CONTRAVERSY OF LORD AYYAPPA
CONTRAVERSY OF LORD AYYAPPA “Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai, Swamiye Ayyapo Ayyappo Swamiye, Swami Saranam, Ayyappan Saranam Swamiye Saranam, Saranam Ayyappa” The holy lines are delivered by the devotees of Lord Ayyappa as they cross the Pampa river banks on their way to Sabarimala. The lines mean - "The gravel and thorns on my path to Ayyappa feel like some cushiony mattress." The devotees go puff-pant with anticipation and a smile on their faces reciting the chorus- Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa. Sabarimala is open to the devotees only during Mandala Pooja which is between November- January; and on the first day of every malayalam month. Let's deliberate on what makes Sabarimala so famous amongst its devotees all over South India. Is it the meaningful 18 holy steps( patthinnetu thripadi) leading one to the sanctum sanctorum; or the exceptionality of the temple as compared to other Hindu temples across India? The deity who resides within the Holy s...