Board was made to pay Rs. 6.5 crores as compensation for getting 110 hectares of forestland in Nilakkal to provide amenities to pilgrims. By paying this huge amount, the Devaswam Board has become almost bankrupt. The so-called forestland given to the Devaswam Board at Nilakkal is in fact plantation land. On the other hand 58 acres leased out to christians for their Malayattur Church is for just Rs. 100 per year per acre. The offerings by the Hindu pilgrims are fully utilized for payment to Government.

King Rajasekara was very talented, courageous and just in his deed, People were living happily and prosperously in his regime. However, the king was very unhappy that he had no children and his subjects were also worried that he had no heir to inherit his kingdom. At the request of the queen, both of them used to pray to Lord Shiva for blessing them with a child.

Mahishasuran, Son of Ramban, undertook a severe penance towards God. Lord Brahma tried every tactics to stop his penance, but having failed in his attempts, appeared before the Asura and asked what boon he wanted, from him. Mahishasuran asked Lord to give him a boon by which nobody in the earth would be able to kill him, and Lord conferred the Boon on him. Mahishasuran, armed with his boon, began to commit atrocities and murders on the earth and terrorised people. Fearing his wrath, people ran away to far away places.

The Devas seeing the atrocities committed by Mahishasuran came to the conclusion that only a divine power could kill him and approached Chandikadevi pleading to put an end to Mahishasura who was misusing the boon given by Lord Chandikadevi set out on her mission and killed Mahishasura in a duel, on earth.

Mahishi daughter of Karamba, brother of Ramban undertook a severe penance towards god in order to take revenge on the Devas, who were responsible for the death of her brother. Lord Brahma appeared and offered to confer on Mahishi any boon expect that of immortality. Mahishi asked Lord to bless her with a boon by which nobody, except the son created out of the union of Shiv (Hari) and Vishnu (Haran), would be able to kill her. Lord Brahma gave the boon and Mahishi went to Devaloka and started harassing the Devas.

The Devas incurred the wrath of Durvasa Muni who cursed them to go grey. On the advice of Lord Mahavishnu that this curse could be removed only by administering Amrutham taken from Palazhi,the devas took it from the Palazhi,but the Asuras snatched it from them. Lord Mahavishnu in the disguise of Mohini went to the Asuras and got back the Amrutham and restored it to the Devas. Lord Shiva, when went to see Lord Mahavishnu who was in the disguise of a Mohini succumbed to her beauty and out of their union, was born a child. Lord Shiva adorned the Child’s neck with a golden chain and ordered that the child be entrusted to the care of his childless disciple, king Rajasekara of Pandalam.

One day King Rajasekara went for hunting in the forest adjoining the banks of River Pampa, along with his men. He started hunting courageously in the dense forest which was a sanctuary for many wild animals. After that hunting was over, King Rajasekara advised his men to take rest and sat there entertaining himself with the sight of the natural greenish beauty and the water-falls, of the forest.

At that time, he heard a child crying from somewhere in the forest. Surprised, he went round and reached the banks of River Pampa. There he saw a beautiful and bright-lit child kicking its legs and cryingout, and was in a dilemma whether to take the child to the Palace or leave it there itself. While the King was engrossed in his thoughts, a Sanyasi appeared before him and told the King that he need not be afraid of the child and take him to the Palace and that the child belonged to Kshatriya dynasty capable of mitigating all sufferings. The Sanyasi further stated that since the Child had a gold chain around his neck, his name be called “MANIKANDAN” and when the child completed twelve years, the King would know his divine history. After uttering these words, the Sanyasi disappeared.

The King of Pandalam was very joyous; he took the child to his Palace and briefed the Queen about the incident. The King and the Queen, having prayed to Lord Shiva,for a child, were very happy that they had been blessed with a child. The people also felt happy that a heir to inherit the Kingdom after the King, has been found. However, the Diwan of the Kingdom who was thinking that he would be the next crown after Rajasekara was worried.

When the child, named Manikandan began to grow in the Palace, everything began to prosper in kingdom. He was taught all martial arts and sastras and the Guru was surprised at his brilliance and agility and the extraordinary talents. The Guru came to the conclusion that he was not an ordinary child, but a divine power. After completing his education under the Guru, Manikandan approached the Guru to offer his Guru Dakshina.

When Manikanda went to his Guru for his Ashirwathams, the Guru told him that he already knew that he was a divine power and he was blessed for having been given an opportunity to have Manikandan as a student. The Guru further told Manikandan that he had one request to make and that was that his only son who was blind and dumb should be given vision and speech. Manikandan called the Guru’s son and put his hands on his head and immediately Guru’s son had his vision and speech. Manikandan told the Guru not to reveal this to anyone and went to the Palace.

In the meanwhile, the Queen gave birth to a male child and the child was named Raja Rajan. King Rajasekara, impressed with the talents of Manikandan, decided to crown him, treating him as his eldest son. He ordered the Diwan to make arrangements for the same. The Diwan hated this and started devising plans to prevent Manikandan from being crowned to the throne and to annihilate him. He tried various methods including poisoning of food, but failed in all these. However, Manikandan’s body bore an injury due to these and ordinary physicians could not cure it. Lastly, Lord Shiva disguising himself as a physician, treated Manikandan’s injury and cured him.

Having failed in all his attempts to kill Manikandan, the Diwan approached the Queen and told her that she had her own son, it was not correct to crown a person who came from the forest. He further told the Queen since Arthasastra itself has justified any misdeed if it was done to extract a good thing, he would suggest that the Queen should pretend as if suffering from severe headache and he would make the physician tell that only a tigress’ milk should be brought to cure the Queen and since Manikandan would only go to the forest to bring the milk, he would be in danger from the wild animals and even if Manikandan returned without bringing the tigress’ milk, the King’s love for him would not be as before. The Queen, became a prey to the Diwan’s plot and agreed to do what he told, so that her son could succeed the King to the throne.

The Queen, as told by the Diwan, cried out loudly that she was suffering from severe headache and the King, believing this, called the Diwan to bring in the best physicians to treat her. The Physician, brought by the Diwan examined the Queen and told the King that the Queen had been suffering from a dangerous disease and it could be cured only by applying Tigress’ milk. The King sent several of his men to the forest for bringing this milk. The King understood that it was an impossible task and wanted his dear Queen to be cured at any cost and offered half of his Kingdom to anybody who brought the Milk.

When the King was thinking about this, Manikandan asked him to let him go to the forest promising to bring the milk. However, the King told him that he was awaiting to be crowned to the throne that he was also not of age and hence refused to let him go. Manikandan told the King inspite of his refusal, he had to go lest he would be cursed for not curing the Queen. Since the King persisted in his refusal Manikandan wanted the King to promise to do something he wanted. The King gave the promise and asked him what he wanted and immediately Manikandan asked the king to permit to go to the Forest. The King felt disappointed that he had been tricked and with no other alternative permitted Manikandan to go to the forest.

King Rajasekara made arrangements to send a group of his loyal men along with Manikandan, which however was refused by Manikandan on the ground that the tigress might run away seeing the crowd of soldiers. King Rajasekara sent alongwith Manikandan necessary foodstuffs and coconuts with three-eyes, in remembrance of Lord Shiva. The Panchabuthas, sent by Lord Shiva, accompanied Manikandan to Forest. However, on his way seeing the atrocities of Mahishi in the Devaloka, he went there and in the battle between them, Mahishi was pushed by Manikandan into the earth, where she fell on the banks of Azhutha River. Manikandan clashed with her there.

At the end, of the battle between Mahishi and Manikandan at Azhutha River banks, Manikandan climbed up her chest and danced violently. The impact of his dance was felt in the Earth and Devloka and the Devas were afraid. Mahishi knowing that the divine power dancing on her body was none other than the son of Hari and Haran, prostrated before Manikandan and died. This dance was witnessed by Lord Shiva and Mahavishnu from a place called Kalakatti (It is said that Leela, daughter of Kavalan, a Karamban, with a face of Mahishi and freed herself from the curse and obtained Moksha by the grace of Shri Dharma Sastha, which is described in Sabarimala Temple as Malikapurathu Amma, by which name she has a temple there)

After killing Mahishi, Manikandan went to the forest for the tigress milk, when Lord Shiva appeared before him and told him that though he had done good for the Devas, still there was one main task and that was to give comfort to the King Rajasekara who was very concerned about him and also to cure the Queen’s ailment. Lord Shiva further told him that he could go to the Palace with the tigeresses and Lord Indran would help him. As stated by Lord Shiva, all female devas in the disguise of a tigeresses and male Devas, as tigers with Lord Devendran as the tiger on whom Manikandan rode, they started their journey to the Palace. When Manikandan, with the tigers and tigeresses, approached the Palace, the people who ridiculed him when the started his journey to forest whether he wanted a toy tigresses, really got panicky seeing the violent bunch of animals and started running helter shelter.

The Sanyasi who appeared at the forest at the time of King Rajasekara’s visit there when he heard a child’s cries, again appeared at the palace and told King Rajasekara the Identity of Manikandan. Hearing this, the King stood in great surprise and silence. He stood non-pulsed as he saw Manikandan riding a tiger and people running away. Seeing the King, Manikandan descended from the Tiger’s back and told him that since the tigresses were there, he could get the Queen cured with their milk. King Rajasekara, fell at his feet and asked to forgive him for whatever happened without his knowledge, and asked him to send back the tigers as the Queens ailment had been cured the moment Manikandan went to the forest. That day Manikandan reached the age of Twelve.

King Rajasekara told Manikandan that the Diwan was responsible for all these things and hence he should be punished. However, Manikandan told the king that he need not punish the Diwan and all had happened only through the will of God, and he told further that time had come for him to go to Devaloka since the task for which he created himself in the Earth is completed and asked the King what boon he wanted from him and he was ready to give it as he was much pleased by his devotion. Immediately, King Rajasekara told him that they wanted to raise a temple in his memory and suggest a suitable place for the temple. Manikandan aimed an arrow which fell at a place called Shabari, where in Sri Rama’s era a Sanyasini called Shabari observed Dhavam. Lord Manikandan told the King to build the temple in that place and then he disappeared.

At the advice of Saint Agasthya, King Rajasekara laid the foundation stone for the building Shabarimala Temple. Bhagwan Manikandan, had made it clear that he would grace only those devotees who offer Dharshan after performing Viradha for fortyone days keeping themselves isolated from family desires and tastes and leading a life like Brahmacharys, thinking of good things always, and that while coming for his darshan, they shall adorn themselves with three-eyed coconut and foodstuff/Aantha Garland in their heads, as the Bhagwan did when he went to the forest to fetch tigress milk, and bathed in River Pampa raising slogans of Saranam and climb the eighteen stairs.

As graced by the Bhagwan, King Rajasekara completed building of the temple with eighteen stairs to reach it. When the King was thinking how to put Dharmasastha’s figure in the temple for darshan to devotees, he recalled the words of the Bhagwan, the River Pampa was a holy river as River Ganga, Sabarimala was a holy place as Kasi. Dharmasastha sent Parasuraman to Sabarimala who carved the figure of Lord Ayyappa and installed it on the day of Makarasankranthi. Every year lakhs and lakhs of people throng to Sabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and adorn themselves with garlands and irumudis, chants slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the eighteen stairs and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha. Saranam Ayyappa !

Thank you swamy_ayyappan.tripod.com

The temple attracts pilgrims not just from the southern states and the rest of India, but from across the world. The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially from November to January. Mandalapooja (celebrated on Nov 17th) and Makaravilakku (celebrated on Jan 14th) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed for the rest of the year except for the first five days of all the Malayalee months and during Vishu (April).

Certain customs have to be strictly observed if one wants to undertake the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian food and all cardinal pleasures. contact us @www.flashnews-online.com

It then struck me that I could do something I’ve always postponed because I was too lazy to do it in Photoshop. When I was in Vidya Mandir, I used to draw space battles featuring my classmates in the back pages of my school notebooks, and thanks to Sketchbook Pro, here’s Jalscifi, a new Tampunk series at the blunt edge of Scifi, Madras and Pop culture.

Click on the image to see a larger version

Still rough at the edges (and the middle as well) but hopefully my iPad sketching skills will get better with time. But sometimes I wonder if it’s really about skills anymore. I get this feeling that technology is getting better at polishing mediocrity more than anything else.

