-It offers a tool to have a glimpse of self realization for the believer. The realization of "Tatvamasi" or "Thou are that" or "Aham Brahmasmi".
-What are the rules in the path?
During the 41 days of severe austerity, the man elevates himself to God. For that he should live a life of celibacy with complete surrender to the divine. He will wake up early morning before sunrise; have showers at least twice a day to keep his physical body clean, he will keep his thoughts as pure as possible and keep his mind clean, Actions will stick to dharma, keep away from alcohol, cigarettes;He will not shave, he will not cut his nails, he will not trim his hair;he will stick to one or two black clothes,eat only satvic food, having darshan at temple twice a day, take part in satsangs, walk bare footed, and so on. And most important transmuting sexual energy into satvic form by practicing celibacy. This is one of the toughest part for a man. It not only include sex, but any downward-pulling desire.
During the 41 days of severe austerity, the man elevates himself to God. For that he should live a life of celibacy with complete surrender to the divine. He will wake up early morning before sunrise; have showers at least twice a day to keep his physical body clean, he will keep his thoughts as pure as possible and keep his mind clean, Actions will stick to dharma, keep away from alcohol, cigarettes;He will not shave, he will not cut his nails, he will not trim his hair;he will stick to one or two black clothes,eat only satvic food, having darshan at temple twice a day, take part in satsangs, walk bare footed, and so on. And most important transmuting sexual energy into satvic form by practicing celibacy. This is one of the toughest part for a man. It not only include sex, but any downward-pulling desire.
Why all these severe rules?
All these are done to elevate his energy state in every possible dimensions to a level of "tatvamasi". "Tatvamasi" means 'you are that'. You and God are one. Its the highest possible state for a human being. Its not by the darshan that this achieved. Its through the process that this is possible. Its not a vedic way, its a tantric way. Its one of the easiest way offered in the Indian spirituality tailor made for the modern man or Kali Yuga. That's why Ayyappa is also called Kali Yuga varada. The greatest beauty of the Indian spirituality is that there are many different ways to reach God. Depending upon your inclination, you can choose any of them. The process is actually stripping down what you are not and making you the "satva". All the illusionaries are stripped off and reality is shown. The process offers to strip off the Ego which is the beginning of illusion of who I am.
All these are done to elevate his energy state in every possible dimensions to a level of "tatvamasi". "Tatvamasi" means 'you are that'. You and God are one. Its the highest possible state for a human being. Its not by the darshan that this achieved. Its through the process that this is possible. Its not a vedic way, its a tantric way. Its one of the easiest way offered in the Indian spirituality tailor made for the modern man or Kali Yuga. That's why Ayyappa is also called Kali Yuga varada. The greatest beauty of the Indian spirituality is that there are many different ways to reach God. Depending upon your inclination, you can choose any of them. The process is actually stripping down what you are not and making you the "satva". All the illusionaries are stripped off and reality is shown. The process offers to strip off the Ego which is the beginning of illusion of who I am.
Why 41 days?
If a man practice anything for two cell cycles, it gets deeply imbibed in him. That's why the practice is for 41 days considering one flat cell cycle to be 21 days.
If a man practice anything for two cell cycles, it gets deeply imbibed in him. That's why the practice is for 41 days considering one flat cell cycle to be 21 days.
who benefits?
Anyone who practice with belief. Belief is the driving force for practicing this tough austerity. The change is not happening in the God; it is happening in the man who practice. Even if you practice there is no guarantee of any experiences. Its highly personal depending of who you are. But the ever increasing number of Bhaktas can be taken as a direct proof of the experience.
Anyone who practice with belief. Belief is the driving force for practicing this tough austerity. The change is not happening in the God; it is happening in the man who practice. Even if you practice there is no guarantee of any experiences. Its highly personal depending of who you are. But the ever increasing number of Bhaktas can be taken as a direct proof of the experience.
The Tantra
The mantras, the consecration, the deity, the place, the ambiance, the practice rules, the yogic posture; everything has been beautifully and subtly interwoven for the Bhakta to have experience of "Tatvamasi". The energy emanating from the idol reverberates in the devotees who come to its presence if he is an receptive state.
The mantras, the consecration, the deity, the place, the ambiance, the practice rules, the yogic posture; everything has been beautifully and subtly interwoven for the Bhakta to have experience of "Tatvamasi". The energy emanating from the idol reverberates in the devotees who come to its presence if he is an receptive state.
The other side
Are all these so called bhaktas, following these austerities strictly? The answer is a clean no. But still, there are a very few people who follows the rules very strictly and have darshan. Actually, the temple is for them. For others, they may have lighter experiences according to how they practice. But temple is not a public place and it is for the believer and it is only the believer who benefits.
Are all these so called bhaktas, following these austerities strictly? The answer is a clean no. But still, there are a very few people who follows the rules very strictly and have darshan. Actually, the temple is for them. For others, they may have lighter experiences according to how they practice. But temple is not a public place and it is for the believer and it is only the believer who benefits.
The rituals are evolved out of principles and hence have to be followed. Sabarimala Temple is not a tourist destination and should not be, and hence its sanctity should be preserved.
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