Ayyappa Prayers And Songs in Malayalam in pdf – Download - Reason For Popularity Of Ayyappa Worship In Kerala
Reason For Popularity Of Ayyappa Worship In Kerala
The worship of Lord Ayyappa is immensely popular in Kerala
for several reasons, blending religious, cultural, historical, and social
factors:
Historical Significance:
The temple at Sabarimala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, has a
long and storied history. Believed to have been established centuries ago, it
is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The history and legends
surrounding Ayyappa, who is considered to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini
(the female form of Lord Vishnu), play a crucial role in its significance. All
legends and stories associated with Ayyappa is believed to have taken place in
present day Kerala.
Cultural Integration:
Ayyappa worship is deeply integrated into the cultural
fabric of Kerala. The pilgrimage to Sabarimala (known as the Sabarimala Yatra)
is a major event in the cultural calendar, attracting millions of devotees from
all over India and abroad, transcending caste, creed, and religion.
Rituals and Practices:
The rituals associated with Ayyappa worship, particularly
the 41-day vratham (a period of austerity and penance), and the pilgrimage
through dense forests to reach the Sabarimala shrine, are seen as spiritually
purifying and transformative experiences. These practices foster a strong sense
of community and shared spiritual purpose among the devotees.
Message of Equality and Brotherhood:
Ayyappa worship emphasizes equality and brotherhood. During
the pilgrimage, devotees wear simple black or blue clothing, symbolizing
renunciation of materialism and social status. This message of equality and
unity is a powerful draw for many people.
Legends and Miracles:
Numerous legends and miraculous stories associated with Lord
Ayyappa and the Sabarimala temple contribute to its mystique and appeal. Tales
of divine intervention and blessings received by devotees add to the fervor and
faith.
Promotion and Support by Royalty:
Historically, the royal families of Kerala, particularly the
Pandalam royal family, have played a significant role in promoting and
supporting the worship of Lord Ayyappa. Their patronage helped establish and
maintain the temple and its associated traditions.
Geographical Appeal:
The Sabarimala temple is located in the Western Ghats,
amidst beautiful and serene natural surroundings. The challenging journey
through forests to reach the temple adds an element of adventure and deepens
the spiritual experience for the pilgrims.
Socio-Economic Factors:
The pilgrimage has a significant socio-economic impact on
the region, with numerous businesses and services catering to the needs of the
pilgrims. This economic dimension helps sustain and promote the tradition.
Inclusivity:
Despite certain traditional restrictions (like the
prohibition on women of menstruating age from entering the temple, which has
been a subject of legal and social debate), Ayyappa worship is generally seen
as inclusive. It attracts a diverse range of devotees from different
backgrounds.
Media and Communication:
In recent times, media and communication technologies have
played a role in spreading awareness and information about Ayyappa worship and
the Sabarimala pilgrimage, further enhancing its popularity.
These factors combined make Ayyappa worship not only a
religious practice but also a significant cultural and social phenomenon in
Kerala.