Irumudi thaangi oru manathaagi guruvenave vandhoom
Iruvinai theerkkum yemanaiyum vellum thiruvadiyai kaana vandhoom

Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo
Swaami Saranam Ayyappaa Saranam (2nd time with low voice)

Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee

Neeiyabhishekam Swamikke
Karpoora Dheepam Swamikke
Ayyappan maargalum Koodikkondu
Ayyanai naadi chenriduvaar
Sabari malaikku chenriduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)
Kaarthigai Maatham Maalaiyanindhu
Neerthiyaagave Viradhamirundhu

Paartha saarathiyin Maindhane unai
Paarkka veendiye dhavamirundhu (2)

Irumudi yedutthu yerumeeli vandhu
Oru manathaahi peettai thulli
Arumai nanparaam vaavarai thozhuthu
Ayyanin Arul malai Eeriduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)

Azhuthai Eetram Eerum Poothu
Ariharan maganai thuthithu selvaar
Vazhi kaattidavee Vandhiduvaar
Ayyan vanpuli Eeri Vandhiduvaar
Karimalai Eetram kadinam kadinam
Karunai Kadalum thunai Varuvaar
Karimalai Irakkam Vandhavudane
Thirunathi Pambaiyai Kandiduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)

Gengai nathi pool punniya nathiyaam Pambaiyil Neeraadi
Sangaran Maganai Kumbiduvaar Sangadamindri Eeriduvaar
Neelimalai Eetram Sivabaalanum Eetriduvaar
Kaalamellam Namakke Arul Kaavalanaai Irruppaar

Deha balam thaa Paada balam thaa
Deha balam thaa Paada balam thaa (lower tone)

Deha balam thaa endral avarum
Dehathai thanthiduvaar
Paada balam thaa endral avarum
Paathattai thanthiduvaar nalla
Paathayai Kaattiduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)

Sabari Peedame Vandhiruvaar
Sabari annaiyai panindhuduvaar
Saranguthi Aalil kannimaargalum
Saratthinai poottu vanangiduvaar
Sabarimalai thanai nerungiduvaar

Pathinettu padi meethu Eeriduvaar
Gathi endru avarai Saranadaivaar
Mathi mugam Kannde Mayangiduvaar
Ayyanai thuthikkaiyile
Thannaiye marandhiduvaar

Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo
Swami Saranam Ayyappa Saranam

Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee

Saranam Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa (6)

Adiyen leaves today for participation this weekend, in an Ayyappan pooja.  I am doing this to respect the wishes of the elders who invited me.

Ayyappan, also known as Hariharan, is supposed to be the son of lord Siva and Sriman Narayana, when Perumal was in Mohini avataram. I wonder if there is truth behind such a legend. The legend of Ayyappa, or Manikanthan, the story of a powerful warrior of the Kerala belt may be true. The fact that Ayyappan was a local lord may be true. The fact that he remained a bachelor for life and disappeared may be true. But whether there was a son borne by the powerful Siva and the supreme being Sriman Narayana? Debatable. I wonder whether that is true. Lord Sriman Narayana took Mohini avataram for a specific purpose when the nectar of the ocean was churned. Not to create a son with Siva! And Siva has a beautiful goddess in the form of Parvati present with him. Why should be resort to Sriman Narayana to produce a child? Yes, there is a story of a powerful demon who could not be killed by Siva or Maha Vishnu, hence the need for a combination of both in the form of another person. But then Devi or someone else from among the existing deities could have been sent.

The legend of Ayyappa is quite recent, and not one from the puranas (perhaps Skanda Purana has a mention). There is no need to dispute the divinity of someone worshipped by hundreds of people, but adiyen would dispute the origin of the birth as Sriman Narayana has time and again single-handedly saved his devotess, on their beck and call. Adiyen feels it is unfair to attach unverified stories to His name.

Found this entry on an ISKCON-based website:

“Sri Ayyappa is the mental son (manasa-putra) of Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva saw Mohini, Ayyappa was born from his mind. There was never any contact between Mohini and Lord Shiva. This story occurs in Skanda Purana. There are many exagerations about this story that say Lord Shiva and Mohini together produced this child. They are not true. Ayyappa lives in Kailasha along with Lord Shiva, Ganesha and Kartikeya (Skanda). The pastimes of Ayyappa and the muslim named Vavar occured when Ayyappa descended to earth, which occurred in recent times (the present yuga). Similarly Skanda also appeared in the recent history in Tamil Nadu.”

Anyway, adiyen shall always consider Sriman Narayana as antaryami in everything. Afterall,  He did come out of even a pillar!

Apologies for any mistakes or offences.

Srimathe Narayanaya Namah ll

Ramanujasya Charanau Sharanam Prapadye ll

The Legend of lord Ayyappa
Bhagvan Shri Ayyappa Manikanta Swamy(Dharma Shastha) is a deity of Sanatana Hindu Dharma.The incarnation of the dharma shastha born out of the union between two main deites Bhagvan shiva & Devi Mohini (an incarnation of vishnu as a beautiful women ).

The Famous Devotional SongHarivarasanam Mp3 from the Classic Swamy Ayyappan

Sabrimala Official Website:-www.sabarimala.kerala.gov.in

The Sacred Shrine of Bhagvan Dharma Shastha (Lord Ayyappa) is on Sabrimala mountain at the banks of holy river Pampa in between the valley of dense green forest.

The pilgrimage to the sacred shrine of Sabarimala
In the olden times Sabarimala was located in the very deep forests .The Dark green Forest was filled with ferocious wild animals like tigers ,area was inaccesable with adventures& riskfull routes ,therefore only a few prayful courageous devotees managed the difficult pilgrimage.

About Ancient Sabarimala
Sabarimala temple is one of the oldest existing temples in India. Historians and Archaeologists have studied deeply about the temple, its construction pattern the interpretation of the legends associated with Sabarimala etc… and suggested that the temple is at least 4000-4250 years old. But according to popular beliefthe temple is 4800-5000 years old

Ancient Sabrimala

Ancient Rare photo of Sabrimala taken by Utrradam thirunal Marthand varma in 1942 when he came to sabrimala with his brother King Chitra Thirunal Balarama varma Maharaja.

The most famous Ayyappa shrine in India is the one at sabrimala with over 50 million devotees visiting it every year, making it the second largest pilgrimage in the world.
Sabarimala is located in southern part of Thekkedi Tiger Project Sanctuary, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State in India, It is surrounded by 18 mountains at 914 mts above sea level in Sahayadri Mountain Range.

Sabarimala Google earth Images

Pilgrimage season begins from the mid of November and extends up to the end of January
Rules & Regulations: An Ayyappa pilgrim is called Ayyappa Swamy. One has to stick to a disciplined, austere life of abstinence for 41 days to proceed to the temple. Should be strictly vegetarian. Wear a type of black cloth and a rudraksha maala or any Japa maala. No hair cut. Go barefoot. . Girls/women only of age below 10 & Above50 years are allowed temple darshan.
A pilgrim carries an irumudikkettu, a cloth bag divided into two by a knot at the middle, that helps to balance the weight of pooja items he carries, among which coconut filled with pure ghee used in Abhisheka of lord Ayyapas idol is very important. They have to trek long distances in the hills.At the temple there are 18 vertical steps one has to climb for darshan of the idol. They are called Pathinettam Padi (Eighteen Step).

Loka Veeram Mahapoojyam

Ayyappa Namaskara Sloka
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa! Loka Veeram Mahapoojyam is the Namaskara Sloka (Stotra) of Lord Swamy Ayyappa or Sree Dharmasastha of Sabarimala Swamy Temple.

from http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com

Loka Veeram Mahapoojyam Lyrics – Swamy Ayyappan Namaskara Slokam

Loka Veeram Maha Poojyam,
Sarvarakshakaram Vibhum !
Parvathi Hridayanandam,
Saasthaaram Pranamamyaham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 1 !!

Viprapoojyam Viswavandyam,
Vishnu Shambho Priyam Sutham !
Kshipraprasaada Niratam,
Saasthaaram Pranamamyaham
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 2 !!

Mattha Maatanga Gamanam,
Kaarunyaamrita Pooritam !
Sarva Vighnaharam Devam,
Saasthaaram Pranamamyaham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 3 !!

Asmatkuleswaram Devam,
Asmat Shatru Vinaashanam !
Asmadista Pradaataram,
Saasthaaram Pranamamyaham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 4 !!

Pandyesha Vamsa Tilakam,
Keraley Keli Vigraham !
Aarta Thraana Param Devam,
Saasthaaram Pranamamyaham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 5 !!

Pancha Ratnaakya Methadyo
Nityam Shudha Patennaraha !
Tasya Prasanno Bhagawaan
Saastha Vasathi Maanase !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 6 !!

Sabarigiri Nivaasam Shaantha Hrid Padma Hamsam !
Sashi Ruchi Mrithuhaasam Shyamalam Bhodha Bhaasam !!
Kalitha Ripu Niraasam Kaantha Mrithunga Naasam !!
Nathinuthi Paradaasam Naumi Pinjaava Thamsam !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 7 !!

Sabarigiri Nishaantham Shange Kundenthu Dhantham !
Shamadhana Hridi Bhaantham Shatru Paalee Krithaantham !!
Sarasija Ripukaantham Saanu Kampeksha Naantham
Kritha Nutha Vipadantham Keerthaye Hum Nithaantham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 8 !!

Sabarigiri Kalaapam Shaastra Vadhwaantha Deepam
Shamitha Sujanathaapam Shanthiheer Nir Dhuraapam !
Kara Dhrutha Sumachaapam Kaarano Paatha Rupam !
Kacha Kalitha Kalaapam Kaamaye Pushkalabham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 9 !!

Sabarigiriniketham Shankaropendrapotham
Shakalitha Dhithijaatham Shatruji Moothapaatham !
Padanatha Puruhutham Paalitha Shesha Bhootham
Bhavajala Nidhi Bhotham Bhavaye Nitye Bhootham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 10 !!

Sabari Vihrithi Lokham Shyamalo Ddhaara Chelam
Shathamakha Ripukaalam Sarva Vaikunta Balam !
Nathajana Surajaalam Naaki Lokaanukoolam
Navamayamani Maalam Naumi Nisshesha Moolam !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 11 !!

Sabarigirikuteeram Shatru Samghaatha Ghoram
Shatagiri Shathadhaaram Shashpi Theyndraari Shooram !!
Harigirisha Kumaarem Haari Keyura Haaram
Navajaladha Shareeram Naumi Vishwaika Veeram !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 12 !!

Sarasija Dalanethram Saara Saaraathi Vakthram
Sajala Jaladha Ghaathram Saandhra Kaarunya Paathram !
Sahathanaya Kalanthram Saambha Govinda Puthram
Sakala Vibhudha Mithram Sannamam Pavithram !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 13 !!

Shridhaa Nanda Chinthamani Shreenivasam
Sada Sacchidaananda Purna Prakasham !
Udhaaram Sadhaaram Suraadhaara meesham
Param Jyothi Rupam Bhaje Bhootha Naatham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 14 !!

Vibhum Veda Vedaantha Vedhyam Varishtam
Vibhoothi Pradam Vishrutham Brahma Nishtam
Vibhaaswath Prabhaava Prabhum Pushka Leshtam
Param Jyothi Rupam Bhaje Bhootha Naatham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 15 !!

Parithraana Dhaksham Parabrahma Soothram
Sfuraschaaru Gaathram Bhava Dhwaantha Mithram!
Param Prema Paathram Pavithram Vichithram
Param Jyothi Rupam Bhaje Bhootha Naatham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 16 !!

Paresham Prabhum Purna Kaarunya Rupam
Girishaadi Peeto Jwala Chcharu Deepam !
Sureshaadi Samsevitham Suprathaapam
Param Jyothi Rupam Bhaje Bhootha Naatham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 17 !!

Gurum Purna Lavanya Paadadi Kesham
Gareeyam Mahatkoti Surya Prakasham !
Karaambhoru Hanya Sthavethram Suresham
Param Jyothi Rupam Bhaje Bhootha Naatham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 18 !!

Haree Shaana Samyuktha Shakthyey Ka Veeram
Kiraathaava Thaaram Kripaa Paanga Pooram !
Kireetaavath Sojjwalath Pinjcha Bhaaram
Param Jyothi Rupam Bhaje Bhootha Naatham!!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 19 !!

Mahaayoga Peeto Jwalantham Mahaantham
Mahaavaakya Saaro Padesham Sushaantham!
Maharshi Praharsha Pradam Jnaana Kaantham
Param Jyothi Rupam Bhaje Bhootha Naatham !!
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !! 20 !!

The Temple Sabrimala
The main temple where the (holy sanctrum) Shri Kovil is situated at a place called Ponnammbalamade on the sabrimala hill.This place is surrounded by18 mountains. Here the Bhagan Shri Dharma Shastha Ayyapa is worshipped as an Yogi in meditation for the wisdom of every being in the whole universe showering eternal bliss of the ParamAtman to all.

This Ancient place is of great importance in the sacred Ramayana where Bhagvan Shri Rama and Lakshmana met the holy women sabri & the famous Rishya mukha parvat is also situated on the banks of pampa where the vanara king sugreeva take refugee from his evil twin brother bali as bali was cursed by Sage Matanga if he dared to step on this mountain he would die on the spot.Feared of the curse bali never went near that mountain.
All 18 Mountains have individual names & importance
One of the 18 the mountain is named matanga mala where the Great Sage Mahrishi Matanga Muni guru of holy women shri sabri devi did tapasya for ages
The natural beauty of the pampa is also sunged by Bhagvan shri Rama as Pampa Sar in Valmik ramayana (Kishkindha Kand 4-1-1 to 4-1-125).

