Significance Of Mandala Pooja

Mandala Pooja is a ritual held at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. It also marks the end of the 41-day-long fast and austerities that Ayyappa devotees undertake in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November-December). This period is called Mandala Kaalam. Mandala Pooja and ‘Makara Vilakku’ are two of the important events held at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. Hordes of devotees from Kerala and other neighboring states visit Sabarmala at this time. 

Story of Ayyappa:

Ayyappa is also known by the name of Hariharasuthan, meaning ‘son of Vishnu and Shiva’. He is supposedly the son of Shiva and Vishnu’s Mohini avatar. The story goes that Lord Ayyappa was born to kill the demoness, Mahishi, who was the sister of Mahishasura, an evil demon. Mahishi did penance to please Brahma and asked him for a boon that could protect her from death. According to the boon, her death would come only at the hands of a child born to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Since both the deities were male, this was practically impossible. So she rejoiced, thinking that no one could kill her.

But the Gods proved to be cleverer. Vishnu turned a beautiful woman called Mohini. From the union of Mohini and Shiva, Ayyappa was born. He was raised by King Rajashekhara of Pandalam and went on to kill Mahishi as he had been divinely ordained to do.

Mandala Pooja Rituals:

• Vrat/ fasting is an integral part of Mandala Pooja. It is strictly observed by the followers of Ayyappa.
• It is also mandatory for devotees to lead an austere life if they wish to make the pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple. During theMandala Pooja period, devotees take care to lead a pious and simple life. They wear a Rudraksha or Tulsi mala with Ayyappa’s locket till they visit the Ayyappa Temple, and then they remove the Mala. During this time, people refer to them as ‘Swami’ or ‘Ayyappan’.
• During the Mandala Pooja period, devotees have to keep their minds and body clean. They need to renounce worldly pleasures.
• Drinking alcohol and smoking is prohibited for devotees visiting the shrine during the Mandala Pooja. They should pray twice daily, avoid sex, and causing hurt to others.
• Makarasankranti day is the most auspicious day during the Mandala Pooja period. Mandala Pooja is also known as the Makaravilakku festival, which takes place every year in January (Jan 14 -16). The Lord’s jewels are taken in a procession to the Old Pandalam palace in Sabarimala.
• At this time, a Krishnaparunthu or Brahminy kite, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, can be seen hovering in the sky until the jewels reach the palace. The bird circles 9 times above the Sannidhanam as a sign of respect to the deity.
• The star Makaram or Sirius will be visible at this time, and it is called the Makara Jyothi. Witnessing it is the highlight of the ritual. At this time, the idol is decked up with the jewels, and the devotees chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”. After this, the star disappears mysteriously. Finally, bright light or Makaravilakku shines 3 times from Ponnambalamedu, the hills opposite Sabarimala. The ritual ends at this point.

Significance of Mandala Pooja:

The significance of Mandala Pooja is mentioned in many of the Puranas. According to these religious scriptures, a person’s destiny can witness positive change only when they perform the Mandala Pooja. It can be performed by any individual, but only once, during their lifetime. Mandala Pooja has the power to grant fulfillment of one’s desires if it is done with true devotion and complete dedication. There have been many instances where the devotee obtained what he/she wanted after completing this Pooja. The strict vrat observed during Mandala Pooja cleanses the soul. Both men and women can keep the vrat. Females between 1-9 years and women above 50 years can do the Mandala Pooja vrat. They are called ‘Malikapuram’.