◊◊◊◊◊◊◊ Swami Saranam ◊◊◊◊◊◊◊

The following are few useful FAQs for Sabarimala Pilgrimage – all these answers not mine; Few of them are from my experience, Most of it collected from various publications in Malayalam, I am trying do a translation. BIG thank you to Sabarimala priest Sri. Kandararu Rajeevar, who has published an article in Malayalam newspaper few years ago – most of the FAQs are based on that article.

There are few stages in Sabarimala Pilgrimage, to start with Mala Dhaaranam (start of Vrutham), Mandala Vrutham,  Kettunira (Preparation of Irumudi), Journey to Sabarimala,  Mala kayattam (trekking to Sannidanam), Darshanam.

FAQs are categorized into these stages – Starting with Mala Dhaaranam;

1.    What is the correct day to perform “Mala Dhaaranam”?

Malayalam Month “Vrishchikam” first (17.11.2014 for this year) the most auspicious day to perform “Mala Dhaaranam”. If you missed this date perform it on any of the following Saturdays OR next Malayalam Nakshatram “Uthram”. Do not perform the same on your Birth Star Day.

2.    What are the pre-requisites and preparations to be performed before “Mala Dharanam”?

Day before “Mala Dhaaranam” Clean the house and surroundings. Clean the pooja room and install one photo of Appayya swami. Wash and dry all the cloths that are planned to wear during “Vritha”. If you can sprinkle “Punyaham” on the cloths that is the best. If not possible – take clean water in a vessel, chant the following sloka and sprinkle the water on the cloths

“Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva

Godavari   Sarawathi,

Narmathe Sindhu,

Kaveri Jalaesmin Sannidhim Kuru”

You must start “Vrutha” one day before “Mala Dhaaranam”

3.    What type of Mala is ideal for Dhaaranam?

Ayyappaswami locate (Mudra) must be added to the mala; Mala must be made from either of Thulsi, Chandan or Rudraksha.

4.    Where to perform Mala Dhaaranam?

It must be performed at a temple premise. To be blessed by a Guruswami or the temple priest.

5.    How to perform Mala Dhaaranam?

Sharanavili must be done in loud voice while Mala is put on. If received from Guruswami, Mudradhyanam must be chanted.

6.    What is Mudradhynam?

This is the process of in-holding ayyappa swami into the devotee’s body and soul. An ayyappa devote who has got his Mala Dhaaranam done will be equal to Ayyappaswami till he completes his pilgrimage. That is the reason why they are called ayyappa or swami after mala Dhaaranam.

Mudradhyanam goes like below – Guruswami has to chant first and devotees to repeat the same, before performing mala Dharanam.

Njanamudram Shasthramudram

Gurumudram Namam-ahyam

Vanamudram Shuddhamudram

Rudramudram Namam-ahyam

Shanthamudram Satyamudram

Vruthamudram Namam-ahyam

Sabari-aashrama sathyenah

Mudram-padu Sadapi-Mehm

Gurudhakshinayahm Poorvam

Thasyah-anugraha karanneham

Saranagatha mudraghyam

Tha-mudram dharayam-ahyam

Sabariyachala-mudrayeham

Samasthuphyam Namo-Namaha

7.    What to be performed next after Mala Dharanam?

If the rituals are performed by temple priest, Dhakshina to be given to the priest; If its done by Guruswami, get blessings from him by touching his feet. Pray to Lord Ayyappa to forgive all the Sins committed so far “Manasa Vacha Karmana”.

                                                          [TO BE CONTINUED]