On this hill sabrimala there is a sacred spot called Sabripeedham where the hut of the the tribal devotee of Bhagvan shri Ram,a tapsvini (Holy women) Sabri’s was located .There she waited the arrival of bhagvan Shri Rama all her life with great patience ,atlast the Lord Sri rama came to her small hut & gave Sabri Darshana of his Supreme Paramatman Pleased by her unmatchable Devotion ,Bhagvan Sri Rama blessed her the with ultimate boon NavadhaBhakti(nine forms of Bhakti) .

The Temples of Bhagvan shir Ganapati & Bhagvan Shri Anjanaya Hanuman swamy are located down side of the hill on the banks of the holy river pampa were the devotees take holy bath before and after the darshan of the beloved lord Shri Ayyappa and get freed from their sins with a holy dip in the dark Green cool refreshing waters of holy River mother Pampa.

The majestic gold-covered flag staff towers over the sanctum sanctorum or ‘srikoil’. The ‘srikoil’ has a copper plated roof with four golden finials or ‘thazhikakkudam’ shining at the top. Standing on the 18th step, one is in front of the ‘srikoil’ and straight ahead the idol of Lord Ayappa in all His glory.
With the relentless chanting of “Swamiye Saranam Ayappa” (“Lord Ayappa Our Refuge”), pilgrims reach the holy forest abode of Lord Ayappa atop Mount Sabari. One beholds the resplendent ‘Patinettempadi’, 18 golden steps that lead pilgrims to the sanctum sanctorum of Dharma Shasta. All the steps are 5 to 6 feet long and 8 inches wide. The number 18 has great prominence – first five steps signify the five ‘indriyas’ or senses – eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin; the next eight steps symbolizes eight ragas; the next three represents three ‘gunas’ – ‘satwa’, ‘rajas’, ‘thamas’ and the last two steps denote ‘vidya’ (knowledge) and ‘avidya’ (ignorance). By scaling all the 18 steps, one takes the path of self-realization.

The beautiful idol of Lord Ayappa is made of Panchaloha (a five metal alloy) and is about one and a half feet high. Lord Ayappa sits in a meditative pose, with a band around the folded legs and right hand in ‘chinmudra’ with the forefinger touching the thumb indicating “Thou art that”. Lord Ayyappa grants refuge to His devotees and protects them from all evils.

The Story of Lord Ayyappa

Sri Ayyappa philosophy and worship are profoundly spiritual, universal and timeless.

Shastha Gayatri Mantra mp3@ omshivam.wordpress.com

Bhootha Naathaya Vidmahe
Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thanno Saastha Prachodayaath.

The Bhoothanaathopaakhyaanam is the main Purana containing the legend of Sri Dharma Shastha .

Leela a cursed Rishi women

Leela and her husband Rishi Dattatreya were both children of learned Brahmins. They were very devout(having deep religious feelings) and in deep love for each other. After several years of married life, the Sage Dattatreya felt that it was time for them to renounce the world and turn entirely to spiritual ways. Leela did not agree to the proposal. She won’t let him do so too. The dispute led to a hot arguement. Finally the Sage cursed her to become a she buffalo with devilish disposal.
She who was born to a demoniac called mahishi Asura with the head of a she-buffalo and human body
Leela was reborn as Mahishi, the sister of Mahishasura. Both the sister and brother underwent severe penance and obtained boons from Brahma the Creator.

Mahishasuran, Son of Ramban, undertook a severe penance (Dhavam). Lord Brahma tried to distract his concentration, but having failed in his attempts, he appeared before the Asura and blessed him with a boon. Mahishasuran asked Lord Brahma to give him a boon by which no man in the earth would be able to kill him, and Lord Brahma conferred the boon on him.

Mahishasuran, armed with his boon, began to commit atrocities and murders on the earth and terrorised people. Fearing his wrath, people ran away to far away places.

The Devas seeing the atrocities committed by Mahishasuran came to the conclusion that only a divine power could kill him and approached  Chandikadevi (Mahishasuramardhini) pleading to put an end to Mahishasura who was misusing the boon given by Lord Brahma. Chandikadevi set out on her mission and killed Mahishasura in a duel, on earth.
Mahishi. daughter of Karamba, brother of Ramban undertook a severe penance in order to take revenge on the Devas, who were responsible for the death of her brother. Lord Brahma appeared and offered to confer on Mahishi any boon except that of immortality. Mahishi asked Lord Brahma to bless her with a boon by which nobody, except the son created out of the union of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Haran), would be able to kill her. Lord Brahma gave the boon and Mahishi went to Devaloka and started harassing the Devas.Since this was an impossible prospect Mahishi deemed herself to be indestructile and became very proud, agressive and arrogant.
She unleashed terror in all three worlds.

The killing of Mahishasura by Durgadevi fanned the flames of arrogance. Mahishi became unstoppable. The gods under the leadership of Indra left Amarapuri not able to stop her. The rude and crude subjects of Mahishi devastated heaven.

.Mahishi, daughter of Karambaasura undertook a severe penance in order to take revenge on the Devas, who were really responsible for the death of the Asuraas.

Lord Brahma appeared and offered to confer on Mahishi any boon except that of immortality. Mahishi asked Lord Brahma to bless her with a boon by which nobody , except the son created out of the union of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Haran), would be able to kill her. Lord Brahma gave the boon and Mahishi went to Devaloka and started harassing the Devas. This boon made her very more evil and egoistic that she oppressed the three worlds and placed herself on the throne of Indra, the king of the Devas, the celestials.

On the earth all sacred rituals came to a grinding halt, as Mahishi would not allow any such thing. Learning and prayer became unheard of. The weight of crimes became unbearable for Mother Earth. She appealed pitiously to the Lords for redumption. They consoled her and promised proper action. Though confident in the Lords’ abilities all wondered how a son will be born to two males. What they did not understand was that “Adwaitha Brahma” was beyond such sectarial considerations.

The Devas and the Rishis prayed to Lord Vishnu to give them relief from her oppression and Lord Vishnu assured them protection.

Because of a curse of the sage Durvasa, the Devas were also in another great trouble then having lost their everlasting youthfulness. However, the Devas could somehow manage to get temporary co-operation of the demoniac Asuras, their eternal enemies and they together churned the Ocean of Milk from which emerged the Amrita, the potion that would bring them back eternal youth. However, the Asuras forcibly took away the Amrita. Lord Vishu, thereupon assumed the form of an enchantress called Mohini. The Asuras fell an easy victim to her charms and Mohini deceptively took away the Amrita and handed it over to the Devas.

Lord Shiva granted a boon to an Asura: He was given the powers to reduce to ashes anyone he touched. The Asura turns against Shiva. Shiva went to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu assumes the form of a beautiful woman, Mohini. The Asura was hynoticed by her beauty. As a precondition to marriage, Mohini wants him to dance with her for once. He forgets everything and dances like her, placing his hand on his own head. The Asura is turned in to ash.
There upon Lord Siva wanted to see that most beautiful form of Mohini and seeing the most enchanting form fell in love with her form.Lord Shiva himself fascinated by Devi Mohini and weds her .A son, Dharma Shastha was born to them. Lord Ayyappa born out of the union between two main deites of Bhagvan shiva & Devi Mohini (an incarnation of vishnu in women form ) called by the name Harihara Sudan. Thus the impossible condition for the destruction of the demoniac Mahishi – the she buffalo – was materialized. (The story thus engagingly highlights the oneness of the spiritual aspects of Siva and Vishnu and the vibrant Power of that Unity conceived by Dharma Sastha.) .

However, according to the above-mentioned Purana the Devas placed this child born to Lord Siva and Devi Mohini on the banks of Pampa while the Mahishi was doing intense penance again to get more powers.

King Rajashekara (a King of Pandaya Dynasty one of the Ancient Kerala Dynasties) of Pandalam was very courageous and nobel in his deeds. People were living happily and prosperously during his regime. However, the king was very unhappy that he had no children and his subjects were also worried that he had no heir to inherit his kingdom. As per the wish of the queen, both of them prayed Lord Shiva for blessing them with a child.

On one auspicious day the King went for hunting in the forest adjoining the banks of River Pampa, along with his men. He started hunting courageously in the dense forest which was a sanctuary for many fercious wild animals. After that hunting was over, King Rajashekara advised his men to take rest and sat there entertaining himself with the sight of the natural greenish beauty and the waterfalls, of the forest.
At that time, he heard a sound of baby from somewhere in the forest. Surprised, he went around and reached the banks of River Pampa .
There he saw a very beautiful and divine baby child with signs of a Great Kshatriya
Chakravarthy (King of Kings)and a golden chain with a bell Mani(a beautiful &precious stone ) was around his neck and (i.e. Lord Ayyappa) kicking his legs placed on the soft banks of Pamba river.

A black Cobra was sitting as guard near the Baby’s head. As soon as the king embraced the Little baby in his hands the giant serpent disappeared .The king was in a dilemma whether to take the child to the Palace or leave it there itself While the King was engrossed in his thoughts, a Great Yogi Sanyasi appeared before him and told the King that he need not be afraid of the child and take him to the Palace and that the child belonged to Kshatriya capable of mitigating all sufferings.

The yogi further stated that since the Child had a mani around his neck, his name be called “MANIKANDAN” and when the child completed twelve years, the King would know his divine history. After uttering these words, the yogi Sanyasi disappeared.

The King of Pandalam was very joyous, he took the child to his Palace and briefed the Queen about the incident. The King and the Queen, having prayed to Lord Shiva, for a child, were very happy that they had been blessed with a child. The people also felt happy that a heir to inherit the Kingdom after the King, has been found
However, the minster of the Kingdom who was thinking that he would be the next crown after Rajashekara was worried.

Then the child was named Manikandan, Prince manikandan began to grow in the Palace, everything began to prosper in kingdom. He was taught all martial arts and sastras and the Guru was surprised at his brilliance and agility and the extraordinary talents. The Guru came to the conclusion that he was not an ordinary child, but a divine power. After completing his education under the Guru, Manikandan approached the Guru to offer his Guru Dakshina.

When Manikandan went to his Guru for his blessings, the Guru told him that he already knew that he was a divine power and he was blessed for having been given an opportunity to have Manikandan as a student. The Guru further told Manikandan that he had one request to make and that was that his only son who was dumb should be given speech. Manikandan called the Guru’s son and put his hands on his head and immediately Guru’s son had his speech. Manikandan requested the Guru not to reveal this to anyone and went to the Palace.

In the meanwhile, the Queen gave birth to a male child and the child was named RajaRajan. King Rajashekara, impressed with the talents of Manikandan, decided to crown him, treating him as his eldest son. He ordered the minister to make arrangements for the same. The minster hated this and started devising plans to prevent Manikandan from being crowned to the throne and to annihilate him. He tried various methods including poisoning of food, but failed in all these. However, Manikandan’s body bore an injury due to these and ordinary physicians could not cure it. Lastly, Lord Shiva disguising himself as a physician, treated Manikandan’s injury and cured him.
Prince Manikandan grew as an extremely brilliant boy. People began to admire him as the re-incarnation of Lord Dharma Sastha. Before his twelfth year, Ayyappa could master all Shastras and Vedas as well as the art of warfare.(All Eighteen levels of Kalaripayet) .

{Kalaripayet or Kshatriya Vidya in sanskrit}The most Ancient & Highest level of martial art ,also called The martial Art of Gods.This Knowledge was first taught to the Warrior Sage Parushurama by Lord Shiva.
Parshurama taught this to his twenty one selected shishyas
These 21 warrior Sages were the first Masters of this Kalaripayet
The High levels of this Kshatriya Vidya is still unknown & only basic knowledge is known to man

The Kingdom of Pandalam was then under threat from some oppressive chieftains. Ayyappa went around the country to eliminate all the enemeis and beside this he started teaching the importance of Sanatana Dharma to his peoples & taught them the real aim & meaning of dharma is to attain Self realization & doing nishkaam karma for the wisdom of all mankind. . Irrespective of caste, creed or religion, a large group of people followed him to assist him in maintaining law and order. Among his chieftains were Vavar and Valiya Kadutha and Kochu Kadutha, who were from the tribal Warriors. Eventually the oppressive chieftains were vanquished
When Pandalam and neighbouring areas became calm and peaceful a and free from the terrorists,King Rajashekara wanted to make Ayyappa his successor to the kingdom of Pandalam. But Ayyappa himself had no such desire.
Having failed in all his attempts to kill Manikandan, the wicked minster approached the Queen and told her that she had her own son, it was not correct to crown a person who came from the forest. He further told the Queen since Arthasastra itself has justified any misdeed if it was done to extract a good thing, he would suggest that the Queen should pretend as if suffering from severe headache and stomach pain and he would make the physician tell that only a tigress’ milk should be brought to cure the Queen and since Manikandan would only go to the forest to bring the milk, he would be in danger from the wild animals and even if Manikandan returned without bringing the tigress’ milk, the King’s love for him would not be as before. The Queen, became a prey to the minsters plot and agreed to do what he told, so that her son could succeed the King to the throne.

