The Holy 18 Steps and Their Thathwaas
After Manikandan departed from Pandalam
Palance Maharaja sent information to various very famous Sculptors,
Archeologists, Architects, etc., immediately to construct such a temple. He invited all such people to the court and
conducted heavy discussions. Later, the
Maharajaa started constructing a temple near the Saramkutri Al, as directed by
Manikandan, (the particular place is called Sabarimala) with the help of the
great Architect/Archeologist Vishwakarma (Archeologist of Devaas), built 18
steps out one stone, as advised by great Sages.
Lord Parasuraman came in front of Maharaja and he suggested him which
form of Idol is to be installed there.
Later, he advised Maharaja that only an idol
made of very good stone, in the form of a Yogi with Chinmudra (thumb & the
very next finger of right hand touched together and all the tips of the other
three fingers facing up) and Yogabhatta (the yoga belt – tied around both the
knees and the hip – in a triangle shape). i.e., doing Meditation to be
installed (Manikandan chose the place which is in the forest area). Accordingly Maharaja arranged for a very big
function and installed the idol. He
employed necessary thanthries and asked them to perform necessary Pooja and
worship. They also installed the idol in
the presence of great Rishis and all abhishekams were conducted and followed by
a Pooja. Lord Manikandan, Ayyappan, told
the Maharaja that will be in that idol for years together. The abhishekams and poojas were done
regularly. Thereafter, every year, now
in every month also, lot of pilgrims started going to Sabarimala for
worshipping. He, Lord Ayyappan is
blessing the Bhakthaas by fulfilling their necessary needs.
To our bad time, the original Idol was
damaged during a fire accident around 1950.
A fresh Idol made of Panchaloha (a mixture of gold, silver, copper,
brass & bronze) was made and the Jeernodhdharanam of the temple was
performed on FRIDAY, the 18th day of MAY 1951 i.e., in Idavam month of Malayalam and Vaikaasi month
of Tamil (Hastham Star karkadaka rasi) day. The late Sri Sri Kandararu Sankararu Thandri
of Thaazhaman Madom, uncle (i.e. father’s brother of the Late Thandri Sri
Kandararu Neelakandaru), carried out the Prathishta of Ayyappan Idol made of
Panchaloha seen today in Sabarimala.
Jeernodhdharanam means changing of Main Idol or renovation of the
temple.
A
devotee who has gone to Sabarimala at least once should know the sanctity of
the Pathinettam Padi (Holy 18 steps). Every body will have a doubt now
as to why the Lord selected the number 18 and the specialty for it? All of them will question that as to why it
should not be less than or more than the figure 18? It is an interesting question and it touches
the Meta Physical Importance of the teachings contained in some of our sacred
books especially, the Smrithis, Puraanaas and Ithihaasaas, apart from their
story value. If you go through the
following you will find the answer for it.
Maha
Puranaas (Ithihaasaas) are………………………………………………………….… 18
Upa
Puraanas are…………………………………………………………………………...
18
The
Dharma Saastraas or Smritis are………………………………………………………. 18
Sub-divisions
of Vedas are………………………………………………………………… 18
The
Adhyaayams (chapters) of the Holy Sri Bhagavat Geetha are……………………….. 18
The
Siddhas are………………………………………………………………………………… 18
The
Siddhies are……………………………………………………………………………… 18
Hands of Mahishaasura Mardhini, the
incarnation vested with the power to kill
Mahishasuran
is described as ………………………………………………………….. 18
Forms
of Upachaaraas (courtesies) are……………………………………………………. 18
and they are described as ‘Aasanam,
Swaagatam, Padyam, Arghyam, Aachamaniyakam,
Snaanam, Vastropa, Vitancha, Bhooshanaani cha
Sarvasa, Ganta, Pushpe,
Thatha, Dhoopa, Deepavanam cha Tarppanam,
Malyanulepanam, Chaiva,
Namaskara and the last one is
isarjanae…………………………………………… 18
Number
of Eyes of Lord Aarumughan (Subrahmmanyan) is………………………….. 18
The number of stanzas
of Bhagvat Geetha through which the Lord Sri Krisha has
Defined His concept of the ideal is ………………………………………………… 18
‘Maha
Bharatha’, the grate epic of all times, containing one hundred thousand
stanzas is divided into number of Parvaas
(chapters) and the number is… …… 18
and
for its central theme, the story of a war fought between Kauravaas and the
Paandavaas is described. The original name of this book as given by
the author
Sri Vada Vyaasa, was JAYA,which word
occurs in the opening stanzas
of Mahabhaaratham as well as that of
Bhagavat Geetha.
