Wishesh December Magazine 2015

Indian Events
First day
The pilgrim awakes early
on the first day of the fast,
bathes and prays to family
deity, the holy mala, and
navagrahas (the nine
planets). Along with his
guru, he then proceeds to
the temple to receive mala
amid chanting of saranams.
The devotee should shun
all social activities like the
renunciant, Lord Ayyappan,
and immerse in bajans,
prayers, poojas, temple visits,
feeding the poor, cleaning
temples, to spiritual lectures
and attending to the poor/
sick. Only satvic food has
to be consumed. Having
meat, intoxicants like drugs,
alcoholic beverages, betel
leaves, and smoking are all
strictly restricted.
The Ayyappa swami (one
who wears mala) takes
bath in the pre-dawn
hours, applies vibhooti and
sandalwood paste regularly.
He meditates and sings about
Lord Ayyappan all 41 days.
He does not shave, refrains
from hurting anybody, do not
cause any inconvenience
to family, identifies other
Ayyappa devotees as lord
himself. The swamy do not
oil hair or body and carries a
tulsi leaf always to ward off
evil and temptations. He does
not sleep on the bed nor wear
footwear to protect his feet.
DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.WISHESH.COM