The Queen, as told by the minster, cried out loudly that she was suffering from severe headache and stomach pain and the King, believing this, called the minster to bring in the best physicians to treat her. The Physician, brought by the minster examined the Queen and told the King that the Queen had been suffering from a dangerous disease and it could be cured only by applying Tigress’ milk .The King sent several of his men to the forest for bringing this milk. The King understood that it was an impossible task and wanted his dear Queen to be cured at any cost and offered half of his Kingdom to anybody who brought the Milk.
When the King was thinking about this, Manikandan asked him to let him go to the forest promising to bring the milk. However, the King told him that he was awaiting to be crowned to the throne that he was also not of age and hence refused to let him go. Manikandan told the King, in spite of his refusal, he had to go lest he would be cursed for not curing the Queen. Since the King persisted in his refusal Manikandan wanted the King to promise to do something he wanted. The King gave the promise and asked him what he wanted and immediately Manikandan asked the King to permit to go to the Forest. The King felt disappointed that he had been tricked and with no other alternative permitted Manikandan to go to the forest.

King Rajasekara made arrangements to send a group of his loyal men along with Manikandan, which however was refused by Manikandan on the ground that the tigress might run away seeing the crowd of soldiers. King Rajashekara sent along with Manikandan necessary foodstuffs and coconuts with three-eyes, in remembrance of Lord Shiva. The Panchabuthas, sent by Lord Shiva, accompanied Manikandan to Forest. However, on his way Manikandan, came to know the atrocities of Mahishi in the Devaloka, he went there and fought a battle with Mahishi. During the conflict, Manikandan threw Mahishi down to earth from devaloka and she fell on the banks of Azhutha River. Manikandan clashed with her at Azhutha river again.

Eventually, Dharma Sastha killed Mahishi and threw away the dead body at Azhutha, on the eastern side of the river Azhutha, which is a branch of the river Pampa .

When Dharma Sastha killed Mahishi her purified soul transformed in to a divine beautiful girl. After appearing from the body of demon Mahishi, she thanked dharma sastha for reliveing her soul from the curse & asked the boon to be lifelong devotee of lord Ayyppa., she made a request to Lord Ayyappa to marry her. But Ayyappa said that he was a Brahmachari and so he could not marry her. But she continued to plead to marry her and then Lord Ayyappa said that He will accept her when the day comes when no first time visitors comes to his shrine.The lord ayypan blessed her to be a goddess named Maligapuratha amma and be worshipped by all devoties of lord Ayappa.
The thankful and overjoyed Devas and Rishis prayed to Him and worshipped Him by installing an Sankalpik (Divyamuriti)a divine idol of Dharma Sastha at Ponnambalamedu. They showered the idol with flowers and worshipped it by performing Pooja with camphor flame. Eventually, sage Parashurama installed the idol of Dharma Sastha at the same sacred spot.

After blesssing divine girl Manikandan went to the forest for the tigress milk, when Lord Shiva appeared before him and told him that though he had done good for the Devas, still there was one main task and that was to give comfort to the King Rajasekara who was very concerned about him.

Lord Shiva further told him that he could go to the Palace with Lord Devendran in the form of a tiger. With Manikandan on the tiger, all female devas in the disguise of a tigress and male Devas, as tigers started their journey to the Palace.

When Manikandan, with the tigers, approached the Palace, the people who ridiculed him when the started his journey to forest whether he wanted a toy tigresses, really got panicky seeing the violent bunch of animals and started running helter skelter.
Just then, the same yogi Sanyasi who appeared before King Rajasekara when he picked up Manikandan at the forest as a baby, appeared again at the palace and told King Rajashekara the real identity of Manikandan. Hearing this, the King stood in great surprise and silence. He saw Manikandan riding a tiger and people running away. Seeing the King, Manikandan descended from the Tiger and told him that since the tigresses were there, he could get the Queen cured with their milk. King Rajashekara, fell at his feet and asked to forgive him for whatever happened without his knowledge, and asked him to send back the tigers as the Queens ailment had been cured the moment Manikandan went to the forest.
King Rajashekara told Manikandan that the minster was responsible for all these things and hence he should be punished. However, Manikandan told the king that he need not punish the minster and all had happened only through the will of God, and he told further that time had come for him to go to Devaloka since the task for
which he took avatar himself on the Earth is completed and the king and the queen asked for forgiveness .

Then Manikantan gave a Darshan a spiritual vision to the king.,seeing the lord ‘s Dharma Shastha in Purna Roopa the king get filled with emotions of happiness, grief, fear, wonder and devotion and self-surrender, the king stood praying for the mercy and blessings of Manikantan. He repented he could not fully visualize 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.lord ayyappa blessed the king &queen &asked the King what boon he wanted from him and he was ready to give it as he was much pleased by his devotion. Immediately, King Rajashekara requested the lord that they wanted to raise a temple in his memory and suggest a suitable place for the temple.

Manikandan aimed an arrow which fell at a place called Sabari, where in Sri Rama’s era a Sanyasini called Sabari observed Dhavam. Lord Ayyappa told the King to renovate the temple of Lord Dharma Sastha at Sabarimala, which was in a very dilapidated condition. The king agreed and made arrangements for the renovation of the temple. When the royal entourage, which included the armed forces carrying all the necessary materials for construction and stocks of food reached the place which is today known as Saramkuthi, near Sabarimala temple , Ayyappa requested the king and his soldiers to leave all the weaponry beneath a big banyan tree there, as carrying of weapons to a temple premises was a sacrilege. Accordingly, the sword, spears, clubs etc. were left at the foot of the banyan tree and the entourage proceeded to the temple. This was on the sacred ‘Makara Sankranti’ day. Suddenly a big storm arose accompanied by heavy rains and fog. Visibility deteriorated and the people could not even see each other. When the storm and rain subsided and the fog gave way, Ayyappa was seen merging into the idol of Lord Dharma Sastha in the holy Sanctum . King Rajasekhara was heart broken seeing this and implored Ayyappa, “I have made all arrangements for your coronation and what shall I do with all the ornaments which were made for your coronation ceremony? As an answer the king heard a voice from the direction of the idol : “I am entering eternal meditation and Cosmic Consciousness for the welfare of the universe. However, every year at the time of Makara Sankranti, I will wake up from my meditation and open my eyes to see and bless this world. At that time you may adorn my idol with all the ornaments that you have made for my coronation ceremony. All who worship me are blessed as they will come closer to my Universal Consciousness.” With these words, Lord Ayyappa closed his eyes and entered into meditation once again. .

As per Saint Agasthya’s advise, King Rajasekara laid the foundation stone for the building the Sabarimala Shrine. Bhagwan Manikandan, had made it clear that he would grace only those devotees who offer Dharshan after performing Vritha for fortyone days keeping themselves isolated from family desires and tastes and leading a life like Brahmacharya, thinking of good things always, and that while coming for his darshan, they shall carry the holy irumudi on their heads, as the Bhagwan did when he went to the forest to fetch tigress milk, and bathed in River Pampa raising slogans of Saranam and climb the eighteen stairs.

As graced by the Bhagwan ayyappa King Rajashekara completed building of the temple with eighteen steps to reach it. When the King was thinking how to put Dharmasastha’s figure in the temple for darshan to devotees, he recalled the words of the Bhagwan, the River Pampa was a holy river as River Ganga, Sabarimala was a holy place as Kasi. Dharmasastha sent Parasuraman to Sabarimala who carved the figure of Lord Ayyappa and installed it on the day of Makarasankranthi, the day on which the Makara Jothi appears.
To abide by the divine commandment, `Thiruvaabharanam’ ( a set of holy ornaments) is brought to Sabarimala every year on the Makara Sankranti day which falls around January 14th each year. The idol of white horse which was deared to lord manikantan is placed on the top of golden dwaja stamba & the sacred Sword used by bhagvan hmself is also worshipped by devotees with great respect .
Ayyappan is also known as “Kaliyugavaradhan”, since He wil bless us to attain Moksha in this difficult age of KALIYUGA

The shrine of Lord Ganapati:
To the south-west of the main temple is the shrine of Lord Ganapati, known as Kannimula Ganapati. The special offering to this deity is Ganapati homam.
Homakund: There used to be a large homakund (Sacred Fire) in front of the shrine, which burned constantly, fed by the coconut shells thrown by the devotees, after offering the ghee. As the coconut shells gets consumed by the fire, the sins of the devotees are believed to be cleansed. Due to the growing crowds in the temple, the homakund has now been shifted to a location below the temple.

Bhasma Kulam: About a 100 metres away is the shrine of Malikappurathamma. route to the shrine is the temple pond, Bhasma Kulam, in which hundreds of devotees take a holy bath in memory of the tapaswini Sabari who entered a fire to end her mortal life. It is after her that the peak is named Sabarimala.On account of the number of people who bathe in the pond, the water is frequently drained out and refilled with fresh water.
Malikappurathamma:
Situated on a small hillock, the Malikappurathamma temple houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy. Devotees also worship a trident and lamp here, and offer coconuts. The coconuts are not broken, however, but are just rolled on the ground .
To the left of this temple are the shrines of the snake god and goddess, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Here, tribals beat on drums, play stringed instruments and sing sarppa pattu to protect devotees and their progeny from the harmful effects of snakebites.
,Malikapuram Temples at Sabarimala is dedicated to Malikapurathamma. The small temple is located on the right side of the main temple at Sabarimala. There is an interesting story of Ayyappa and Malikapurathamma. The popular belief is that Malikapurathamma is the beautiful woman that emerged from the body of Demon Mahishi after the demon was annihilated by Lord Ayyappa. The first time visitors, to the Ayyappa temple pierce sharakol, or arrow, at Sharamkutti on the way to the Sabarimala Temple. Every year Malikapurathamma is taken from MalikapuramTempleto Sharamkutti in a procession to know whether any Kanni Ayyappas have arrived. She returns back sadly after seeing thousands of Sharakols at Sharamkutti and the godesse still waits for the day lord ayypa would fullfill her request. The most important puja and offering performed at the Malikapuram Temple is Bhagavati Seva. Pattudayada (silk cloth dark blue in color as the dark blue color was dear to Bhagvan shri Dharma shastha because dark blue symbolizes deep meditation or dhyaan samadhi), Pottu (Bindi), Chandu, Kanmashi (Kajal), and Vala (bangles) are the other main offerings. A unique ritual performed by Ayyappa devotees at Malikapuram Temple is the rolling of coconuts.
The other shrines near Malikapuram Temple are that of Nagaraja, Navagrahas and Kochu Kadathu Swami. Mani Mandapam the place where Lord Ayyappa meditated before merging with main Murti in the Sabarimala Temple is also located here.
Kadutha and Vavar Swamy are also located in close proximity of the main temple.Shrines of Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy: At the foot of the Patinettampadi are the two shrines of Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy, who stand like dwarapalakas or guardians of the holy steps, to ensure that they are not polluted by thos
e who tread on them without fulfilling the rigid austerities required of them. They are also believed to protect the devotees from the evil spirits of the forests.
According to legend, Kadutha was a great warrior who helped the Pandalam king defeat the armies of Udayanan and other enemies. When the king came to Sabarimalai to reconstruct the temple, Kadutha came with him to protect him. Ultimately, he became so attached to Ayyappa that he decided to spend the rest of his days with his Lord.
Also near the Patinettampadi is the shrine of the Muslim Vavurswami. While there are several accounts of identity of Vavur, it is generally believed that he was a warrior who was defeated and subdued by Ayyappa, and later became a one of the shishyas or disicple. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa himself instructed the Pandalam king to build a mosque for Vavur at Erumeli and a shrine at Sabarimalai.
These are the other three temples which a pilgrim must visit during his pilgrimage.

Every year millions of devotees throng to Sabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and adorn themselves with beedjapamalas and irumudis, chants slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the eighteen steps and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha.

“Makara Jyothi” OR Spiritual Divine light

For those who dont know….This divine phenomenon of a light appearing happens every year on a Sanatan hindu festival called “Makara Sankranthi”.
On the day of Makar-sankranti, the chariot of the Sun-god enters the Makar-rashi (one of the zodiacs). The process of entering a new sign of zodiac occurs every month, but since the Sun enters the makar-rashi in this month, thus a distinguishing meritorious period is generated & during this span, the sattvaguna (quality of goodness) is specially enhanced.

