God Iyappan - The fasting begins

by Aruna Ponambalam Kotagala Gr. correspondent

God Iyappan is worshipped during the Kaliyuga era. He is widely believed to overcome troubles and sorrows of all people. As human beings we live in a fast moving modern society, while following, with much difficulties, the traditions and cultures inherited from our ancestors.

During the fasting period Hindus are bound to follow defined norms of a fast. It is through this that they obtain the real outcome of a fast.

Swami Iyappan of Sabarimalai

The purpose of fasting is that it is healthy for the body. The organs in the digesting process get and opportunity to relax and the system is refined and proper blood circulation is restored. This provides one, a healthy peaceful and long life. Those who fast are expected to lead a very humble life. They should refrain from killing animals for food to get. God's direct blessings.

Observing the fast for God Iyappan leads one in this correct path. Devotees ceremonially initiated the fasting period on November 17 at Aluthmawatha All Ceylon Ananth Iyappan temple with a Ganapathi Homam in view of Sabarimalai Iyappan Yathre.

Sri Iyappan fasting

Those who observe the Iyappan fast will have to take a normal bath (no hot water) in the mornings and evenings. They will have to apply Santhanan and Kunkuman to the Iyappan image hanging around their neck, light a lamp and incense stick to the Iyappan photo in the shrine room and worship and at the end of the prayer after milk plantain or sugar candy.

God Iyappan is said to have gone to the jungle without a second thought in search of tiger milk to cure his mother. He loves his parents. Thus, he expects his devotees too, to love their parents.

The devotees have to worship their parents and get their blessings and see that they treat them well specially during the fasting period.

On the first day the Tamil month Karthike the fasting begins. Devotees can start the fast with the help of a guru or their parents. Thereafter they will strictly have to be pure in their heart, speech and conduct.

Fast of 41 days

The fasting period consists of 41 days. They can skip one meal a day and refrain from afternoon nap, strictly abstain from gambling, cinema, cigarettes and alcohol.

These restriction would help one relieve of the bad habits and enlighten him of the good aspects the world offers. Devotees have to refrain from white clothing and footwear during the fasting period. Refraining from foot wear helps them prepare for the Padha Yathra they have to observe at the end of the fast, along the Sabarimalai mountain.

They must refrain from using perfumes, mattress and pillow. They must also abstain from thinking or talking evil. They should possess the thought that "I am prepared to sacrifice anything for you God, your grace is what is more important to me and my family."

During the fasting period it is advisable to engage in worshipping Iyappan and singing his Bajan Songs.

When the devotees meet, they greet saying "Samy saranam". This implies that once they start observing the fast they are treated as Iyappan themselves. This makes one feel to be as divine and is expected to behave accordingly.

As the annual piligrimage season of Sabarimala temple in Kerala, India on the first day of the month of Karthiga (November) was beginning November 17 and it, continues up to January 14, 2010.

Daily programme

6.00 am- Maha Ganapathy Homan, Asta Abisegam

6.30 am- Asta Abisegam for Sri Iyappan usha pooja

6.45 am- Pooja for Garland and Garlanding

11.30 am- Uchchakale poojawa, after noon pooja

5.00 pm- Opening of the temple door

6.20 pm- Maha Theeparadani

7.45 pm- Aththasa Poojawa

8.15 Harivarasanam

This days special poojas, sakthi pooja, Jothi poojas and upavasan, upayan will take place.

On December 27, January 1 and 14 will take place the climbing of 18 steps the final lap of the pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimalai takes place annually during early January. We could understand that devotees are increasing each year by millions.

It is very important to have a 42 day fast to be observed before leaving to Sabarimalai and finally reach Sabaraimalai on Pongal day.

The pilgrims going to Sabarimalai all are treated alike.

Swami Iyappan's miracles and blessings cannot be described in words.

We pray to Iyappan for peace and happiness for all people, country and nations.