The
number of days of Maha Bhaaratha war is…………………….…………………… 18
In
Maha Bhaaratha War, the number of divisions of the army which fougth is; 18
(i.e., 11 on the Kauravas’ side and 7 on the Pandavaas’
side)
Number of persons survived in that is…………..……………………………………… 18
The Vedaas are…………………………………………..……………………………….. 18
And there are so many
other reasons
Names
of the Maha Puranaas, Upa Puranaas, Dharma Saastraas/Smrithis, Vedaas,
Siddhaas, Siddhies and Yogaas are given below:
Maha
Puranas – 18
This
is split into 3 divisions known as Brahma Puraanaas, Vaishnava Puraanaas &
Saiva Puraanaas
Brahma
Puraanaas Vaishnava Puraanaas Salva Puraanaas
1) Brahma 7) Vishnu 13) Matsya
2) Brahmaanda 8) Naaradiya 14) Koorma
3) Braham Vaivarta 9) Baagavata 15) Linga
4) Maarkandeya 10) Garuda 16) Vaayu
5) Bavishya 11) Padma 17) Skanda
6) Vemaana 12) Varaaha 18) Agni
Upapuranas
– 18
1) Sanat Kumaara 7) Vaamana 13) Soura
2) Naarasimha 8) Ousaana 14) Saamba
3) Naaradiya 9) Kaalika 15) Maheswara
4) Siva
10) Kallika 16) Paraasura
5) Durvaasa 11) Baargava 17) Ganesa
6) Kapila 12) Nandi 18) Vaishta
Dharma
Saastraas or Smrithis – 18
1) Vishnu 7) Sataanika 13) Sankha
2) Paraasara 8) Vasishta 14) Likhitha
3) Daksha 9) Yama 15) Bharadwaja
4) Samvartha 10) Aapasthamba
16) Satotraya
5) Vyaasa 11) Gautama 17) Saunka
6) Haritha 12) Devata 18) Yajnavaalkya
Sub-divisions
of Vedaas – 18
There
are 4 Vedas namely Rug Vedam, Yajur Vedam (Sukla & Krishna), Sama
Vedam, Adharvana Vedam, and there are the following sub-divisions also.
1) Rug 7) Aaranyakam 13) Kalppam
2) Yajur 8) Upanishad 14) Meemaamsai
3) Sama 9) Sikshsha 15) Puraanam
4) Adharvana 10) Chandaas 16) Dharmasaasthram
5) Samhithai 11) Niruktham 17) Vyaakaranam
6) Braahmmanam 12) Jyothisham 18) Nyaayam
Siddhaas
– 18
1) Arunandhi 7) Parunjanakar 13) Chanthiru
2) Puzhingar 8) Janakar 14) Kaalangi
3) Thirumoolanaathar 9) Chattanaathar 15) Rudrachiththar
4) Adarvyakhrar 10) Paathibrahmmar 16) Kanchamalair
chitthar
5) Padanjali 11) Indiran 17) Oliyakaththiyar
6) Sivayogam 12) Somanaathan 18) Pulaththiyar
Siddhies –
18
1)
Anima 7) Buddhi 13)Sarva Mangala Karna
2)
Lakima 8) Lecha 14)Sarva Dukkha Vimochana
3)
Mahima 9) Praapthi 15)Sarva Mrityu Prasamna
4)
Easathwa
10) Sarvaakama 16)Sarva Vighnaanivarna
5)
Vasithwa 11) Sarva Sappatpratha 17)Sarva Sundara
6)
Praakamya
12) Sarva Priyamkara 18)Sarva Sowbhaagya Dayaka
Yogaas
(lucks) – 18
1)
Vihaatha 7) Gnaana 13) Seshadri Rakjna Vibhaaga
2)
Saanghia 8) Aksharabrahm 14 )Gunathra
Vibhaaga
3)
Karma 9) Rajavidhya Rajasuya 15) Daivaakara Sampath
4)
Gnaanakarma
Sanyaasa10)Vibhoothi
16) Daivaakara Vibhaaka
5)
Dhyaana 11)Viswaroopadharsana 17) Sraddhathraya
Vibhaaka
6)
Sanyaasa 12)Bhakthi 18) Moksha Sanyaasa
Here,
I would bring to your notice that I have taken little details from the Book
published by Late Bhakthmani Ayyappan Adimai & Sthanam Kambangudi Sri C.
