Ghee Filled Coconut (Mudhirai Thengai)

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Pathinettampadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorum is divine in all aspects. Initially the 18 steps were made of granite. It was later covered with Panchaloha in the year 1985 to prevent it from deterioration. As per the tradition, ONLY those who undertake the penance for 42 days and those who carry the IRUMUDI on their head are allowed to use the steps. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacred Irumudi on the head while going up or down the 18 steps. While descending the steps the devotees climb down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.

Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the Nature. The significance of 18 can be traced back to the Vedic age. The first Veda, believed to be protected by Lord Brahma himself, had 18 chapters. Later, Veda Vyasa divided it to create the four vedas: Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharava Veda. Each of these vedas had 18 chapters. Veda Vyasa also wrote 18 puranas and 18 upa-puranas. The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and the Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days. There are many mythological stories associated with the holy Patinettampadi.

• Some believe the eighteen steps denote the 18 puranas.
• Others believe it represents the 18 mountains in the Sabarimala region: Ponnambalamedu, Gowdenmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Chittambalamala, Khalgimala, Mathangamala, Myladummala, SriPadamala, Devarmala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Neelimala, Karimala, Puthuserrymala, Kalakettimala, Inchipparamala and Sabarimala
• The first three steps depict "Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash", 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 for Jnanendriya, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who cross all these steps are believed to achieve "Punyadarshan".
• Another interpretation of the 18 Steps that resonates with the modern world we live is as follows:
• The first five steps denote the indriyas or senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin).
• The next eight steps signify the ragas or vices -- tatwa, kama, krodha, moha, lobha, madha, matsraya, and ahamkara OR desire, anger, avarice, lust, pride, rivalry, jealousy, and boastfulness
• The next three steps signify the gunas -- satwa, rajas and thamas OR wisdom, activity, and stupor
• The seventeenth and the eighteenth denote vidhya (knowledge) and avidya (ignorance).

We're born with the five senses but have a choice of using them for good or bad. In this Kali Yuga, where crimes and atrocities dominate, you can easily get detracted into seeing and hearing these bad things. How do you focus your senses to see and hear the good things that elevate your spirit? You can extrapolate the same to smell, taste, and touch. Using our senses to focus for the good of us and everyone around us moves us closer to The Almighty.

The eight vices on the other hand are acquired, but we can lead a life without these. Well, we may strive to avoid them but the peer pressure, stress of work/ relationships, etc. push us in that direction. How often we get angry at our loved ones? How often we long for things that others possess? How often we think of giving it back when we're wronged? Avoiding these 8 vices at any cost moves us closer to The Almighty.

The three gunas or qualities need to be focused on for the good of mankind - learn good things; do good deeds; avoid inactivity. Won't we all have a good place to live in if everyone channels their energy in the right direction? Unfortunately not all do. But the one who does moves closer to The Almighty.

Finally, we seek HIS blessings to remove the shadow of “ignorance” showering us with “knowledge”.

                                     SATHIYAMAANA PONNU PATHINETTU PADIGALE – SARANAM IYYAPPA

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