This is simple but most appealing ritual of the whole practice of this pilgrimage.
We reached Pampa around 2:30 PM, quickly entered in the pre-announced hotel during the travel. With the help of guru swami we kept all our “irumudis” in one clean place in that hotel and went to Pampa River to take bath. But when I saw the river I was totally stunned it was far away from my expectations with totally mud filled water and unpleasant environment with left clothes and mudra maalas. I was totally disappointed and afraid even to take bath in that. I just prayed swami ayyappa and had just three deep dips in the river and came out of it. Trying to forget that bath I dressed in Black lungi and towel to start the bare foot trek to sabarimala with a side bag on shoulders and “Irumudi” on head. With a loud “Saranu gosha” Guru Swami kept respective “Irumudis” on our heads and started our trek holding a coconut in one hand which was taken from side bag around at 3:30 PM. The first stop was at “Pampa ganapthi” temple, there we broken our coconuts in a single attempt and eagerly proceeded with enough energy. The onset of treck is energetic and full josh, as all our motto is to see the splendid God as early as possible. I was ready with arrow (decorated by guru swami while doing “Pettai thulli”) in one hand by supporting other hand on “Irumudi” which was on my head.“ I felt like this was an easy trek to finish compared to my old treks – If I am not bare foot. As some of the swamis are slow in their ascent I felt forming special group to proceed with all young and enthusiastic swamis and I did the same. With some guide lines from Guru Swami we moved further with greater ascent.
We were just before “Padunettambadi” we have to break another coconut just beside “Padunettambadi” before climbing it and the same we did. Then the next is our most awaiting moment after a long waiting and painful trek we are just few seconds away from the “Padunettambadi” (The very famous 18 golden steps). There was huge crowd being diverted by police to main path of the temple after crossing these golden steps. It was the most memorable moments in life and it was the most awaiting minutes every body are eagerly waiting for touching all 18 steps, but we were fully disturbed and pulled drastically by them to cross with in seconds. The steps were built so steep and we don’t even think of any thing while climbing them. I saw people who were dying to touch all the 18 steps to pious their devotion and to get rid of their sins to attain virtuous state in their life. I was able refresh my whole senses, it was a BIG refresh to my soul, I forgot the whole world around me and it’s a great rejoice and rejuvenation to my whole soul. I can’t express this feeling just in words. One should feel this. I thank the all mighty God Sri Ayyappa Swaami. Then we spent long time to search our bus among the thousands of buses being parked there. Though each state bus were parked separately with proper name boards indicating state names it is not that easy to find our bus. At last we entered in our bus around at 9:15 AM and waiting for other devotees. Once the bus is filled with all of us we started around at 11:30 AM to “Malliyoor Maha ganapthi” temple. Once the bus started moving on the hill roads due to a satisfied feeling and the nice wind from lush green forest on each side of road I nap for some time. We reached “Malliyoor Maha ganapthi” temple around at 2:00 PM and had lunch there after our darshan. Then it was long journey to Bangalore via calicut. We had dinner in Calicut around at 9:00 PM. On the way to Bangalore from calicut we have taken very famous eatables of kerala – “Banana chips” and “Halwa”. This is how I fulfilled my longings … Thanks to Sri Darma Saasthaa for giving me this strength to write all my experiences in this pilgrimage.
It looks light pink/red in color, with so many medicine values. After my inquiry with other pilgrims, I came to know that the water was totally medicated and safe as they boil the water by mixing special roots of some trees and other important healing contents like jeera and red pepper etc.
Ayappa was looking articulate and too charismatic and piercing. When I looked straight into ayppa eyes, he seemed to touch my soul with his striking gaze. It was heartfelt feeling of my soul. I can’t forget this for my life. My longing was pleased.
Day 4(Sunday) – 21/12/2008
A journey like these is fulfilling and gives a stir to both our mind as well body.
Harivarassanam