Meenakshi Sundaram Iyer Avl. He was the
President of Sri Ayyappan Mandali, Madippakkam, Chennai.
Pathinettaampadi
(18 holy steps) to the shrine is divine in all aspects. Initially the 18 steps were made of
granite. It was later with panchaloha in
the year 1985 to prevent it from deterioration.
As per tradition, ONLY those undertake penance (vrutham) for 48/41
daysand those who carry the Irumudi on their head only are allowed to use the
steps. Al those devotees break coconut
as an offering to the steps. One needs
to have the sacred Irumudi on the head while going or down the 18 steps. While going down the steps, the devotees
should get down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorium.
Eighteen
is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the nature. The significance can be traced back to the
Vedic age. The first Veda, believed to
be protected by Lord Brahmma Himself, had 18 chapters. Later, Vedavyaasa divided it create four
Vedas ro Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda
& Adharvana Veda. Each Vedas had
18 chapters. Vedavyaasa also wrote 18 puranaas and 18 Upapuraanaas,
details of which are given above. There
are many mythological stories with the Holy Pathinettaampadi.
- Some believe it
represents the 18 mountains (also Forts) in the Sabarimala Region: Ponnambalamedu, Gowdenmala, Naagamala,
Sundaramala, Chittambalamala, Khalgimala, Mathangamala, Myladummala,
Sreepaadamala, Devarmala, Niakkalmala, Thalappaaramala, Neelimala, Karimala,
Puthusserimala, Kaalakettimala, Inchippaaramala and Sabarimala.
The
first three steps depict “Bhoomi (earth) Agni (fire) Vayoo (air) & Aakaash
(sky)”, 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 for Jnanendriya, 16th
step for Mind,17th step for Buddhi (Intelligence) and the last one
i.e., 18th for Jeevaathma Bhaava.
Those who cross all the 18 steps are believed to achieve
“PUNYADHARSHAN”.
The
18 holy steps in front of the Sabarimala Temple as far (as I knew from Father & Guru) are said to have the following
Thathwaas.
THATHWAAS :
Five (5) Indriyaas – Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue, Skin
Eight (8) Ragaas (vices)
namely – tatwa, kaama, krodha, moha, lobha,madha, maatsarya,
ahamkaara, OR Lust, Wrath,
Covetousness, Fascination, Pleasure,
Envy,
Pride, Jealousy
Three (3)
Gunaas (habit) namely – Saathwik, Raajasik and Thaamasik OR wisdom,
activity and
stupor
One (1)
Vidya (knowledge)
And the last one is
One (1)
Avidya (ignorance)
Total of this is Eighteen
(18)
What is the spirituality (secret) of Holy 18 steps of Sabarimala?
There is something behind the word THATHWAMASY. Only few may know about it fully well. I will tell you what it is according to my knowledge.
Among the most beautiful Kshetrasamkalpas (imagination about the temple) in the world is the concept of Ayyappa and the 18 steps. It is believed that the 18 steps and the forest area called the Pumkavanam (the forest garden) are the gift of the almighty God. Sabarimala, which is surrounded by 18 great mountains, having thick forests in the sides and valleys in the midst of these forests, the divine steps and after the 18 steps the idol of the illuminated one like a folklore. It is abstract that there should be a hidden truth.
In the story of spirituality the 18 steps has some importance. In the Hindu Dharma there is a samkalpa of one, zero, and eight. This 108 has a great spiritual effect. The one is the paramatma the zero is the maya and the eight is the eight formed natural jeevathma. The reason for our wearing mala having 108 pearls made of Thulasi (thulasimala) is only for sabarigiri journey. This is represented by a necklace having 108 pearls, 108 names of god, a totality of 4 vedas, 20 smrutis, 18 puranas, 64 Tantrasastras, 2 epics. There are 18 chapters in the Mahabharata and also in the Gita. Not only that mahabharatha war lasted for 18 days and & Mahishasura was killed by Devi on the 18th day.
