AIYAPPA MAALA WEARING RITUAL AND THE BENEFITS - “THE SACRED PATH OF INNER TRANSFORMATION”
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Lord Aiyappa Swamy, a powerful and transformative deity in Hinduism, represents the embodiment of righteousness (Dharma), self-discipline, divine wisdom, a protector and a guide who represent the union of “Saivism” and “Vaishnavism”.Aiyappa is said to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, a union that occurred to vanquish the demoness Mahishi. He is also known as Dharmasastha, Manikandan, and Harivarasudhan.
Worshipping Ayyappa involves a period of rigorous penance and a pilgrimage, most famously to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, in Kerala, a major pilgrimage site, which is considered a journey of spiritual growth and discipline. The bell around his neck is a significant symbol associated with his story.The Sabarimala Sree Sastha Temple, in Kerala is dedicated to Him and is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, attracting millions of devotees.
In my humble opinion, Swamy Ananda Aiyappan is the “Divine Protector of Dharma” and knowing about Him and His importance in our life makes us to lead a worthy, meaningful and rewarding spiritual life.
DEEPLY REVERED SPIRITUAL PRACTICE HINDUISM
Aiyappa maala wearing ritual is a deeply revered 41-day spiritual practice undertaken by devotees of Lord Aiyappa, observed in preparation for the sacred Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala, India. During this period, devotees take a vow to lead a sattvic life filled with discipline, devotion, and spiritual austerity.
Temples across the world, including All Ceylon Swamy Ananda Aiyappan Devasthanam(a prominent Lord Aiyappa Temple in Aluthmawatha Road, Colombo-15, SriLanka), support and guide devotees throughout this divine journey.
The Chief Resident Priest Shri. Madhusoodanan Jeyakrishnan Bhattathiri, will be the Chief Celebrant, who has thirty years of experience as a renowned priest and hails from Kerala, South India.
WHAT IS AIYAPPA MAALA WEARING RITUAL?
Aiyappa Maala wearing ritual is a 41-day vratham (vow) observed with intense spiritual discipline. Devotees, referred to as Swamis, wear the Aiyappa Maala, usually made of Rudraksha or Tulsi beads, and follow a strictly vegetarian diet, celibacy, barefoot walking and daily rituals. This period transforms one’s inner self and prepares the mind and body for the Sabarimala Yatra.
RITUAL AND RULES AND REGULATIONS
Initiation and Wearing the Maala
- Begins on Shukla Padyami of Kartika month.( 17th November 2025)
- Aiyappa Maala is worn under the guidance of a Guru Swami.
- Requires a 3-day purification period with no meat, alcohol, or negative habits.
Dietary Restrictions
- Strictly sattvic diet (no meat, alcohol, garlic, or ginger).
- No breakfast before evening puja.
- Meals must be completed before 3:00 PM.
Daily Routine and Worship
- Wake during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn).
- Cold water baths twice daily.
- Perform Sandhya Puja, chant “Swamiye Saranam Aiyappa” 108 times.
- Apply vibhuti, sandalwood paste, and kumkum.
- Offer daily camphor aarti and fruits to Lord Aiyappa.
Dress Code
- Wear black, blue, or saffron attire.
- No shirts during puja or bhajans.
- Walk barefoot during throughout the ritual period.
Personal Discipline
- No intoxicants, smoking, or cutting of hair/nails.
- Sleep on the floor without a pillow.
- Avoid sleeping during the day.
Social Conduct
- Observe complete celibacy.
- Avoid movies, entertainment, and lustful thoughts.
- Bow only to Aiyappa Swamis and parents.
- Greet others with “Swami Saranam”.
Bhajans and Community Worship
- Participate in Aiyappa bhajans and group prayers.
- Show humility toward all Aiyappa Swamis.
Charity and Biksha
- Offer or accept biksha respectfully.
- Share food or grains with at least three people.
Guidelines for Women
Only girls under 10 or post-menopausal women above 50 may follow the Aiyappa Maala wearing ritual.
Travel and Emergencies
- Avoid long-distance travel unless necessary.
- Maala must be removed in case of a close family member’s death.
Sabarimala Yatra
- Bathe in the Pampa River, remembering ancestors.
- Carry Irumudi Kettu and chant during the pilgrimage.
Maala Visarjana
- On return, remove Maala in front of Guru Swami or mother.
- Bring back Abhishekam Prasadam from Sabarimala.
CONCLUSION
1. What is Aiyappa maala wearing ritual?
A 41-day spiritual vow observed by devotees preparing for the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
2. What rules must devotees follow during the Aiyappa Maala wearing ritual?
Devotees follow a sattvic diet, maintain celibacy, walk barefoot, and practice daily prayers.
3. Can women wear Aiyappa maala?
Only girls under 10 and women above 50 can wear the Maala
4. What support does All Ceylon Swamy Ananda Aiyappa Devasthanam offers to its devotees?
It offers Maala Dharana, bhajans, pujas, and community support for Ayyappa devotees.
5. How does one conclude Aiyappa Maala wearing ritual?
The Aiyappa Maala wearing ritual ends with Maala removal before a Guru Swami or mother after returning from Sabarimala.
Undertaking and following the Aiyappa maala wearing ritual with sincerity brings spiritual discipline, clarity, and divine blessings to lead a serene, tranquil, joyous, healthy, fulfilled and blissful life.
The 41-day vratam is not just preparation for a pilgrimage—
“it is a sacred path of inner transformation”.
“Swamiye Saranam Aiyappa”! (I surrender to you Lord Aiyappa!).
The writer is a devotee of Swamy Ananda Aiyappan since 1999 and he is willing to share the details on the miracles of Swamy Ananda Aiyappan, witnessed in his life, with the needy as a community service.
He is also a Pioneer Trilingual (Tamil Sinhala and English) Universal and Transformational Numerology,Nameology and Graphology Scientist and Guru, according to Google,AI.
Guruji Ren Maruthai Ravindhiran can be contacted via mravindhiran@gmail.com
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