| Temples & Legends Of Kerala |
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| Temples & Legends Of India |
SABARIMALA |
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| Unique
Pilgrimage The pilgrimage to Sabari is unique in several: First there is the physical and mental cleansing of the devotees by the hard penance (Vratham) they ha observe for 41 days preceding the pilgrimage. During this period they have to observe strict abstinence mundane pleasures-a penance unique to Kerala. Shouting of Saranam (surrender to God) is a prominent feature of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims trekking Badrinath and Kedarnath shout 'Jai Badri' and 'Jai 'Kedarnath' as the case may be. Similarly, Sabarimala pilgrims, shout Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa- O Lord Ayyappa, come to Thee for refuge-in the true spirit of what Krishna advised Arjuna to do in the Gita; Sarvadharman parityajya (abandoning all dharma), mamekam Saranam vraja (take refuge in me); so that He could redeem from all sins. |
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