If the zero in the middle of the 108 is removed the 1 and the 8 come close together. That reveals, if the zero – maya is removed from between the 8, the jivatma and the 1, the paramatma, they can easily rejoin together. Therefore we can understand that 18 is the number for realization of God. The 18 epics also reveal the reality. The 18 mountains around the Sabarimala and the 18 steps to reach the abode of Ayyappa also reveal the reality.
There is a prayer (in Malayalam) in which it is depicted that when the six steps are over, we can see the Lord Siva, According to the Tantricsm and Yogaic sciences, within the backbone of a human being there is a nadi (a pulsative vein) called sushumna. There are six chakras (circles or points) related to sushumna from its bottom as Muladhara. Swadhisthana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Visuddhi and Ajna. At the far end of the top of these cakras there is a seventh one called Sahasrara over the head.
If we analyse some more deep and we will understand that there is a variant and secret bodily principle in the tantricism which is arising revealed, in the principles of 18 steps at Sabarimala. There is a small chakra or upachakra viz. Lambika between Visuddhi & Anahata. From the Ajna Cakra, in the middle of the forehead, go ahead measuring a width of a finger each, the 12th point is the centre of the head, the pate is the Sahasrara. Therefore the 7th chakra, the sahasrara, according to the Tantricism, is called Dwadasantyam (the end at the 12th). At the far end of the six cakras and the 12 points, the abode of the paramathma is revealed. This secret of Yogasastra is concealed by the 18 steps (12+6) in front of Dharmasasta.
The secret of science of spirituality is once more elucidated hereafter. The Sabarimala may be considered as a backbone, the footpath to the temple as sushumna, the first truppat, it is the Muladhara, the second the Swadhisthana, the third the Manipuraka, the fourth the Anahata, the fifth the Lambika, the sixth Visuddhi and the seventh is Ajna. From the eight to the twelth are Bindu, Ardhacandra, Rodhini, Nada, Nadanta, Sakti, Vyapika, Samana, Ummana, Mahabindu and Sahasrara are respectively. At where the total 18 steps end at the same place remains the abode of the Paramathma. The jivathma passes through the Pancendriyas (the five sensual organs), the ten Pranas (five vayus and five pranas) The three Antakaranas (the three consciences) (5+10+3=18) and reaches the sublimest god, the reality. This principle of the Ashtangayoga is also seen here. The state of Turya pertaining to Sri Ayyappa is also seen here because he is in the Dhyanarupa.
All the Avidyas like Avidya (non understandability),
Asmita (unpleasantness),
Raga (Love),
Dwesha (anger) and
Abhinivesa (ardent desire)
All the vikaaraas (Change of one nature to other) like Kama (thirst for libidinous) Krodha (anger), Lobha (covetousness),
Mohea (Desire),
Mada (Pride) and
Maatsarya (competition) and all the saptavyasanas (seven grievances created to others) like Naayaattu (hunting),
Cuthu (ridiculour and demaded plays like gambling) ,
Striseva (libidinous activities), Madyapana (drinking of liquors), Vakpaurusha (angry words), Dandaparusha (insult other with physical attack), Arthadushana (destruction of wealth).
Such all these vicious activities are being overcome by getting up the 18 steps.
Another imagination may further be sought out like the following. The five kosas related to body viz. Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya and Anandamaya and the five states of the body viz, Asti, Jayate, Vardhate, Vipascyate, Jiryate and martyate and the seven dhatus like Rasam, Raktom, Mamsom, Medas, Asti, Majjah and Suklom. All these 18 factors philosophically related to the body symbolizes on the 18 steps at Sabarimala. The 18 steps may also represent the 14 worlds from Patalam to Satyalokam and the 4 other worlds like Antariksha, the Akasa, and the Andhakara (hell), the jyotirmaya (enlighted); totally 18 worlds. A jivatma which goes beyond these 18 words is symbolized here as passing over the 18 steps. There are 18 Upapapuranas,18 Siddhars, 18 Siddhids, 18 Yogas. Also the mahabharat war lasted for 18 days and mahishadura was killed by Devi Chandi on 18th day. Not only that the Bhagavatha has 18 chapters
These holy steps represent not only all the 18 puranas but also 4 vedas, 6 vedangas (upavedas), 6 Darsanas (Schools of Philosophies) and two epics. It may also be explicated that they represent all the 18 smrutis and 18 important Tantric schools. The next idea cannot be repudiated because it is more relevant in this connection that Lord Ayyappa had already wanted to the king that there should be 18 sopanas (steps in this context) in front of the shrine, at the time of constructing the temple. This story has been written in the book of Sribhutanathopakhyanam. According to that book the 18 steps represent Pancendriyas (5) Astaragas (8), Trigunas (3), and Vidya and Avidya (2).
