Jai Sriman Narayana!!
Swamy Saranam !!
Loka Veeryam Maha Poojyam Sarva Raksha Karam Vibhum
Parvathy Hrudayanandam Shastharam Pranamamyaham
Viprapoojyam Vishwavandhyam VishnuSambopriyam sutham
Kshipra Prasadaniratham Shastharam Pranamamyaham
Mathamathanga Gamanam Karunyamrutha Pooritham
Sarva Vignaharam Devam Shastharam Pranamamyaham
Asmath Kuleshwaram Devam Asmath Shastru Vinashanam
Asmadhishta Pradha Dharam Shastharam Pranamamyaham
Pandyesa Vamsa Thilakam Keraley Keli Vigraham
Arthra Thrana Param Devam Shastharam Pranamamyaham
Boothanatha Sadhananda Sarva boothadayapara
Raksha Raksha Mahabaho Sasthrey Thubyam Namo Nama:
Makara Vilakku falls on 14th January, 2011.
Sabarimala is located at the Western Ghats of mountain ranges – Pathanamthitta in Kerala. It is one of the ancient temples of Lord Ayyappa situated in the dense forests drawing attention of millions and millions people around the world. It is believed that Lord Parasurama (Sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu) retrieved the Land from the sea and installed the idol of Lord Ayyappa for worship. The temple remains closed all days other than the auspicious festival of Makara Vilakku.
The devotees undertake severe austerities for forty one days abstaining from all the pleasures to visit Sabarimala. The devotees carry 'Irumudi Kettu’ which contains the offerings for Lord Ayyappa. It includes a coconut filled with ghee and the Dravyas for offering in the sacrificial fire of Lord Ayyappa.
Thiruvabaranam – A usual practice of carrying the precious jewels - Thiruvabaranam of Lord Ayyappa from the Panthalam palace to Temple of Sabarimala three days before the Makaravillakku festival celebrated with a great pomp. The three boxes contain the precious jewels made by the King of Panthalam for His son Lord Ayyappa known as ‘Thiruvabaranam’. The Jewels are kept in a safe locker in the palace and are not allowed to see public for several years now.
The jewels are kept in Three wooden boxes are beautifully bedecked in gold cover. The jewels in the first box is the golden face of Lord Ayyappa (Mugappu), Elephant, Lion, Jewels made of precious stones, Kappu, Rings etc.. The second box contains jewels decorate at the time of Abishekam (Sacred Bath of Lord). The third box contains ornamental jewels for elephant and other decorative pieces. These are carried by the devotees to the main temple of Sabarimala walking through the wild forest for nearly 100km under strict supervision. It is believed that the jewel boxes carried are safeguarded by Garuda - the celestial vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The jewel boxes - Thiruvabaranam starts to leave only after seeing the appearance of eagle in the sky from the Panthalam Palace where the jewels are kept for several years now. It is believed that Lord Vishnu in the form of Garuda appears in the sky to see His son – Lord Hariharan and protect His precious jewels Thiruvabaranam box. Immediately after seeing the appearance Garuda in the sky, the devotees starts to carry the Thiruvabaranam box on their shoulder with utmost faith and devotion. The journey with the Thiruvabaranam box continues for another three days to reach Sabarimala.
The millions and millions of devotees gathers to see Lord Ayyappa in His ‘Royal form’ (Raja Alankaram) with the Thiruvabaranam and get His blessings. Unfortunately, the Senior member of the family - Father of Lord Ayyappa (the chief person who brings the Thiruvabaranam ) is not supposed to see the ‘Royal appearance of Lord Ayyappa’. The legend has that, Lord Ayyappa promised His Father not to come into view before Him when He is in Yoga Nidra’ (sitting posture) otherwise He has to rise to His Feet to pay obeisance to His Father as soon he enters.
Thirvabaranam boxes reaches in Sabarimala Temple under the supervision of the Chief of Panthalam Palace. At the feet of ’Pathinettam Padi' (The Grand Eighteen Steps), the Temple priest arrives to receive the 'Father of Lord Ayyappa' (The chief person of Panthalam Palace) with all honors and respects. The temple priest washes the feet of the 'Father of Lord Ayyappa' and receives the Thiruvabaranam boxes. Lord Ayyappa gives Dharshan to His devotees in His Royal Form with all the jewels for one week. After six days, the Thiruvabaram along with the contributions arrived from the millions of devotees are returned to the Father of Lord Ayyappa. The contributions are used for the maintenance of the temple and mange its affairs. This temple remains closed for another few months until the next Makaravilakku festival take place.
Swamy Saranam !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
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