One of the most revered and visited temples in India is the Swamy Ayyappa Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the son of Shiva and Vishnu. The temple is situated on the Sabarimala hill, a part of the Western Ghats mountain range in Kerala. Every year, millions of pilgrims undertake a rigorous 41-day penance and trek through the dense forests to reach the temple, especially during the Makaravilakku festival that marks the winter solstice.
The highlight of the pilgrimage is the ascent of the 18 golden steps that lead to the sanctum , where the idol of Ayyappa is enshrined. These steps, known as Ponnu Pathinettampadi, are not just physical steps, but spiritual ones. They represent the various stages of human life and evolution, and the challenges and virtues that one has to face and cultivate along the way. Only those who carry a sacred bundle called Irumudi on their head, symbolizing their offerings and surrender to Ayyappa, are allowed to climb these steps. They have to chant the Pathinettam Padi, a devotional song that glorifies each step and its significance.
The meaning of each step is open to interpretation, but here is one common version that explains them in a simple and profound way:
- The first step signifies ignorance or illiteracy, which can be overcome by learning from those who are wiser and more knowledgeable than us.
- The second step signifies false prestige, which can be eliminated by realizing that we are not better or worse than anyone else, but equal in the eyes of God.
- The third step signifies ego, which can be subdued by surrendering to the divine will and accepting whatever happens as God’s grace.
- The fourth step signifies karma, which can be accepted as the consequence of our own actions and choices, and not blame others or fate for our situation.
- The fifth step signifies maya, which can be transcended by seeing through the illusions of the world and recognizing the reality behind them.
- The sixth step signifies desire, which can be controlled by following the path of righteousness and not succumbing to temptations that lead us astray.
- The seventh step signifies anger, which can be calmed by practicing patience and forgiveness, and not letting our emotions cloud our judgment.
- The eighth step signifies greed, which can be curbed by being content with what we have and not coveting what others have.
- The ninth step signifies lust, which can be purified by observing celibacy and devotion, and not letting our senses dominate our mind.
- The tenth step signifies attachment, which can be detached by renouncing worldly pleasures and possessions, and not clinging to anything that is impermanent.
- The eleventh step signifies hatred, which can be replaced by love and compassion for all beings, and not harboring any ill will or malice towards anyone.
- The twelfth step signifies fear, which can be overcome by having faith and courage, and not being afraid of anything that is unknown or uncertain.
- The thirteenth step signifies jealousy, which can be eliminated by being happy for others’ success and well-being, and not feeling envious or inferior to anyone.
- The fourteenth step signifies selfishness, which can be eradicated by being generous and altruistic, and not thinking only about ourselves or our own interests.
- The fifteenth step signifies pride, which can be humbled by acknowledging our faults and limitations, and not being arrogant or boastful about our achievements or abilities.
- The sixteenth step signifies arrogance, which can be crushed by respecting others’ opinions and feelings, and not being rude or dismissive towards anyone.
- The seventeenth step signifies cruelty, which can be changed by being kind and gentle, and not being harsh or violent towards anyone.
- The eighteenth step signifies wisdom, which is attained by merging with the supreme consciousness of Ayyappa, who is also known as Hariharasudhan (the son of Hari and Hara), Sastavu (the teacher), Manikandan (the one with a bell around his neck), Shasta (the ruler), Dharma Shasta (the upholder of dharma) and Sabarinath (the lord of Sabari hill).
By climbing these 18 steps with devotion and discipline, the pilgrims are believed to achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. They also get a glimpse of the divine beauty and grace of Ayyappa, who blesses them with peace and happiness
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