As per vedic Astrology the transition of sun from dhanu rashi to makara rashi is called makar sankranti .This day is auspicious to all santana dharma hindus, the starting of uttarayana is considered as the day of yogis ,this is the sameday when great yogi Bhishma of Mahabharata attained salvation through yogic samadhi.
Lord Manikantan incarnated on the earth on Makara Sankranti day or Makaravillaku & went to Yoga Samadhi on this Auspicious & sacred Makra Sankranti.
Thus this day is very important in the life of Lord Ayappa devotee & for all Hindus of Sanatan Dharma.
Every 14 th approx January on Makara Sankranti at the sacred Sabrimala the whole universe and the mother nature herself comes to witness this spiritual wonder.
The Spiritual divine light appears three times for a few seconds and goes away. Legend has it that Lord “Ayyappa” himself appears in this form every year as promised to his devotees

There are several explanations regarding the 18sacred steps before the lord ayypas idol but in all of them most emphasis is on the number 18 The18 sacred steps are considered as the 18 Yoga Margas described in the “The Shrimad Bhagvad Gita” & 18th one the moksha Sanyasa yoga would take the true devotee to Self Realisation .

TATVAM ASI.

Thiruvabharanam procession

Thiruvabharanam is the sacred ornaments of Ayyappan, the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple. The ornaments are made of gold. It is believed that these ornaments are made at the orders of the Pandalam King, who adopted Ayyappan as his child.

Thiruvabharanam is kept in the Srampickal Palace of Pandalam, which is close to the Valiyakoikkal Temple, inside the Pandalam Palace premises. A few days before the festive season starts, a procession carrying the holy caskets containing the sacred ornaments proceeds towards Sabarimala around January 12 every year.[1] At around 1 o’ clock in the afternoon of the day the sacred procession starts, an Eagel, popularly known as Sree Krishna Parunthu, is sighted circling above the temple and seen accompanied with the procession. Devotees believe that this is Vishnu upon Garuda accompanying the Thiruvabharanam from Pandalam to Sabarimala where again the kite is found hovering above the temple.
The royal representative of the King of Pandalam accompanies the procession in a palanquin. On the Makaravilakku day, Ayyappan’s idol in Sabarima is adorned with these sacred ornaments. After the festive season, the return procession of the Thiruvabharanam starts from Sabarimala and reaches back Pandalam.
The Thiruvabharanam procession follows the traditional routes through forests, hills, and rivers. A team of representatives (not belonging to the Royal Family) takes the holy caskets on their heads. The procession is accompanied by hundreds of devotees and armed policemen. The procession is warmly welcomed by different associations and temples on the way to Sabarimala and back.
The Sacred Thirvabharnan

Thiruvanbharanam procession carries three cases or caskets. They are the main Thriuvabharanam box, the Velli Petti and the Kodi Petti. These contain the following:

Box 1

Thirumugham
Prabha Mandalam
Valia Churika
Cheria Churika
Aana (Elephant) – 2 (miniature replica)
Kaduva – 1 (miniature replica)
Velli Kettia Valampiri Sankh – 1 (Conch shell with q right hand spiral – Silver covered)
Lakshmi Roopam
Poothattam (A ceremonial plate for carrying flowers)
Navarathna Mothiram (Navarathnam ring)
Sarapoli Mala – Traditional temple necklace
Velakku Mala – Traditional temple necklace
Mani Mal – Traditional temple necklace
Erukkum Poomala – Traditional temple necklace
Kanchambaram

Box 2

Thaila Kudam for Kalasam
Required Pooja utensils

Box 3

Kodi Petti
Netti Pattom for the elephant
Chattah Idunna Jeevatha
Flags of Talapara and Udampara
Mezhuvatta Kuda

Hari Harathmaja Ashtakam

Hari Harathmaja Ashtakam or Harivarasanam ,the divine song(also known as Hariharasuthāshtakam) is a devotional song composed in the astakam metre, recited at sabrimalaat main door of the holy sancturam sreekovil, before closing the temple door every night. The song was written by Kambamgudi Kulathur Iyer and Swami Vimochanananda sang it for the first time at Sabarimala.Though there have been many versions of this song sung by many renowned vocalists. The Sabrimala plays the rendition by Padmashri Dr Kj Yesudas every evening after the final pooja. Harivarasanam is written in highly Sanskritised Malayalam.
In the olden times Sabarimala was located in the deep jungle area with adventures& riskfull routes ,therefore only a few prayful courageous devotees managed the difficult pilgrimage. The temple opened during the Sabarimala season (November to January) but otherwise was only open on the first day of every malayalam monthVr gopala menon, from alapuzha used to accompanyThirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri, the Melshanthi (head priest), to Sannidhanam every time, and would stay there by himself even when the temple was closed, remaining undisturbed by the wild animals. Later, when Devaswom Board was formed, it is believed that he was asked to move out. He eventually died at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar.
Gopala Menon used to recite “Harivarasanam” with all devotion during his time at Sannidhanam, and when Thirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri heard about the passing away of the Revered Menon, he was deeply saddened. At the end of the day’s rituals, the Namboothiri was about to close the doors of the Sannidhanam when he remembered the dedication and sacrifice of the Revered Gopala Menon and he then began to recite “Harivarasanam”‘ he feeled a divine presence as lord ayyappa was was making him sang the ashtakam, starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day.
Today, as the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis (priests) leave the Sreekovil one by one. As the song ends, only the Melsanthi is inside. He extinguishes the lamps one at a time and closes the doors for the night.Itis belived that this ashtakam is loved by Lord Ayyppa so all devotees recite this devotinal song with pure& full heart.

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Repository of Hari’s boons,
Enchanter of universe,
Essence of Hari’s grace,
He whose holy feet is worshipped,
He who kills enemies of good thought,
He who daily dances the cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Saranakirtanam Bakhtamanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam
Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who likes song of refuge,
He who is in the mind of devotees,
He who is the great ruler,
He who loves to dance,
He who shines like the rising sun,
He who is king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham
Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He whose soul is truth,
He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created universe,
He who shines with a glittering Halo,
He who is the temple of “OM”,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Thuragavahanam Sundarananam
Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham
Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who rides a horse,
He who has a pretty face,
He who has the blessed mace as weapon,
He who bestows grace like a teacher,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam
Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam
Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who is worshiped by the three worlds,
He who is the soul of all gods,
He who is the lord of Shiva,
He who is worshipped by devas,
He who is who is worshipped three times a day,
He whose thought is fulfilling,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who destroys fear,
He who brings prosperity,
He who is enchanter of universe,
He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides a white elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam
Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who blesses with enchanting smile,
He who has is very pretty,
He who is adorned by sandal paste,
He who has a pretty mien,
He who is a like a lion to the elephants,
He who rides on a tiger,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
Hari Harathmaja Ashtakam

Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam
Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who is dear to his devotees,
He who fulfills wishes,
He who is praised by Vedas,
He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the essence of Vedas,
He who enjoys divine music,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

By Shri Kambangudi Kulathu Iyer
Translated by Shri P.R.Ramachander

Sabarimala Temple

Thanga Anki
Thousands of devotees today thronged the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa here to offer prayers to the deity here on the occasion of “Mandala Puja.”

Prior to the pooja, the Ayyappa idol was adorned with the ’thanka anki’ (golden attire).

The temple will be closed after ‘Athazapuja’, marking the culmination of the 41-day ‘mandalam vrithom’ (penance). It will reopen on for the Makaravilaku festival on January .

a procession with the “thanka anki’ is taken to sanidhanam (central shrine that seats the deity) from Sree Parthasarathy Temple at Aranmula, from where it started

The Anki was presented to the Sabrimala Ayyappa temple by late Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma of the erstwhile Travancore Royal Family.

Thanga Anki procession carrying the ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa in a specially-decorated vehicle being taken to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala.

Makara Nakshatra

The Makara Nakshatra is totally different from Makra Jyothi, some people get confused with Makra nakshatra & Makara Jyothi .Makra nakshatra is a celestial star (Nakshatra Devanagari: नक्षत्र,Sanskrit: nakshatra, ‘star’, fromnaksha, ‘approach’, and tra, ‘guard’) or lunar mansion is one of the 27 divisions of the sky, identified by the prominent stars in them, used in Jyotish
This is Uttram Nakshatra in Malayalam or Uttra Phalguni Nakshatra in Sanskrit.
The Birth Star of Lord Ayyappa.The main puja the Prathishta Karma of the idol of Lord Ayyappa is done in the presence of this star in the sky.This beautiful Makra nakshatra or Star can be seen in sky right after the sunsets at the horizon.

But Makara Jyothi is a True Spiritual Miracle it happens only on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, marking the end of the three-month Sabarimala pilgrim season. & the Spirtual Divine Light appears on the horizon of the hill shrine for three times and vanishes away.At that special moment whole area the Sabari hills and the foothills at river Pampa get reverberated with religious chants.

For many years scientists & atheist organistions tried their best to crack this mystery but all of them failed & ran away. Nonone on this earth was or is or will be able to to break the faith of a Ayyappa devotee.
The number of Ayyappa devotees & followers is still increasing at every moment…

Details of Vrutham

The austerities (Vrutham) starts on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrichikam ( November 14/15/16 ) for those devotees who intend to worship Lord Ayyappa on Mandala Pooja Day( around 25th December ) or Makara Sankranti day (around Jan 14th). “Makara Sankranti” day is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala and ” Mandala Pooja day ” is considered as second most auspicious day. Nowdays the temple is open to devotees on 1st day of each Malayalam month and other kerala festival days such as “Vishu”, “Thiru Onam”, etc. However 41 days minimum vrutham is necessary before the day of Pilgrimage to Sabarimala as per the conditions of the pilgrimage.

The vrutham starts from the day of wearing of “Thulasi Mala” (garland) or “Rudraksha Mala” with the locket of Lord Ayyappa. The mala is to be accepted from a temple Priest or Guru Swami (The devotee who has visited the Sabarimala Temple several times and who can guide the other devotees in all matters relating to Sabarimala pilgrimage) after the mala is duly sanctified in a temple/ or pooja room. .After wearing the “Mala” the devotee is called as “Ayyappan” or “Swami”( in the name of Lord Ayyappa) till the completion of his pilgrimage and removal of Mala thereafter. The eligible female( aged between 1 and 9 and above 50 years) devotees are called as “Malikapuram”( The Shakti of Lord Ayyappa).

Waterfalls in the forest

During the period of Vrutham utmost care should be taken by each devotee to keep their mind and body clean,pure and balanced. The devotee is expected to live like “sadhu” and his action,word,thought should not under any circumstances hurt the feelings of the others. The devotee should avoid all worldly pleasure Only Vegetarian food should be taken for pure mind & pure body. They are also not expected to cut hair and nails a shave. Black / dark blue dhoti and shirt is the proper dress for the vrutham. Wearing Chappal, Shoes are not allowed as per traditional rule of the Vrutham. Absolute Bramacharya during the period is essential without which no devotee should go to Sabarimala Temple. The devotee is expected to pray in the morning and evening after taking bath. Before each meal devotee should pray and take the meal as “Prasadam” of Lord Ayyappa.

Without proper Vrutham Pilgrimage to Sabarimala is not at all advisable. The mental satisfaction of the pilgrimage can be attained only through the proper Vrutham.May the Lord Ayyappa help everybody to follow the rule of traditional Vrutham for theattainment of salvation of the soul.

Pooja Details
Neyyiabhishekam

This ritual of bathing the Ayyappa idol in ghee is considered an important offering to the deity. It is symbolic of the pilgrim’s self-realisation. The pilgrimage itself is a symbolic journey of the individual soul merging with the supreme reality.In fact, the filling up of an empty coconut with ghee is the most important ritual before the beginning of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Even before filling one’s irumudi kettu, the pilgrim fills up the neythenga or a coconut filled with ghee, with sarana mantram on his lips.

Before filling ghee into the coconut, the devotee drains out water in the coconut symbolising the draining out of his worldly aspirations. He then fills up empty coconut with ghee, the ghee representing the soul and coconut the body.

This coconut is broken only at the hill shrine and the ghee is taken for abhishekom. When the pilgrim stands before the idol and Neyyabhishekom is performed, the merging of jivatma with the paramatma takes place.The broken pieces of coconut are thrown into the sacred fire(Homa Kund) kept alive throughtout the season on the temple premises. The burning symbolises, devouring of all impurities of one’s heart in the fire of knowledge developed through devotion to Ayyappa.
One important fact that authorities quite often fail to inform the devotees about this offering is that the neyyabhishekom is performed only till the ucha puja (special puja at noon). Abhishekoms are also perfomed with milk, tender coconut water, water, honey, vibhoothi (sacred ash), sandal paste, flower, etc.

PUSHPABHISHEKOM
The pushpabhishekom is performed only after deeparadana. Flowers are brought by the devotees. At times, pilgrims from Tamil Nadu bring along truckloads of flowers of various hues.

OFFERINGS TO KOCHU KADUTHA, VAVAR AND OTHER GODS
Ganjai, (a rare variety of plantain used only for rituals), malaru (broiled paddy) and jagri are offered to Kochu Kadutha Swamy, believed to one of the trusted lieutenants of Lord Ayyappa during his war against dacoit king Udayan.

Pepper, incense sticks and rose water are offered to Vavru Swamy, the Muslim confidante of the Lord.The Paanans (members of the caste by the same name who sing in temples to please snake gods) are made to sing before the Nagaraja and Nagayakshi idols to ward off evil spirits.

