Sabarimala Makaravilakku

Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a crucial pilgrimage centre, thereby drawing the attention of innumerable people to the southern state of Kerala.The place has been doing so since many centuries. It attracts more followers from the south, rather than any other part of India. However people flock to the place in order to witness the magnificence and spirituality of Sabarimala makaravilakku.

Importance of Sabarimala Shrine

Lord Ayyappa, also renowned as Dharma Sastha is the ruling deity and is assumed as a vital symbol of concord between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Dharma Sastha is thought to have satisfied his mission in life and re-attained his Supreme Self, manifested at Sabarimala. Ayappan is said to be born of amalgamation between Lord Vishnu and Shiva when Lord Vishnu embodied as Mohini, the temptress.

Lord Shiva was heavily captivated by the beauty and allure of Mohini, so he united with her, out of which Ayappa was born. As a result, Ayappa is also known as ‘Hari Hara Putra’ where 'Hari' denotes Vishnu, 'Hara' denotes Shiva and 'Putra' is son. Henceforth, Sabarimala spell bounds innumerable followers from all over India, especially the southern states.

The temple can be accessed only by foot as it is positioned in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. In order to reach the temple, the pilgrims have to slog through the tapered tracks in chunky jungles flooded with wild animals. 

Its location makes the journey to the temple more fascinating and even adventurous. In the absence of any transport facilities, tens and thousands of followers walk through the rough land which shows their spirit and devotion towards God. The good news for adventure enthusiasts is that it is obligatory to overcome the 5km extent from Pamba to the temple which can be done only by trekking.

Ceremonies and Festivities during Makar Villaku

The advent of deity’s ornaments from the Pandalam Palace is a crucial occasion of Makara Villaku. The jewellery, Thirivabharanam is fetched three days before Makara Sankranthi. The sanctified jewellery is stored in a box and is piloted in an imperial demonstration.

A diamond tiara, trinkets made of gold dappled with priceless gems, Lord's swords, silver arrows and gold images of elephant, horse and leopard are composed in the box.

Tens and thousands of devotees queue on any one side of the course for a glance of the box, which is lifted by a priest on his head. The priest moves manically unmindful in the presence of numerous people.

Overcome by the joy of the amazing festival, the priest dances but the box remains pasted on his head. The procession stops at a few temples and eventually arrive Sabaripettam in the twilight of Makara Sankranthi. Bounded by amazing music, sparkling lights, devotion in the hearts of the followers and unlimited excitement, the convoy approaches Sannidhanam. A very weird thing is witnessed here. Suddenly, a kite starts floating around the box. This fills the heart of the viewers with immense joy and pleasure.

The exposure of Makarajyoti in the north eastern direction on Ponnambala Medu is another extravagant happening of the evening. With the passage of time, intonations of 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' , thereby instilling feeling of excitement in the devotees.

Various Makara Vilakku pujas and occasions are executed on the 'Manimandapa'. Henceforth, Malikappurath Amma is bestrided on an elephant's back and conceded in a march consisting of torchbearers, drummers, buglers to Pathinettampadi. The demo stops for some time and demands a bellow for Vettavili and proceeds after walking around the main temple.

The ceremonies and other occasions continue for a week. Guruthi marks the termination of the festivity. Thus, offerings are made and the holy shrine is evacuated. Tradition calls that nobody is supposed to remain inside the temple.

The fifth morning of Makaram marks the end of Makara Vilakku celebrations. A 'Ganapati Homam' is organized at the temple. The Thiruvabharanams are also taken off and after the completion of some more ceremonies, the followers set back from the shrine along with the Thiruvabharanam.

The Sabarimala Makaravilakku is one of the most popular festivals of South India, thereby promoting, preserving and protecting the rich and cultural heritage of the South.