'Irumudi Priyanne Saranam Ayyappa !'
lrumudi is
the only travelling kit which a pilgrim carries on his head during
the pilgrimage. Only those who observe fasting for 41 days are
allowed to carry it. Without the Irumudi one is not allowed to
step onto the holy 18 steps at the Sannidhanam.
This bag is
in two compartments - the Munmudi (the front part) and the Pinmudi
(the back part) & the opening at centre. The front portion
is reserved for keeping all the puja articles and offerings to
the deity while the rear part is meant to hold the pilgrims personal
requirements for the journey.
Front portion
contains Mudra bags, consisting of 2 - 3 in numbers - one for
the Ghee Coconut and the other two for the remaining offerings.
Items for Vazhipadu (offering) at the Sannidhanam that is kept
in the front compartment of the Irumudi are as under:
- Coconut
filled with ghee for Abhishekam (bathing the idol of the Lord)+
- Coconut
(vidalai thengai) 2 to 4 nos. *
- Beetel
leaves, Beetel Nut, coins for offering
- Jaggery
(achuvellam), Cashew, Raisins, Dry ginger, Poha (thin &
thick variety), Cardamoms, Dates, Honey, Avil ( beaten rice),
Kadhi Chakkar #
- Dried turmeric
tubers, Turmeric powder, Blouse piece, Kumkum, Vibhooti, Sandal
paste, Sambarani, Camphor, Agarbathi (Incense stick), Rosewater,
Lemon, Rice and Dal for offering.
- + Coconut
for ghee Abhishekam : Well before the Kettunira time, select
a medium size coconut. Clean and polish the outer shell using
a polishing paper. With a pointed instrument, open one eye of
the coconut and empty the coconut water. Close it with a cork
of correct size. The coconut is now in readiness for the Kettunira.
- Coconut
(Vidalai Thengai) one each to be broken at Erumeli, Sharam Kutti
and two for Padinettampadi (the sacred 18 steps - once while
climbing up for Shasta Darshan with the Irumudi and 2nd while
returning after the worship
- Part of
the jaggery, cashew, raisin, cardamom, honey and dates can be
used to make Panchamrutam for the Neivedya; part of the jaggery,
dry ginger and cardamom can be used for preparing 'Panagam'
as Neivedya
Items for
use of the pilgrim from the day of commencement of the journey
after Kettunira till the return is kept in the back compartment
or the Pin Mudi, which are as under :
Some snacks which one may require now and then during the trip
and other raw materials for food items to be prepared during the
journey. And pulses and rice needed for cooking can be included
in Pinmudi.
'Sabari
Yathiraiye Saranam Ayyappa !'
After filling
the holy coconut with ghee and packing the essentials for offering
Lord Ayyappa in the Irumudi (called ketunira), the Guru places
the sacred Irumudi on head of the pilgrims chanting Saranam. The
pilgrims leave the place without looking at anyone and bidding
goodbye to family or friends. Walking barefoot the pilgrims proceed
to realise the Self and attain Lord Ayyappa.
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