OFFERINGS AT MALIKAPURAM
Sachets of turmeric powder, normally carried along with other puja materials,are emptied around the temple of Malikappuram, adjacent to the hill shrine. Other than this saffron, silk and betel leaves are also offered to the goddess.Another unique offering is the nalikeram uruttu. The devotee can purchase a coconut from the temple counter and he rolls it around the temple and later breaks it in front of the shrine.

VEDIVAZHIPADU
Devotees burst Kathina (crude cracker made by packing gun powder in a very thick iron tube) in front of the Pathiettampady. This offering is made to please all gods. It is also believed that the explosion will scare away all evil spirits haunting one’s family.

UDAYASTHAMANA PUJA
Other pujas offered to the lord are udayasthamana puja and a day’s puja. The puja is now performed only during the first week of Malayalam months other than the mandala and Makara vilakku seasons as it affects the routine at the hillshrine during the annual congregation.

PADIPUJA
This is an elaborate puja made at the pathinettampadi, the 18 steps leading to the hill shrine. Though this puja was performed throughout the season, of late it is offered only when the temple opens during the first week of Malayalam months in view of the heavy crowd during mandalam and Mahara vilaku seasons.

IMPORTANT PUJAS DURING MANDALAM & MAHARA VILAKU SEASONS
The three main pujas during the mandalam season are the usha puja, ucha puja and athazha puja performed at morning, noon and night, respectively.The usha puja is performed at 7.30 am. However, there is stipulated timing for other pujas as it will depend on the crowd and number of neyyabhishekoms.While the usha puja and athazha puja are perfromed by the chief priest, the ucha puja is performed by the tantri. Another feature of the ucha puja is the offering made on 25 kalasams (metallic pots).At the morning puja, ushapayasam is the nivedyam (offering to the Lord). vellanivedyam and aravana (special payasam made during the mandala and makara vilakku seasons) are offered at noon and vellanivedyam and appam are offered for athazha puja.

Sabarimala Temple – Opening and Closing Dates
for this Year click link:- www.saranamayyappa.org

SHRINE OPENINGS ( 2009- 2010)

List Of Daily Rituals & Timings At Sabarimala
Ritual : Timimg
Opening of sanctum sanctorum : 4.00 a.m.
Nirmalya darshanam : 4.05 a.m.
Ganapati homam : 4.15 a.m.
Neyyabhishekom : 4.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m
Usha pooja : 7.30 a.m.
Ucha pooja : 1.00 p.m.
Closing of sanctum sanctorum : 1.30 p.m.
Opening of sanctum sanctorum : 4.00 p.m.
Deeparadhana : 6.30 p.m.
Pushpabhishekam : 7.00 p.m.
Athazha pooja : 10.30 p.m.
Harivarasanam : 10.50 p.m.
Closing of sanctum sanctorum : 11.00 p.m.
Opening and closing of Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Temple for the year 2009 – 2010 – 2011
Month Pooja Opening Date Closing Date
December 2009 Mandala Pooja Mahotsavam 15-11-2009 26-12-2009
Mandala Pooja 26-12-2009
January 2010 Makara Vilakku Mahotsvam 30-12-2009 20-01-2010
Makara Vilakku 14-01-2010
February Monthly Pooja (Kumbham) 12-02-2010 17-02-2010
March Monthly Pooja (Meenam) 14-03-2010 29-03-2010
Utsavam Kodiyettam 20-03-2010
Utsavam Aarattu –
Painkuni Uthram 29-03-2010
April Vishu Mahotsavam 10-04-2010 18-04-2010
Vishu Darsanam 14-04-2010
May Monthly Pooja (Edavam) 14-05-2010 9-05-2010
Prathistha Dinam 23-05-2010 24-05-2010
June Monthly Pooja (Midhunam) 14-06-2010 19-06-2010
July Monthly Pooja (Karkitakam) 16-07-2010 21-07-2010
August Monthly Pooja (Chingam)
Thiruvonam 23 16-08-2010 25-08-2010
September Monthly Pooja (Kanni) 16-09-2010 21-09-2010
October Monthly Pooja (Thulam) 17-10-2010 22-10-2010
November Sree Chithira Thirunal
Aatta Vishesham 04-11-2010 05-11-2010
Mandala Pooja Mahotsavam 16-11-2010 27-12-2010
December Mandala Pooja 27-12-2010
Makara Vilakku Mahotsavam 30-12-2010 20-01-2011
January 2011 Makara Vilakku 14-01-2011
Events : 2009-10
S No
Events
1
Prior to the Utsavam, Shudhi Kriyas consisting of Prasada Shudhi, Vaastu Bali, Vaastu Punyaham, Mulayidil will be performed.
2
Bimba Shudhi Kriyas consisting of Chathu Shudhi, Dhara, Panchakam, Panchagavyam and 25 Kalasam will be performed.
3
Kodiyettam (Temple Flag Hoisting) will be conducted during Makara Rasi. On Kodiyettam day, no Neyyabhishekham will be performed from 0700 hrs. It will re-commence after Kodiyettam.
4
Sribhutha Bali will be performed.
5
Utsava Bali will be performed. The Lord will be taken to special mandapam for the Utsava Bali. The ceremonies will commence at about 1300 hrs and will be over by about 1600 hrs. Utsava Bali darshan will be from 1400 hrs. On these days.
6
Palli Vetta will be undertaken.
7
Villkku Ezhunallipu
8
Arattu to Pampa.
9
As the Siveli Vigraham will be away at Pampa on the Aarattu day from morning till evening, temple darshan will not be possible till the Vigraham returns to the temple after the Aarattu.
Swamy Saranan Ayyappa
Routes to Sabarimla

The Holy Pampa River
The holy Pampa or Pamba plays an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. After passing around 102 steps the pilgrims can reach at the Pampa Maha Ganapathi Temple. Breaking coconuts is the main ritual here. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other divine places en route. At Pampa three hospitals are operational during the festival period apart from an information center.

Historic temples route to Sabarimala:

NILACKAL MAHADEVA TEMPLE: This is an important Temple en route to Sabarimala in between Plappally and Pampa. This is an intermediate halting area (with parking facilities).
ERUMELI SASTHA TEMPLE: Erumeli Sastha Temple, an important meeting place in the pilgrimage of Sabarimala, is very famous. There is also a Muslim Temple near to the Sastha Temple. Ayyappans go to Sabarimala after worshipping at these two temples, a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. The pilgrims go to Sabarimala after ‘Pettathullal’ at Erumeli. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala without Pettathullal and worship at the above mentioned temples is incomplete. Erumeli Temple is about 38 km south of Kottayam. The nearest Railway station is Kottayam.
PANDALAM VALIYAKOYICKAL TEMPLE: The procession of Lord Ayyappa begins from Sree Dharmaa Sastha of Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple during the Makaravilakku Festival. The nearest rail station is Chengannoor (12 km).
KULATHUPUZHA SASTHA TEMPLE: The Sastha Temple at Kulathupuzha is very ancient. The idol at Kulathupuzha is called ‘Manikantan’. It is believed that the Temple was constructed by the king of Pandalam. But the idol was discovered by a Brahmin from Kottarakkara years later who started the pooja there. The King of Kottarakkara heard about this, and constructed the present temple. Feeding to the fishes in the nearby river is an important ritual here.
CHANKOIL SASTHA TEMPLE: Achankoil Sastha (Arachan) temple is a sacred place where pilgrims from Keralaand nearby states pour in throughout the year. The nearest railway station is Shenkottah.
ARYANKAVU SASTHA TEMPLE: The legend behind the Ayyappa of Aryankavu is similar to that of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha. The only difference between the two are that Sastha was brough up by the Pandi Raja of Madura and not the Raja of Pandalam. There is a beautiful water fall known as ‘Palaruvi’ in the dense forest area about two km away from the temple premises. The temple is about 86 km away from Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottah road.
How to reach there
The normal itinerary of a Sabarimala pilgrim is to reach Erumely before proceeding to Pamba through the Mannarakulanji-Chalakkayam Road and trekking the forest road to reach the shrine.
FROM PATHANTHITTA: Mannarakulanji-Vadasserikkara-Perunadu-Plappally-Nilakkal-Chalakkayam-Pamba (Distance: 69 km)
FROM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are two routes:
1. Ayoor-Punalur-Pthanmathitta-Pamba (Distance: 184 km)
b. 2. Kottarakkara-Adoor-Pathanmthitta (Distance: 179 km)
FROM CHENGUNOOR: There are two routes to reach Pamaba from Chengunoor, the nearest railway station to Sabarimala:
1.Chengunoor-Aranmula-thekkemala-Pathanamthitta-Pamba (Distance: 93 km)
2.Chengunoor-Aranmula-Ranni Blockupadi-Vadasserikkara-Pamba (Distance: 88km)
FROM KOTTAYAM: There are several routes to Pamba from Kottayam, one of the main transit points in the pilgrimage. The important five routes are the following:
1. Kottayam-Changanassery-Thiruvalla-Kozhenchery-Ranny Blockupadi-Vadasserikkara-Pamba (Distance: 119 km)
2. Kottayam-Kodungoor-Chamampathal-Manimala-PLachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba (Distance: 105 km)
3. Kottayam-Kangazha-Pathanadu-Manimala-PLachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba (Distance: 104 km)
4. Kottayam-Karukachal-Manimala-Mukkada-Edamon-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba (Distance: 100 km)
5. Kottayam-Ponkunnam-Erumely-Mukkuttuthara-Pambavalley-PLappally-Pamba (Distance: 90 km) This is one of the easiest routes to reach Pamba.
By RAIL: The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broadgauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauge) and from there by bus to Pampa.
By AIR: The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumpassery by Air and from there by bus to Pamba.

Sree Ayyappa Devotional song Lyrics by ShriTKR Bhadran

Ore Oru Lakshyam Sabarimamala Ore Oru Moham Divya Darsanam
Ore Oru Margam Pathinettam Padi Ore Oru Manthram Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Orumayotukooti Ozhuki Vannitunnu
Charana Pankajangal Paniyuvan Varunnu
Oruvapussu njnagalkkoru vachassu njangalkkorumanassu njalkkorutharam vicharam
Akhilarum Varummu Nin Saranam Thedi Hariharathmaja Nee Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Ore Oru Lakshyam Sabarimamala Ore Oru Moham Divya Darsanam
Ore Oru Margam Pathinettam Padi Ore Oru Manthram Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Vanathalam Virakkum Valiya Sabdadhara
Surapatham Nadumgum Saranasabdadhara
Atavikal kadannoo malakalum Kadannoo
Paramapavanam Poonkavanam kadannoo
Varikayayi Njangal Arikilayi Njangal
Hariharathmaja Nee Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Ore Oru Lakshyam Sabarimamala Ore Oru Moham Divya Darsanam
Ore Oru Margam Pathinettam Padi Ore Oru Manthram Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

© Omshiva omshivam.wordpress.com 2010

Not only for Sabarimala temple also for number of temples.

Here is the link

http://www.hdfcbank.com/campaign/donate_charity/donate_charity.htm

Chennai Egmore Nagercoil weekly special (Train No. 0637) will leave Chennai Egmore at 8.20pm on Thursdays from December 17 to January 28 and arrive at Nagercoil at 11.05am the next day. Train No. 0638 Nagercoil Chennai Egmore special will leave Nagercoil at 1.30pm on Fridays from December 18 to January 29 and arrive at Chennai Egmore at 4.25am the next day.

Chennai Egmore Nagercoil weekly special (Train No. 0639) will leave Chennai Egmore at 6.45pm on Mondays from December 14 to January 25 and arrive at Nagercoil at 8am the next day. Train No. 0640 Nagercoil Chennai Egmore special will leave Nagercoil at 1.30pm on Tuesdays from December 15 to January 26 and arrive at Chennai Egmore at 4.25am the next day.

Chennai Egmore Sengottai weekly (Train No. 0609) special will leave Chennai Egmore at 8.20pm on Saturdays from December 19 to January 30 and arrive at Sengottai at 10.25am the next day. Train No. 0610 Sengottai Chennai Egmore special will leave Sengottai at 2.25pm on Sundays from December 20 to January 31 and arrive at Chennai Egmore at 4.25am the next day.

Nagercoil – Chennai Egmore weekly special (Train No. 0652) will leave Nagercoil at 7.40pm on Mondays from December 14 to January 25 and arrive at Chennai Egmore at 8.55am the next day. Train No. 0651 Chennai Egmore – Nagercoil special will leave Chennai Egmore at 2.40pm on Tuesdays from December 15 to January 26 and arrive at Nagercoil at 5.30am the next day.

Chennai Central Nagercoil Garib Rath special (Train No. 0607) will leave Chennai Central at 7.30pm on Wednesdays from December 16 to January 27 and arrive at Nagercoil at 11.05am the next day. Train No. 0608 Nagercoil Chennai Central Garib Rath special will leave Nagercoil at 1.30pm on Thursdays from December 17 to January 28 and arrive at Chennai Central at 4.50am the next day.

