The annual festival at the local Ayyappa Temple taught me some important lesson. While the local people from Kerela thoroughly enjoying the festival with utmost joy and devotion, people like me who are just a visitor unaware of their culture and tradition trying to figure out their rituals. There were many things which were quite different our rituals. One of the trasition that amazes me is the worshiping to stairs cases. The stairs made up of black staine were worshipped like an idol inside the temple.
The stairs which was the main staircase that take us inside the temple were worshipped beautifully. It was beautifully decorated each step were worshipped with proper rituals. Excited to know the reason, i ask the local priest after the festival. He highlighted certain key points that was quite interesting. The important of all is the number of stairs. In total, the stairs at Ayappa temple is 18.
The 18 steps at Ayaapa temple is same as that of in the main Sabarimala temple at Kerela. These has a spiritual symbol representing the pilgrim's journey to overcome worldly desires. Each of step representing a stage of spiritual purification: the five (5) senses (panchendriyas), the eight (8) emotions (ashtaragas), the three (3) qualities (trigunas), and the duality (2) of knowledge and ignorance (vidya/avidya).
- The five senses (Panchendriyas): The first five steps represent the five human senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch which are believed to control a person and must be mastered.
- The next eight steps represent the eight human vices: love, anger, greed, lust, jealousy, pride, ego, and competition.
The next three steps symbolize the three fundamental qualities of nature: goodness (Satva), passion (Rajas), and inertia (Tamas).
The final two steps represent the concepts of knowledge (Vidya) and its opposite, ignorance (Avidya).
Here are some of picture I clicked while witnessing something amazing in life.
It is assumed that by climbing the steps, devotees are symbolically shedding their worldly attachments, vices, and negative qualities to achieve spiritual purification and attain the darshan of Lord Ayyappa. I never seen concept in any other temple. But here things were quite different and interesting. After worshippingbthe staircase, the priest and the devotees started climbing it. However there is a catch. Before climbing the staircase, break a coconut on the first step to represent the breaking of their ego and the three gunas (Satva, Rajas, and Tamas).
The way everything was done was fascinating. It was best way to completely surrendering to the Supreme lord. The devotee having faith in their lord thoroughly paving their way to the spiritual path. This is just a glimpse of mukti cultural theme of India. I simply admire the way ir was carried out.
In good faith - Peace!!
