SABARIMALA PADI POOJA || శబరిమల పడి పూజ

The Sabarimala pilgrimage is a significant religious journey for devotees of Lord Ayyappa, a Hindu deity revered in South India. The pilgrimage involves visiting the Sabarimala temple, located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala. The term "padi pooja" is associated with this pilgrimage and involves a series of rituals and offerings made by devotees during their visit to the temple. Here's a simplified overview of the Sabarimala pilgrimage and the padi pooja: 1. **Mandala Pooja and Vratham**: Devotees typically observe a 41-day vratham (penance) before embarking on the pilgrimage. During this period, they follow strict rules, including celibacy, abstinence from non-vegetarian food, and adherence to a simple lifestyle. 2. **Irumudi Kettu**: Devotees carry a two-compartment bundle called "Irumudi" on their heads, symbolizing their devotion and the offerings they bring to Lord Ayyappa. One compartment contains items for the deity, while the other has personal items. 3. **Trek to Sabarimala**: Devotees then embark on a challenging trek through the forested terrain to reach the Sabarimala temple. The trek involves climbing steep paths and crossing rivers. 4. **Padi Pooja**: Once devotees reach the temple, they perform the padi pooja. This ritual involves offering prayers and making specific offerings to Lord Ayyappa. The offerings are placed on 18 sacred steps (padis) inside the temple, symbolizing the 18 steps that Lord Ayyappa took to annihilate the demoness Mahishi. 5. **Darshan**: After the padi pooja, devotees have the darshan (sight) of Lord Ayyappa in the sanctum sanctorum. 6. **Return**: Devotees then begin their journey back, marking the completion of their pilgrimage. The Sabarimala pilgrimage is unique in its rituals and traditions and is open to people of all religions. However, women of menstruating age (typically 10-50 years old) were historically restricted from entering the temple, although this practice has faced legal challenges and changes in recent years. Please note that the specifics of the pilgrimage and rituals may vary, and it's essential for devotees to follow the guidelines and rules set by the temple authorities when undertaking this sacred journey.
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