In South India millions of Hindus worship Lord Ayyappa whose abode is in the Sabarimala of the western Ghat of Kerala. This unique temple in the midst of wooded areas attracts devotes from far and wide for a long time and in the past 5 to 6 decades, Sabarimala pilgrimage in the winter season assumed much importance. A few years ago women's entry into the holy temple became a contentious national news orchestrated by certain Atheist groups. Normally women are not allowed to enter the temple as the deity Dharma Sastha is a Brahmachari (unmarried). Apart, the the path to Sabari mala is rugged hilly terrain infested by wild animals. Devotees have to follow strict austerities like fasting, Bhajans, etc to enter the sanctum through ''Pathinettam Padi'' (18 steps to reach the 'Sreekovil). Above image: Thiruvabharanam procession taken out from Pandalam to Sabarimala 83 km arduous path carrying the golden jewellery to be worn by Ayyappa idol at Sabarimala
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| religious procession to Sabarimala. manoramaonline.com |
Above image: Thiruvabharanam procession
taken out from Pandalam to Sabarimala 83 km arduous path carrying the golden jewellery to be worn by Ayyappa idol at Sabarimala |
| 18 steps and Sabarimala temple, Kerala astroulagam.com |
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| 18 steps of Sabarimala, temple, Kerala astroulagam.com |
Part of the age old tradition has been that Thiruvabharanam, the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappan, holds immense significance in the puja rituals of the Sabarimala Temple. These exquisite gold ornaments are believed to have been commissioned by the Pandalam King, who adopted Ayyappan as his child. They symbolize the deep connection between the deity and the Pandalam royal family, and their intricate craftsmanship reflects the devotion of the artisans and patrons involved in their creation.
The Thiruvabharanam is securely housed in the Srambickal Palace, situated close to the Valiyakoikkal Temple within the Pandalam Palace complex. During the annual pilgrimage season, which begins in November, devotees have the opportunity to view the sacred ornaments at the palace. On the day of the ceremonial procession to Sabarimala, the ornaments are moved to the Valiyakoikkal Temple for public darshan. This procession, a highlight of the pilgrimage, is deeply symbolic and attracts throngs of devotees who revere the Thiruvabharanam as a divine treasure.
The journey of the Thiruvabharanam to Sabarimala is marked by elaborate rituals and a fervent display of devotion. Accompanied by a traditional entourage, including armed guards and musicians, the ornaments are carried in three sacred caskets: the Thiruvabharana Petti, which holds the gold ornaments; the Velli Petti, containing silver utensils for poojas; and the Kodi Petti, carrying special flags used in temple rituals. This procession reaches Sabarimala on the eve of the Makara Sankranti festival, coinciding with the appearance of the celestial Makara Jyothi, a divine light believed to bless devotees.
Once the pilgrimage season concludes, the Thiruvabharanam is returned to the Srambickal Palace for safekeeping. The reverence surrounding these ornaments highlights the enduring cultural and spiritual significance of the Sabarimala Temple, uniting millions of devotees in their devotion to Lord Ayyappan and preserving an age-old legacy of faith and tradition.
For this year's Sabari Mala's main pilgrim season, long before the the ceremonial religious procession from Pandalam carrying Thiruvabharanam, the golden attire to be adorned on the idol of Sri Ayyappa during the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala, the 83-km traditional route needs a clear path with no hurdles. Of the long route 43 km of the sacred path goes through residential areas and the rest belongs to Poonkavanam of the hill shrine.
The Thiruvabharanam Path Protection Council and Ayyappa Seva Sangham along with Ranni panchayat, had started a voluntary cleaning drive armed with court orders as the devotees and the procession face hardship because of illegal encroachments on the government lands. There are more than 500 cases of illegal encroachments on the entire route. Steps are taken at many places to repair the path as the devotes will walk through it the barefoot. Though the route will be used only for two days for both journeys, it must be free from any bottlenecks.
As per the plan, the procession, escorted by a representative of the Pandalam Palace, will begin the journey the Valiyakoickal Sastha temple on January 12 afternoon to Sabarimala. The procession will reach the hill shrine on the third day before Makara Vilakku.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvabharanam
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Jan/03/call-to-clear-encroachments-on-thiruvabharanam-procession-path
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