Chennai Central Kollam special (Train No. 0653) will leave Chennai Central at 3.15pm on January 19 and arrive at Kollam at 5.30am the next day. Train No. 0654 Kollam Chennai Central special will leave Kollam at 12.00pm on January 20 and arrive at Chennai Central at 4am the next day.

Chennai Central Kochuveli weekly special (Train No. 0633) will leave Chennai Central at 11.30pm on January 20 and arrive at Kochuveli at 3.40pm the next day. Train No. 0634 Kochuveli Chennai Central special will leave Kochuveli at 8.10pm on January 21 and arrive at Chennai Central at 12.20pm the next day.

Here is the schedule for the Sabarimala Pilgrimage in 2009-2010:

Mandala Pooja Mahotsavam Begins on November 15, 2009 at 1730 hrs.

Mandala Masam or Mandala Kalam begins on November 16, 2009. – the 41 day Mandalam Season begins.

The Shrine is open on all days.

Mandala Pooja is on December 26, 2009.

Temple closes after Mandala Pooja on December 26, 2009 at 2230 hrs.

The shrine then closes for a brief period and reopens for Makaravilakku festival.

Temple re-opens for Makara Vilakku Session on December 30, 2009 at 1730 hrs.

Makaravilakku is on January 14, 2010. The famous Makarajyothi sighting also will take place on this day.

Temple closes on January 20, 2010 at 2200 hrs.

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is located in the forests of the Sabari Hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 meter. Pamba is the important base camp on the way to Sabarimala temple and from here one has to trek 5 km to reach the temple.

A pilgrim visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple during the Mandalapooja period observes certain austerities for 41 days. The pilgrim should abstain from non- vegetarian habits, should not indulge in sex and should wear the special Rudraksha mala.

Some people don’t shave or cut their hair during the period. Some ardent devotees only wear black or saffron dress and avoid wearing foot wears.

Pilgrims set out in groups and each carry the Irumudikkettu, a cloth bundle containing traditional offerings to the temple which includes coconut, ghee, malar, rice etc.

People of all religions can visit the Sabarimala temple and there is no restriction of caste or creed. But there are certain restriction on women. Only those women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty are allowed in the shrine.

Free food is provided during the period in Pampa, the base camp before the trek to the temple.

You may also like to read

Chennai Sabarimala Package 2009 -2010 – Indian Railway Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Package

Chennai Sabarimala Special Trains 2009 – 2010 – Sabari Specials

How to reach Sabarimala

சரணகோஷங்கள் முழங்க சபரிமலை நடை திறப்பு இன்று [16/11/09] முதல் 41 நாட்கள் மண்டலகால பூஜைகள்

ஐயப்பா கோஷம் முழங்க சபரிமலையில் கும்பாபிஷேகம்

Holy 18 Steps

சரண கோஷங்கள் முழங்க கொட்டும் மழையில், சபரிமலை நடை நேற்று மாலை திறக்கப்பட்டது. இன்று [16/11/09] முதல் 41 நாட்கள் மண்டலகால பூஜைகள் நடைபெறுகின்றன.கார்த்திகை ஒன்றாம் தேதி முதல் 41 நாட்கள் சபரிமலையில் ஒரு மண்டல காலம் என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறது.

கேரள பஞ்சாங்கத்தின் படி, நாளை கார்த்திகை முதல் தேதி. எனவே, சபரிமலை நடை நேற்று மாலை 5.30 மணிக்கு திறக்கப்பட்டது. கடந்த ஒரு ஆண்டாக சபரிமலையில் தங்கி, பூஜைகள் செய்து நேற்று பணி நிறைவு பெற்ற, மேல்சாந்தி விஷ்ணு நம்பூதிரி, நடை திறந்து தீபம் ஏற்றினார். பின், 18ம் படி வழியாக சென்று, ஆழியில் தீ வளர்த்தார்.

தொடர்ந்து, புதிய மேல்சாந்திகள் சபரிமலை விஷ்ணுநம்பூதிரி, மாளிகைப்புறம் மாதவன் நம்பூதிரிமற்றும் பக்தர்கள் சரண கோஷம் முழங்க 18 ம் படியேறி வந்தனர். ஸ்ரீகோவில் முன் ஐயப்பனை தரிசித்த புதிய மேல்சாந்திகளுக்கு, தந்திரி பிரசாதம் வழங்கினார். பின்னர் அவர்கள் மாளிகைப்புறம் கோவிலில் தேவி தரிசனம் நடத்தினர்.

மாலை 6.30 மணிக்கு, சன்னிதானத்தின் ஸ்ரீகோவில் முன், சபரிமலை புதிய மேல்சாந்தி விஷ்ணுநம்பூதிரிக்கு, அபிஷேகம் நடத்திய தந்திரி கண்டரரு மகேஸ்வரரு, அவருக்கு ஐயப்பன் மூலமந்திரத்தை சொல்லிக்கொடுத்து, மூலஸ்தானத்துக்கு அழைத்து சென்றார். இதுபோல, மாளிகைப்புறம் மேல்சாந்தியும் பதவியேற்றார். நேற்று வேறு விசேஷ பூஜைகள் எதுவும் நடைபெறவில்லை. இரவு பத்து மணிக்கு நடை மூடப்பட்டது.

இன்று அதிகாலை நான்கு மணிக்கு புதிய மேல்சாந்தி நடை திறந்து தீபம் ஏற்றியதும் இந்த ஆண்டுக்கான மண்டல காலம் துவங்கும். தொடர்ந்து நெய்யபிஷேகம் , கணபதி ஹோமம் நடைபெறும். மண்டல காலத்தில் வரும் பக்தர்களுக்கு தேவையான வசதிகள் விரிவாக செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. சன்னிதானத்திலும், பம்பையிலும் ஐநூறுக்கும் மேற்பட்ட போலீசார் பாதுகாப்புப்பணியில் ஈடுபடுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளனர்.

சென்னை பரோபகார், ஐயப்பா சேவாசங்கம் உள்ளிட்ட பல்வேறு அமைப்புகள், பக்தர்களுக்கு அன்னதானம் வழங்க உள்ளன. கடந்த ஆண்டுகளை விட பக்தர்கள் தங்குவதற்கு கூடுதல் ஷெட்டுகள் அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.நீலமலை மற்றும் அப்பாச்சிமேட்டில் நவீன வசதிகளுடன் கட்டப்பட்டுள்ள புதிய கார்டியாலஜி சென்டர்களை கேரள சுகாதரத்துறை அமைச்சர் ஸ்ரீமதி, தேவசம்போர்டு அமைச்சர் ராமச்சந்திரன் ஆகியோர் திறந்து வைத்தனர்.

இதில், திருவிதாங்கூர் தேவசம்போர்டு தலைமை ஆணையர் ஜெயக்குமார் மற்றும் அதிகாரிகள் கலந்து கொண்டனர். சபரிமலை நடை நேற்று மாலை திறக்கப்பட்ட போது, மழை கொட்டியது. மழையில் நனைந்த படியே புதிய மேல்சாந்திகளும், பக்தர்களும் 18-ம் படியேறி தரிசனம் நடத்தினர்.

Swami Saranam

சபரிமலையில் ஐயப்பன் மூலஸ்தானம், மாளிகைப்புறம் கோயில் மற்றும் நாகர், கணபதி சன்னதிகளுக்கு இன்று ( 13 – 11 – 2009 – வெள்ளிக்கிழமை ) கும்பாபிஷேகம் நடந்தது. நாளை (14 – 11 – 2009)  சித்திரை ஆட்டத்திருநாள் பூஜைகள் நடைபெறுகின்றன.

சபரிமலை சன்னிதானத்தில் உள்ள மாளிகைப்புறம் கோயிலின் மூலஸ்தான கோபுரம் மேற்கூரை தங்கத்தில் அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதுபோல நாகர் மற்றும் கணபதி சன்னதிகளிலும் தங்ககூரை வேயப் பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த மூன்று சன்னதிகளுக்கும் இன்று ( வெள்ளிக்கிழமை 13 ம் தேதி ) கும்பாபிஷேகம் நடந்தது.

இதற்கு முன்னோடியாகநேற்று சபரிமலையில் ஹோமகுண்ட பூஜைகள் நடந்தன. இன்று காலை 10.20 மணிக்கு ஐயப்பன் மூலஸ்தானத்திற்கும், 10.28 க்கு கணபதி சன்னதிக்கும், 10. 35 க்கு நாகர் சன்னதிக்கும், 10. 50 க்கு மாளிகைபுறம் சன்னதியில் தங்க கலசங்களுக்கு புனித நீர் ஊற்றப்பட்டது. கும்பா‌பிஷேகம் காண பக்தர்கள் குவிந்திருந்தனர். தந்திரி கண்டரரு மகேஸ்வரரு தலைமையில் மூன்று சன்னதிகளுக்கும் கும்பாபிஷேகம் நடந்தது.

Swami Saranam

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadheeswaram Aaradhyapadukam
Arivimarddanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

Repository of Hari’s boons, Enchanter of the universe,
Essence of Hari’s grace, He whose holy feet is worshipped,
He who kills enemies by good thought, He who daily dances the cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
 
Sharanakirthanam Bhakthamanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam
Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who likes song of refuge, He who is in the mind of devotees,
He who is the great ruler, He who loves to dance,
He who shines like the rising sun, He who is the king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
 
Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanchitham
Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He whose soul is truth, He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created universe, He who shines with a glittering halo,
He who is the temple of “OM”, He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
 
Thuragavahanam Sundarananam
Varagadayudham Vedavarnitham
Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face,
He who has the blessed mace as weapon, He who is glorified by Vedas
He who bestows grace like a teacher, He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
 
Thribhuvanarchitham Devathathmakam
Thrinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam
Thridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who is worshiped by the three worlds, He who is the soul of all gods,
He who is lord Shiva, He who is worshipped by devas,
He who is who is worshipped three times a day, He whose thought itself is fulfilling,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
 
Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who destroys fear, He who brings prosperity,
He who is enchanter of universe, He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides a white elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
 
Kalamridusmitham Sundarananam
Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vaajivahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who blesses with enchanting smile, He who has a pretty face,
He who is adorned by sandal paste, He who has a pretty mien,
He who is a like a lion to the elephants, He who rides on a tiger,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
 
Shrithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam
Shruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam
Shruthimanoharam Geethalalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who is dear to his devotees, He who fulfills wishes,
He who is praised by Vedas, He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the essence of Vedas, He who enjoys divine music,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, God
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa

The oldest and the traditional form of itinerary for the Sabarimala pilgrimage is to reach Erumely before

proceeding to Pamba through the Mannarakulanji-Chalakkayam Road and trekking the forest road to reach the shrine.

The above mentioned route is a bit difficult and pilgrims who are not well should better avoid this route.

Two Wheeler options

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Two wheeler journey is a remarkable experience via raod ,but make sure that your vehicle does not give you enough trouble.It may be difficult to find a good mechanic or a spare part shop enroute.

Four Wheeler options

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Make sure that your vehicle does not give you enough trouble.It may be difficult to find a good mechanic or a spare part shop enroute.

You will be lucky if you get to park your vehicles anywhere close to Pamba depot . The Parking has been changed and vehicles are stopped a couple of kilometers before Pamba from where you will have to start the trekking.

There are options to hire a private vehicle from all the railway stations.You can ask them to wait at Pamba till your return from Sannidhanam.

If your group is less than 3,You can even approach the auto-rickshaws and strike a deal.

Public Transport

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The Kerala Govt:  transport agency known as Kerala.State.Road.Transport.Corporation operates buses from Kottayam,Chengannur ,Tiruvalla railway stations .The buses will operate till Pamba.

Following are a few routes that could be adopted by devotees:

1. FROM PATHANAMTHITTA:  Mannarakulanji, Vadasserikkara, Perunadu, Plappally, Nilakkal, Chalakkayam, Pamba. Distance: 69 km.
2. FROM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  There are two routes:

   a. Ayoor,Punalur, Pthanmathitta and Pamba. Distance: 184 km.

   b. Kottarakkara, Adoor, Pathanmthitta. Distance: 179 km.

3. FROM Chenganoor:  There are two routes to reach Pamaba from Chenganoor, the nearest railway station to Sabarimala:

   a.Chenganoor-Aranmula-thekkemala-Pathanamthitta-Pamba. Distance: 93 km.

   b.Chenganoor-Aranmula-Ranni Blockupadi-Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 88km.

4. FROM KOTTAYAM: There are several routes to Pamba from Kottayam, one of the main transit points in the pilgrimage. The important five routes are the following:

   a.Kottayam-Changanassery-Thiruvalla-Kozhenchery-Ranny Blockupadi-Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 119 km.

   b.Kottayam-Kodungoor-Chamampathal-Manimala-PLachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba.  Distance: 105 km.

   c.Kottayam-Kangazha-Pathanadu-Manimala-PLachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba.  Distance: 104 km.

   d.Kottayam-Karukachal-Manimala-Mukkada-Edamon-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 100 km.

   e.Kottayam-Ponkunnam-Erumely-Mukkuttuthara-Pambavalley-PLappally-Pamba.