Pancendriya – (panchabhuthas)
ear, eye, nose, tongue, skin
Ashtaraga – (character)
kaama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, matsarya, dumbha, assooya.
Thriguna – (guna)
Satwah, Rajah, Tamah
Vidya – All the Knowledge
Avidya – All the desirous tendencies.
It is once more declared that if a jeevathma has to reach the Brahmam he has to overcome these 18 steps.
The 18 mountains are:
(1) Ponnambalamedu (2) Gowdenmala (3) Nagamala
(4) Sundaramala (5) Chittambalamala (6) Khalgimala
(7) Mathangamala (8) Myladummala (9) Sreepadamala
(10) Devarmala (11) Nilakkalmala (12) Thalapparamala
(13) Neelimala (14) Karimala (15) Puthuserrymala
(16) Kalakettimala (17) Inchipparamala (18) SABARIMALA
Thus,
when a pilgrim devotee reaches the top of the holy 18 steps, he is completely
void of all the 18 Thathwaas and the significance of the holy 18 steps is as
detailed above. He/she should, there after be as good as a true disciple of
God.
We
all are born with the five senses but have choices using them for good or
bad. In this Kaliyuga, where crimes and
atrocities dominate, you can easily get detracted into seeing and hearing these
bad things. How do you focus your senses
to see and hear only good things that elevate your spirit? You can extrapolate the same to smell,
tasteand touch. Using our senses to
focus for the good of us and everyone around us moves us closer to The
Almighty.
The
eight vices on the other hand are acquired, but we can lead a life without
these. Wel we may strive to avoid them but the peer
pressure, stress of work/relationships, etc. push us in that direction. How often we get angry at our loved
ones? How often we long for things that
others possess? How often we think of
giving it back when we are wronged?
Avoiding these 8 vices at any cost moves us closer to The Almighty.
The
three Gunas or qualities need to be focused for the good of the mankind – learn
good things; do good deeds; avoid inactivity.
Won’t we all have a good place to live in if everyone channels these in
the right direction? Unfortunately, not
all do. But, the one who does moves
closer to The Almighty.
Finally,
along the same good vs.bad, it is good to be “ignorant” with aiding and
abetting bad acts and be knowledgeable about good deeds.
Manikandan
later named as Ayyappan was having the following 18 types of weapons during
fighting.
1) Vil 7) Multthadi 13) Parasu
2) Vaall 8) Mullam 14) Pandhipaalam
3) Parichai 9) Gadai 15) Vel
4) Kuntham 10) Angusam 16) Adunthilai
5) Eeetti 11) Paasam 17) Veerachakram
6) Parikam 12) Chakkram 18) Charikai
Manikandan
namely Sri Ayyappan used to carry a Stick named Churikai /Pirambu (Bamboo
stick) in his stay at the Palace. You
can very well see many Gurujis taking such sticks to Sabarimalai and performing
Neyy (ghee) abhishakem. Also they used
to take it back to their houses for performing pooja thereafter. They believe that it will guide the people
residing in the house and keep the house watching as a guard. Actually saying, it will safeguard us if we
do Pooja daily and correctly. In olden
days some Gurujis use to get the joints of the Churikai covered with Silver and
also the top & bottom. Only thing it
should not be polished ever with the available chemicals.
People
mainly believe that the Holy 18 Steps was built as a remembrance of the above
whole things.
There
are 18 small Hills/Kottais (Forts) on the long route to Sabari Hills. Some people believe that the Holy 18 steps
are built based on this also.
In the temple at Sabarimala, we believe that
there are 18 Lords on each of the Holy 18 steps. They are the following (i.e., from Step No.1
to Step No.18):
1)Vinaayagar 5) Brahmma 9)Yaman 13)Budha 17)Raahu
2)Sivan 6) Vishnu 10)Suryan 14)Guru 18)Kethu
3)Paarvathi 7) Ranganaathar 11)Chandran 15)Sukkran
4)Murugan 8) Kaali 12) Chevvaay 16)Sani
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