The great Rishis through their explorations discovered that there are Divine Powers of Brahman that cause and control the phenomenal manifestations. They conceived the special characteristics of these Divine Powers by giving them appropriate symbolic forms and they are the Godly forms. Thus the forms of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, known as the Trinity, represent respectively the spiritual powers behind the manifestation of the universe, its maintenance and re-absorption into Reality. Their meaningful forms, insignia, etc., are pregnant with profound knowledge about the subtle facts behind the manifested universe. These divine forms represent both the conditioned and unconditioned - personal and the impersonal - aspects of Reality.
Sri Ayyappa
Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Shastha represents a combination of spiritual powers symbolized by the forms of Lord Vishnu, the Power that maintains the universe and Lord Shiva, the Power that periodically re-absorbs the manifestations into Reality. Lord Ayyappa enshrined in the Sabarimala temple combines both these aspects of Brahman. In the Puranic lore, as usual, this fact is presented in an interesting and symbolic story form. As Sri Ayyappa represents both Vishnu and Shiva in one Divinity, He is worshipped both as Protector and Deliverer.
Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Shastha represents a combination of spiritual powers symbolized by the forms of Lord Vishnu, the Power that maintains the universe and Lord Shiva, the Power that periodically re-absorbs the manifestations into Reality. Lord Ayyappa enshrined in the Sabarimala temple combines both these aspects of Brahman. In the Puranic lore, as usual, this fact is presented in an interesting and symbolic story form. As Sri Ayyappa represents both Vishnu and Shiva in one Divinity, He is worshipped both as Protector and Deliverer.
The Universal Vision
Sri Ayyappa aspect of Brahman is endearing to thousands, especially because the special attributes of Lord Ayyappa and His worship transcends the many man-made limitations as caste, religion, creed, class distinctions, nationality, etc. An extensive period of self-disciplines prior to a pilgrimage to Sabarimala is prescribed for yogic practice and for the cultivation of a vision of equality and sense of oneness with the Supreme Reality. The purpose of man’s spiritual striving is to evolve from the conditioned state of existence by raising the level of consciousness gradually to its unconditioned and infinite Freedom. This is practised in Sri Ayyappa worship. After the wearing of the rosary as a mark of entering the spiritual disciplines one is expected to make an effort to transcend the limitations of one’s personality and its restricting expressions and moods. People, even his parents, no more call him by his name, but reverentially address him as Swamy or Ayyappa. He addresses others also as Swamy and he is supposed to consider not only man, but also beasts, trees and everything else as essentially Divine. When he visits any temple or any place of worship he chants ‘Swamiye saranam Ayyappa’. He considers the Deity in any temple as a different form of Lord Ayyappa. He is supposed to look at everything, whether living or non-living as the manifestation of the one Truth Lord Ayyappa. The donkeys that carry the goods up the mountains to Sabarimala temple are Kazhutha Swamy-s for him. (Kazhutha means donkey). Even the human excreta are referred to as Bhu-Swami. The Advaitic vision that there is nothing other than the manifestations of the one transcendental Reality is to be observed to the maximum extent possible during this period to recondition consciousness from its various limitations. Our publication Sabarimala: Its Timeless Message presents the profound philosophy of Sri Ayyappa worship and the unique pilgrimage.
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There are many theories about the significance of 18 steps in the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. It is believed that the steps represent 18 mountains surrounding the temple. On each step, the deity of the corresponding mountain has been installed. So when the devotee climbs the 18 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum, he attains the punya of visiting all 18 hill gods.During the padipuja, deities of these 18 mountinas are propitiated.
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Famous Philosopher and Writer Sri Puranapanda Srinivas Released Beautiful Book Of Lord Ayyappa at Bollaram Temple , Secunderabad.
Ayyappa History and Prardhana , Bhajans Written and Compiled by Puranapanda Srinivas.
BOOK NAME : ' SARANASSARANAM '
