Sathyamana Patinettampadikale Saranam
Ayyappa !
Built
on a plateau about 40 feet high, the Ayyappan temple commands
a lofty view of the mountains and valleys all around. The ancient
temple has been rebuilt after a fire in 1950, consisting of a
sanctum sanctorum with a copper-plated roof and four golden finials
at the top, two mandapams, the belikalpura which houses the altar,
and the flag-staff. Replacing the earlier stone image of the deity
is a beautiful idol of Ayyappa in panchaloha, an alloy of five
metals, about one and a half feet tall.
There are
several explanations regarding the significance of the Patinettampadi,
but in all of them, the emphasis is on the number 18. One popular
belief is that the first 5 steps signify the five indriyas or
senses, the next 8 the ragas, the next 3 the gunas, followed by
vidya and avidya. Crossing these would take the devotee closer
to self-realisation.
The holy Patinettampadi
(18 steps) is most sacred steps in the world. Originally it was
granite stone of 5 to 6 feet wide. Now it is covered by panchloha
in the year 1985. The steep steps are so important and holy, no
one can climb them without fasting for 41 days and carrying the
holy irrumudi on head.
There are
many mythology associated with the holy Patinettampadi. Some believe
the eighteen steps denotes the 18 puranas. Some say that 18 weapons
with which Lord Ayyappa destroyed the evil denotes the 18 steps.
Others are of the belief that the first five steps denotes the
indriyas (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin). The next eight steps
signifies the ragas (tatwa, kama, krodha, moha, lobha, madha,
matsraya, and ahamkara. The next three steps signifies the gunas
(satwa, rajas and thamas). The seventeenth and the eighteenth
denotes vidhya and ignorance.
The Patinettampadi
can be used only twice - once for ascending the temple and once
for descending below leaving the hill. Before ascending or descending
the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps.
One needs to have the sacre Irumudi on head while going up or
down the 18 steps. While descending the steps the devotees climb
down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.
One who climbs
the Patinettampadi for 18 times shall plant a sapling of coconut
in Sabarimala.
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