   Distance: 90 km. This is one of the easiest routes to reach Pamba.

5. FROM ERUMELY:  There are four routes to Pamba from Erumely.

   a.ERumely-Karinkallum Moozhy-Thulappally-PLappally-Pamba. Distance: 56 km.

   Resort to this route only if you are coming by a light vehicle as the road is narrow and there are several steep climbs.

   b.Erumely-Mukkada-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 64km.

   c.Erumely-Vechuchira-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 57 km.

   d.Erumely-Plachery-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba.
   Distance: 69km.

6. FROM PANDALAM: There are two routes to reach Pamba from Pandalam, the seat of royal family who adopted Lord Ayyappa. The devotee can see the thiruvabharanam, the set of ornaments of the lord, exhibited at the Pandalam palace.

   a.Pandalam-Kaipattur-Omallur-Pathanmathitta-Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 84 km.

   b.Pandalam-Kulanada-Ambalakkadavu-Muripara-Pathanthitta-Pamba. Distance: 84 km.

7. FROM NORTH KERALA: Devotees from northern part of Kerala can reach Pamba without touching Kottayam. the main routes are:

   a.Angamaly-Ettumanur-Pala-Ponkunnam-Erumely-Chethonkara-Athikkayam-Perunadu-Pamba. Distance: 146 km.

   b.Through the same route one can also reach Ranny and then
   Vadasserikkara-Pamba. Distance: 153 km.

   c.Ernakulam-Alappuzha-Chaganassery-Thiruvalla-Pathanamthitta-Pamba.Distance: 170 km.

8. FROM TAMIL NADU: The two main routes are:

   a. Chengottai-Punalur-Pathanthitta-Pamba. Distance: 170 km.

   b. Kumily-Vandiperiyar-Erumely-Plappally-Pamba. Distance: 180 km.

BY RAIL

Train service is only available till the main towns of Pathanamthitta ,Alleppey and Kottayam district from where

the pilgrims will have to take the road route till Sabarimala.

For pilgrims who are visiting from all the indian states except Tamilnadu

Board a train to Kerala which has stops at Chengannur or Kottayam or Kayamkulam or Mavelikkara .

Alight at any of the above places , during the pilgrimage season there will be sufficient means of transport to Sabarimala from all of the 4 places mentioned above.

Kerala State Road Transport Corp. (K.S.R.T.C) operates buses till Pamba frequently from all the four places mentioned above .

Still we would recommend to alight either at Kottayam or Chengannur ,keeping in mind the frequency of buses and the availability of private transport facility from both the places .

For Pilgrims from Tamilnadu.

It depends on which part of Tamilnadu you are starting the journey .

For pilgrims from the northern part ,it would be comfortable to use the route specified above for all the other pilgrims i.e alighting at Chengannur or Kottayam and use other means of transport.

For pilgrims hailing from the southern region of Tamilnadu.they can enter Kerala and use the Chengottai route.(at the time of blogging this route is not operational)

From Tamil Nadu:

1. Sencottai – Punalur – Pathanamthi –170 Kms.

2. Kumali – Vandiperiyar – Erumeli – Plappalli –180 Kms.

Nearby Railway Stations:

1. Chengannur

2. Kottayam

3. Changanasseri

4. Thiruvalla

Nearby Airports:

Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi

REMINDER :

There aren’t any fuel stations on Vadasserikkara-Pamba route. Fill your tanks and store enough quantities at Vadasserikkara. Though a fuel station is functioning at Pamba, availability of petrol and diesel cannot be ensured.

If your vehicle has any minor repairs kindly repair it before you enter the ghat section. You cannot find workshops at all places

There are many workshops at Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikkara, etc.

MUST:  Keep important spare parts and tool kit with you. And don’t forget that extra tyre

You may also like to read

Chennai Sabarimala Package 2009 -2010 – Indian Railway Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Package

Chennai Sabarimala Special Trains 2009 – 2010 – Sabari Specials

How to reach Sabarimala

சரணகோஷங்கள் முழங்க சபரிமலை நடை திறப்பு இன்று [16/11/09] முதல் 41 நாட்கள் மண்டலகால பூஜைகள்

ஐயப்பா கோஷம் முழங்க சபரிமலையில் கும்பாபிஷேகம்

He saw a small boy while hunting in the forest and took him to the palace and brought him up like a prince. The queen too liked him as she had no issues.

Several years passed and a boy was born in the family. In due course the queen felt apprehensions about her own son. Being the eldest, will not the Raja appoint the adopted boy as Raja? She confabulated with the minister and they made a plot to get rid of the boy.

Accordingly, the queen feigned illness. The vaidyaji was called to examine her. He told the Raja that the queen would get well, if tigress’s milk was given to her.The Raja became very much upset. Who can milk a tigress?

The boy offered to help and set out into the forest. He insisted that none should accompany him.
The Raja fell unconscious, as he could not overcome his fears about the boy. But after some days, all were taken by surprise when they saw the boy coming back, riding a tigress!
After extracting the milk, he went back into the forest, on the animal’s back and was never seen afterwards.

Then, all realized that it was not an ordinary boy, but the incarnation of God.

A temple was constructed at the spot where he was spotted initially.

That is Lord Ayyappa worshipped by people all over India.

Would the British, who left a mess wherever they colonised, dare to interfere in such a way in China’s affairs, whose human rights record is a million times worse than India’s? This is unfair: Those of us who have lived long enough in this country, know that not only have Hindus historically been extremely tolerant, accepting the fact that God manifests himself at different times under different forms, but also that, in spite of the bureaucratic hassles, the dirtiness and the heat, we westerners are living in a paradise of freedom compared to what would be our lot in, for instance, China. Here we can criticise as much as we want, slander even, without fear of reprisal.

As a foreign journalist having covered India for the last 25 years, I am shocked by the ambivalence of our standards when it comes to writing or reporting on Hindus. There were 400,000 Hindus in Kashmir in 1947; there are only a few hundreds left today. All the rest have been made to flee through terror in the late 1980s and early ‘90s. I remember the time when Muslim militants would stop buses in Kashmir and kill all its Hindus occupants – men women and children. None of the foreign correspondents and diplomats protested about human rights the way they are doing now, after the Gujarat riots. There are 400,000 Hindus who are refugees in their own land, an instance of ethnic cleansing without parallel in the world.

Why are none of us interested in highlighting these facts? Do we know that Hindus themselves have been for centuries the target of a genocide at the hands of Muslim invaders, and that today in Bangladesh and Pakistan they are still at risk? In Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland, Hindus are being outnumbered by Bangladeshi illegal immigrants and terrorised by pro-Christian separatist groups, such as the Bodos or the Mizos, while local governments often turn a blind eye.

Are we playing our role, which is to inform and educate our fellow countrymen, who are generally totally ignorant about India? Many of us are using the word “genocide” to describe the riots in Gujarat, or even making comparisons with the Holocaust. But do we tell our readers that Jews in India were never persecuted and that they lived and prospered in total freedom till most of them went back to Israel? The same cannot be said about my country, France, where even today they face problems. We do not care to balance our articles: We take an isolated incident such as the murder of Graham Staines or the riots against Muslims in Gujarat, and we make it look, as it is a whole, telling our readers abroad that Christians and Muslims are persecuted in India.

When the Ayodhya mosque was brought down, it was as if eternal shame had descended upon India. ‘Death of secularism’, ‘Hindu fundamentalists have taken over the country’, ‘Black Day in the history of our democracy’, we screamed…

However unfortunate, the Ayodhya episode was, nobody was killed there; but the terrible Bombay blasts which followed, orchestrated by Indian Muslims, with the active help of Pakistan and the silent approval of Saudi Arabia, which took the lives of hundreds of innocent Hindus, never warranted the kind of moral indignation which followed the rioting against Muslims in Gujarat. Why does nobody bother to say that, maybe, the tolerant, easy-going middle class Hindu, is so fed-up with being made fun of, hated, targeted, killed, bombed, that he is ready to take to the streets?

If you dare say that there are 850 millions Hindus in this country and that they not only represent the majority culture, but also a tradition of tolerance and gentleness, and they cannot be the fundamentalists that the Press makes them out to be, you are immediately branded as an RSS spokesman or a VHP lover. Why this primitive labels? In the West we are not ashamed to call ourselves a Christian civilisation: The American President swears on the Bible when he takes office and look also how all European children, be they Italian or German, are brought-up on the values of Christianity and the greatness of Greek philosophy.

It would be impossible, in France for instance, for the Muslim minority – immigrants from France’s ex- colonies such as Algeria or Morocco – to impose their views and culture on the government. In fact, Muslim girls are not allowed to wear a veil when they go to French school: “You are in France, you have been given the French nationality, so behave like a French first and like a Muslim, second,” they are told bluntly. Would that be possible in India? Does any Indian, except the much-maligned RSS, have the courage to ask Muslims to be Indians first and Muslims second? Or tell Catholics and Protestants that they have to revert to a more Indianised Christianity, such as the one that existed in Kerala before the arrival of the Portuguese Jesuits? And see how stridently Muslims and Christians – backed by most of the foreign media – react when Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi wants to teach Indian children a little bit of the greatness of their culture!

I know that many foreign correspondents arrive here with an aspiration to understand India and to report on it fairly. The problem is that there is no way we are going to know India if we stay in Delhi, or fly all over the place, staying in five-star hotels, to do features which give justice to a civilisation which is 5,000 years old. It is also true that in Delhi, an arrogant, superficial city, we are never in contact with the real India, and always hear the same stories in the journalists’ parties, or diplomatic cocktails, about secularism, the Sangh parivar or human rights in Kashmir. We should take some time off the political situation and go out to the South, which is so much more gentle and easy-going than the North.

Write, for instance, some features on Kalaripayat, Kerala’s martial art that gave birth to kung fu and karate; or on Ayurveda, the oldest medical science still in practice; or see for yourself the extraordinary Ayyappa festival in the mountains bordering Tamil Nadu; or witness one million Christians who descend every year on the “Lourdes” of India – Velangani on the Coromandel coast. There you will discover that the genius of India, its tradition of tolerance, hospitality and gentleness lies in rural areas, amongst the humble people – and not in the arrogant westernised cities that have lost contact with their own roots. Or else, do an Art of Living basic course and learn first-hand India’s ancient traditions of meditation and pranayama… For the truth is that if you want to know and understand this country in some degree, you have to live India from the inside.

I am putting some effort to make this blog a little interesting so that it doesn’t go as dead as the previous ones. As I told you, I shall concentrate more on the newer readers for whom I have created this blog. For this very reason, I have collected some of the best and some good pictures of my friends and made the following slide of it. Hope you like it friends…

To start with, the first picture is the one I like most among all my other pics. It sports me as a kool hunk, and captures one of my very natural poses which is very rare to observe even when I’m among my best of friends. I said things were changing. This was a pic I edited to post to a friend of mine, whose name’s Anu. She however never returned to collect the pic, so I thought it could do well as the first pic of the slideshow. The picture shows me standing in front of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, in which my friend, Nithin (the one to my right) won a drive for an hour in a lucky draw for purchasing a mobile at a store. lucky eh!? It also captures another friend of mine, Ayyappa. The next pic has my friends outside Eat Street at the curvy Necklace Road, overseeing the Tank Bund Lake and the 18 meters tall Buddha Statue from quite some distance. This was the day we celebrated the last day of the 2-1 semester in November. It was a nice lunch and a long drive in my car, a memory that is potent enough to last a lifetime. This pic starrs (hehe) my friends, Sharva, Chandu, Sowmya and Nithin (from left) and Sesi at the back.

The third pic shows me attempting to spin the Basketball which I once could do for a long time until my forearm muscles hurt. This was a pic taken nicely (not really, coz it’s blurred in the actual resolution) by Sowmya, who had three goes at it if I remember right. The pic was taken at the Basketball court of GMR Institute of Technology, Razam, where we had been to attend the 10th ISTE Student’s National Convention, the first tour of its kind (educational) that we had been (more to the displeasure of me forcing some of them as my nature goes. hehe).The next three pics are again the ones of our end of semester celebrations, followed by the beautiful pic of my niece, Avika (and that’s my gift to her). The pic also captures her mom.

The next pic was taken in my room, when we first attempted our go at group studies, which soon turned out into a photosession. I liked those pictures very much, but its a lost pleasure, as the rest of the pictures are now lost (and the person who seems to have a backup is making little, if not no, effort to find them).

I could go on and on explaining the pictures, the places and the story behind, if I didn’t want my blog to go rubbish again. This post might hold no meaning to some, and some might even find it boring, but the people who are involved in here might think otherwise. I want my readers to understand that this is how I pay my tribute to my friends, who are now an important part of my being, consciously or unconsciously giving a meaning to each day that dawns throughout our journey called life.