A Brass Ayyappa Idol refers to a religious statue or figurine made of brass that represents Lord Ayyappa. Lord Ayyappa is a revered Hindu deity who is worshipped mainly in the southern Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. He is considered to be the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in his Mohini avatar.
Sabarimala is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage center located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. It is one of the most sacred and popular pilgrimage destinations in South India, attracting millions of devotees every year.
The main deity worshipped at Sabarimala is Lord Ayyappa, who is considered a celibate deity and a symbol of unity, devotion, and equality. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level, amidst dense forests and scenic surroundings.
Sabarimala Temple is unique in its traditions and rituals. Devotees, known as Ayyappans or Swamis, observe a strict 41-day vratham (penance) before undertaking the pilgrimage. During this period, they abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, and practice celibacy. They also wear black or blue attire and carry the sacred irumudi, a cloth bag containing offerings for Lord Ayyappa.
The pilgrimage season at Sabarimala typically begins in November and extends till mid-January. The temple is open for worship during specific periods, including the Mandalapooja (celebrated in November-December), Makaravilakku (celebrated on January 14th), and Vishu (celebrated in April). The temple receives an enormous influx of devotees during the Makaravilakku season, which is considered the most auspicious time to visit.
The trek to Sabarimala involves climbing a set of 18 holy steps known as the "Pathinettam Padi." Menstruating women between the ages of 10 and 50 are traditionally not allowed to enter the temple, as it is believed to be in line with the deity's celibate nature. This practice has been a subject of debate and legal challenges in recent years.
Apart from the main temple, there are other shrines and landmarks around Sabarimala, including the Malikappuram Devi Temple, the Pamba River, and the Saramkuthi Hills. The pilgrimage offers a unique spiritual experience and an opportunity for devotees to seek blessings, engage in prayers, and participate in religious rituals.
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims, including transportation, accommodation, and crowd management. The Kerala government, along with the Travancore Devaswom Board, oversees the administration and management of the Sabarimala Temple.
Sabarimala holds immense religious significance for devotees, and the pilgrimage is considered a life-changing experience for many. It is an amalgamation of faith, devotion, and adherence to traditional practices, attracting devotees from different parts of India and abroad.
Brass idols are commonly used in Hindu temples and homes for worship and devotion. Brass is a popular choice of material for making idols due to its durability, malleability, and aesthetic appeal. The brass Ayyappa idol may depict Lord Ayyappa in various forms, such as in a standing posture or seated on a lotus. The idol may also feature specific symbols associated with Lord Ayyappa, such as the bow and arrow, a bell, a coconut, or a rudraksha necklace.
Devotees of Lord Ayyappa often offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings by worshipping the brass Ayyappa idol. It serves as a focal point for their devotion and is believed to embody the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa.
- He is considered to be the epitome of dharma truth and righteousness and is often called upon to obliterate evil The worship of Ayyappa has become very popular in the state of Kerala by members of all communities in Karnataka Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
- The iconography of Ayyappan depicts him as a handsome celibate Brahmachari God doing yoga and as an epitome of Dharma who wears a bell around his neck
- Ayyappan popularity has grown in many parts of India and the most prominent Ayyappan shrine is at Sabarimala nestled in the hills of Pathanamthitta of Kerala The shrine receives millions of pilgrims every year