Guruvin
Guruve Saranam Ayyappa !'
Gurur
Brahmaa Gurur Vishnuhu Gurur Devo Maheshvaraha |
Guru Saakshaat Para Brahma Tasmai Shree Gurave
Namaha ||
Whoever
is the Guru he is Lord Shiva !
Whoever is Lord Shiva he is Guru !
It
is said that chanting the name of the Guru is equivalent to chanting
the name of Lord Shiva, Guru's abode is Kashi Shetram and water
used to wash Guru's feet is Ganga.
The role of
the Guru is significant in the Ayyappa cult. The Guruswamy is
usually an elderly person who has undertaken pilgrimage to Sabarimala
not less than seven consecutive years in the traditional long
route and had darshan of Makara Jothi. The devotees treat the
Guruswamy as Ayyappan himself. It is important that pilgrims gain
knowledge from the Guru on all the aspect of the Pilgrimage. One
should serve the Guru physically, mentally and verbally.
The pilgrims
should give the due respect and reverence the Guru deserves. All
instructions of the Guru should be carried out without fail. The
Guru will enlighten the Shisyas the austerities to be followed.
He will teach them the slokas and way to perform pooja and bhajans.
He shall prepare them for the pilgrimage mentally and physically.
He will lead the pilgrims safely and comfortably to Sabarimala.
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