Ayyappa Swamy Temple Rules and Regulations

Worshiping the god Ayyappan, also called Dharma Shasta, is the focus of the Hindu shrine Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan. It is thought that Ayyappan is the son of Shiva and Mohini, Lord Vishnu’s female incarnation.

There are eighteen hills surrounding the Ayyappan Temple, which is why Sabarimala is so famous, and each hill has multiple temples. Since the Lord was celibate, it’s noteworthy to note that women in the menstruation age range of 10 to 50 are not allowed to enter the temple for worship. This means that men are the ones who worship at the temple in large numbers.

They are usually unshaven, wearing blue or black clothing, and have sandal paste applied on their foreheads. Compared to most other Indian temples, very few dates are available to participate in temple rites. These consist of the first six days of the Malayalam calendar, the days of Mandala Pooja, Vishu, and Makara Vilakku. The dates could change annually based on the customary calendar.

The devotee may wear Sree Ayyappan’s locket on a bead chain. The devotee must live a life without material pleasures once the chain is worn. Moreover, vices like drinking alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited. In addition, the pilgrim must live a life free from marriage. 

Dos:

• After ten minutes of walking on the ascent, take five minutes to relax.
• To get to Sannidhanam, use the conventional route via Saramkuthy, Marakoottam, and Nadapanthal.
• To get to Pathinettampadi, use the queuing system.
• To return, take the Nadapanthal flyover.
• For bowel movements and urine, use restrooms and toilets.
• Check the current density of people before traveling from Pampa to Sannidhanam.
• Pay solely at the Devaswom counter when using Dolly, and save the receipt.
• At security checkpoints, submit to a security check.
• Ask the police for assistance if you need it.
• Report any questionable characters to the police.
• Buy only approved stores’ edible goods.
• Maintain Pampa, Sannidhanam, and the hiking trails tidy.
• Only park your car in the designated spots.
• Put trash in designated waste boxes only.
• Use hospital and oxygen room resources, if necessary.
• ID cards with addresses and phone numbers are hung around the necks of young people, older people, and Malikapurams (girls).
• Devotees can report to police aid posts if they feel alone and separated from their friends or groups.

Do not:

• Cell phone use is prohibited on the grounds of the temple.
• At Pampa, Sannidhanam, and on the way, do not smoke.
• Don’t use drugs or alcohol.
• Avoid cutting through the line.
• When waiting in line, take your time.
• Never carry guns or other potentially explosive materials.
• Never give in to unsolicited vendors.
• Do not empty your bowels or urinate outside of restrooms.
• Only spend what is necessary for any services.
• Always be bold and ask the police for assistance.
• Rubbish should only be disposed of in the designated rubbish bins.
• Coconuts should not be broken on the Pathinetampadi.
• Coconuts should only be broken on the spots marked on both sides of Pathinettampadi.
• Avoid kneeling at Pathinetampadi when ascending the sacred stairs.
• Never choose a route other than the Nadapanthal flyover on your return trip.
• Never take a nap in Thanthrinada or Upper Thirumuttam.
• The viris (ground matting) walkways are prohibited at Nadapanthal and lower Thirumuttam.

Safety

• It is forbidden to use firecrackers.
• It is forbidden to carry weapons.
• Using cooking gas, stoves, etc. at Sannidhanam is not recommended.
• If a fire starts, it should be extinguished right away.
• Before climbing the Pathinettampadi, submit a security check for you and your belongings.

Conclusion

In the Indian state of Kerala, the temple is located on a hilltop in the village of Ranni-Perunad, in the Ranni Taluk of the Pathanamthitta district. In the Periyar Tiger Reserve, eighteen hills encircle the shrine. Estimates place the number of yearly pilgrims visiting this site at 10 and 15 million, making it one of the most popular in the world.