Sabarimala allows women. Millions of women visit Sabarimala every year. But, before the age of 10 and after the age of 50. And now it's an issue. Some say, it's an anti-ladies tradition and male chauvenism. They argue that its a distinction towards ladies and has come with #RightToPray campaign. And some people campaign that they are #ReadyToWait as they follow traditions.
Sabarimala doesn’t distinguish people on the base of religion unlike other religious centres in Kerala.
But, there is a restriction for ladies between the age of 10 and 50.
It is not related to menstruation. Because there are girls getting their first periods before the age of 10 and there are ladies (or most of them) who doesn't stop menstruating before the age of 50. So.. its not related to menstruation.
It is not related to menstruation. Because there are girls getting their first periods before the age of 10 and there are ladies (or most of them) who doesn't stop menstruating before the age of 50. So.. its not related to menstruation.
Sabarimala is not a 24 x 7 and 365 days temple. It has its own traditions and rituals. It is opened for a very few days only. And every devotee visiting Ayyappa shrine are called as Ayyappa himself and they all have to wear the same kind of clothing - Black/Blue dress. It talks loud on the Vedic Mahavakya - "Thathwamasi" or "Aham Brahmasmi" which can be translated in simple words as "You are a part of that Big Soul" or "You are God" !! All devotees should take a dip in the Holy river of Pamba before climbing the Sabarimala mountain. Everyone should have same kind of bag (its actually not a commercial bag that we see around - but a cloth bag ) and similar neck chain. And hence the rich, the poor, the middle class - everyone looks the same. No Savarna, No Avarna !! There is no fast lane or VIP darshan. No distinction at all..! This uniformity in devotees is a specialty of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and no one questions it.
There is a ritual related to Sabarimala and Saramkuthi.
1.5 km before reaching Sabarimala shrine, there is a pilgrim spot with the name Saramkuthi. The legend says that, before coming to sit in the Ayyappa shrine, Ayyappa and his friends discarded their weapons at Saramkuthi. It symbolically shows that all lethal weapons are irrelevant in human society for a better civilization and advancement in life. Hence all first time visitors to Sabarimala who are called as "Kanni Ayyappans" are supposed to bring an Arrow (symbol of weapon) and discard it there. This act shows that violence is removed from their minds and they have refined themselves spiritually before entering the temple
Next to Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, there is another temple where the devotees go. Its the temple for a goddess - Malikappurathamma. Now, there is a love story in their life.
Malikappurathamma loved Ayyappan and wanted to marry him. But, Ayyappan said - "I have already decided to be a Naishtika brahmachaari. So I’ll not be able to marry you". But Malikappuraththamma's love was strong that Ayyappan could not deny it completely. So he made a point that "I'll marry you in that year when no 'Kanni Ayyappans' (First Time Sabarimala Visitors) are there to visit me at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple". She now sits and waits for him at a neighbouring shrine near the main temple.
As mentioned earlier, during the pilgrimage, devotees and Ayyappa are the same. They are one. Because of the love and care he had for Malikappurathamma, He/Tantri (the father of deity) has taken a decision that Ayyappa will not give darshan to young women (of marriageable age? though every age is marriageable according to me) and this tradition is carried out for long. May be he doesn't want young women to be called as Ayyappa himself and hurt his sentiments and the sentiments of Malikappurathamma. May be he is respecting their romance and love and has taken this decision...!
And now, there is another ritual carried out in Malikappuram temple. The deity of Malikappurathamma is taken from the temple to Saramkuthi in a music adorned pageant every year. Malikappurathamma checks if there are any new arrows in Saramkuthi to know whether any 'Kanni Ayyappans' have visited Sabarimala that year as well. After seeing thousands of new arrows at Saramkuthi, the same procession of Malikappurathamma returns silently to symbolise the grief of the goddess. And she waits till the next Makara Vilakk Festival.
Can't we just celebrate the love and romance of Ayyappan and Malikappurathamma than fighting on smaller issues?
If someone doesn't belive in the above story of Sabarimala, Ayyappa and Malikappurathamma, I hope they will not visit Sabarimala to "pray" too... :)..
Disclaimer: The story is related to Sabarimala. But dialogues are mine.
