Sunday, 14 January 2024 |MAKARA VILAKKU 🪔

Sunday, 14 January 2024

MAKARA VILAKKU 🪔

AYYAPPA PADI PUJA, PADI PATTU, AARATI

Boodha Naathaya Vidmahe
Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thanno Saastha Prachodayaath

Meaning: We worship Lord Ayyappa, the son of Siva. Salutations to Saastha (Ayyappa). May that Ayyappa stimulate our creative faculties.

AYYAPPA PADI PUJA, the puja of the “Pathinettam Padi”, is a traditional celebrations to the 18 sacred steps leading to Lord Ayyappa. During this Puja, we chant the ‘Pathinettam padi’ (song of the 18 sacred steps).

The first five steps symbolise the five human senses (Panchendriyas).
1. Visual (Eye)
2. Auditory (Ears)and
3. Olfactory (Nose)
4. Gustatory (Tongue)
5. Tactile (Skin)

The next eight steps symbolise the eight Ashtaragas.
6. Kama (Love)
7. Krodha (Anger)
8. Lobha (Avarice)
9. Moha (Lust)
10. Madha (Pride)
11. Maltsarya (Unhealthy Competition)
12. Asooya (Jealous)
13. Dhumb (Boastfulness)

The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (Nature-born qualities).
14. Satva (Perspicuity, Discernment)
15. Rajas (Activity, Enjoyment)
16. Thamas (Inactivity, Stupor)

The last two steps represent:
17. Vidya (Knowledge)
18. Avidya (Ignorance)

The 18 Steps are also equated to
18 Puranas
18 Mountains
18 Ayudhams
18 Siddhas
18 Devatas
18 Gunas

One who cross all these steps become purified and attains eligibility to get the darshan of Lord Ayyappa.

It is said that one who crosses the 18 steps, conquers the 18 Gunas, and becomes Bhagawan, that is Tatvamasi (I am That), the state of pure Oneness with the Divine.

On the Auspicious evening of MAKAR VILAKKU, Kailasa Houston offered Ayyappa Padi Puja. The 18 holy steps were decorated with flowers and silk cloths, and the ritualistic lighting of lamps took place. The celebrations concluded with a grand Aarati.

Thank You Swamiji!