Ayyappan History :
He is the son of hari(vishnu), haran (shiva) so called as "Hariharaputhiran". grew at Kailayam. Then he took an Avatar As Manikandan and was adopted as a son By Pandala King. In search of Tigers milk he went to the forest, killed demon Mahishi, completing his avatar's purpose. Then stayed at Sabarimala temple to bless his bakthas. This is the usual History known for everyone. But a book named "Boothanaathobakyaanam" this story is bit different.
Instead of Pandala King lord ayyappa was a Warrior of Pandian empire and he was sent to forest for bringing Tigers Milk.
Pilgrimmage speciality :
Bakthas should adopt 41 days of Fasting for both the Mind and body, The travel to sabarimala is by walk in a thick stony forest in a cold weather climbing hills so to get the necessary strength one must adopt brahmacharya. One has to avoid Luxuries and comforts also must wear Blue or Black dresses to show equality. Instead of usual life style, Climbing hills, Enjoying the beauty of river, forest, Hills people get energized with the Mother Nature.This is the speciality of sabarimala travel.
The person who goes Sabarimala for the first time should conduct a procedure called "Kanni pooja". This is also called as 'vellakudi, padukkai, aali pooja'. The first day of the month of karthiga to margazhi 11th (This year from November 16 to december 26th)with in this duration, the dates for conducting this particular pooja which has to be done in the house, should be fixed. .
In the house a stage is prepared in which lord ayyappas picture surrounded by lord ganapathy, maaligai purathamman, karuppasaamy, kadutha saamy, vaabar, aali has to be placed in correct places and do pooja with lamp. Aval, pori, fruit, Beetal leaves, Nuts, rice to be offered to every god and do Annadhana for Bakthas.
Directions for Irumudi:
Before the travel to sabarimala a procedure called 'kattukatuthal' a Irumudi program is done. The things necessary for the travel like, eatables, Gods Pooja items like coconut filled with ghee, camphor, Aval for Kadutha swamy, pori are tied up and the procedure is called as kattukatuthal. In the first chamber of this bag the ghee filled coconut is kept and the eatables are keptin the second chamber of the bag. With the help of the chief priest the Irumudi is tied up and pray lighting the camphor. Then must stand towards East and say ' swamiyae saranam iyappa'
Magarajyothi Darshan :
In the day of magarasankaraanthi in sabarimala during evening pooja time this happens. The place called ponnambala medu where Angels and Saints join together and light the holy fire making a big theeparadhana for Ayyappa. In the northern hill side of Ayyapas temple this can be seen.
