Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. Every Ayyappa devotee, before he sees the Sanctum Sanctorum, has to lay his footsteps over eighteen sacred steps. Initially the 18 steps were made of granite. It was later covered with Panchaloha (a special composition of gold, silver, copper, iron and tin),…
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July
The Malayalam Calender month “ Karkkidakam” holds religious significance among the Hindu community of Kerala. “Karkkidakam” is the last month in the Malayalam Calendar. Ceremonies for deceased family members are held in the new moon (also known as “Amavasi”) of the month “Karkkidakam”. The day on which the rituals are performed for the souls of…
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July
Some Buddhist teachers insist that believing in rebirth is necessary for living an ethical life. Their concern is that if there is no fear of karmic repercussions in future lifetimes, what keeps hospice patients, for example, from overcharging their credit cards? I find this argument as sad as the argument that without a belief…
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June
The Makara Vilakku Pooja is one of the most significant prayer offerings to Lord Ayyappan. This pooja is directly linked to the beginning of the Sabrimala pilgrimage. This pilgrimage begins in the middle of November, on 1st of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam. Usually, the day lies somewhere around 14th to 17th November. The pilgrimage…
04
April
“Panthrandu vilakku” is being observed in temples with great fervour and enthusiasm to commemorate the ‘Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu’. The first avatar was ‘Matsya’ or the ‘fish’ from the satya yuga. Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish. To save the earth from the Apocalypse, He took his boat to the new world…