Holy 18 Steps of Ayyappa

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> Pathinettam Padi (18 Holy Steps) and the

> Significance of the 18 Steps

>

> Before one views the Sanctum Sanctorum, one has to

> climb over eighteen sacred steps. These steps are

> now covered with `Panchaloham' (a special

> composition of gold, silver, copper, iron and tin.

> Pilgrims initiate their ascent up the Pathinettam

> Padi by placing their right foot on the first step.

> The symbolism of these 18 steps is as follows:-

> The first five steps symbolise the five human

> senses (Panchendriyas) i.e. visual (vision),

> auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory

> (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the

> `mortal' nature of one's body.

> The next eight steps symbolise the eight

> Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha,

> Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice,

> Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and

> Boastfulness).

> The next three steps stand for three Gunas or

> Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva, (

> perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity,

> enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor).

> The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and

> Avidya (Ignorance).

>

> It is assumed that after climbing up these

> eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches

> oneself from all the worldly ties that bind one

> physically and mentally to the world . It is only

> then that a person will be in a receptive condition

> to be `one' in consonance with the concept of 'The

> Ultimate Creator.

> The details given above represent the most

> prevalently accepted version of the significance of

> the Holy Pathinettam Padi. Other versions are:-

>

> Ayyappa was a master of 18 weapons and the

> steps signify these.

>

> Ayyappa before merging into the idol at the

> Sanctum Sanctorum, surrendered his 18 weapons, one

> at each step of Pathinettam Padi.

>

> The steps represent the 18 hills existing in

> and around the region of Sabarimala.

>

>

 

 

 

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