Karthigai month

The Karthigai month or Karthigai masam, is the 8th month of the Tamil calendar, as the name suggests it is derived from the Nakshatras – Krithigai. In 2016 the Karthigai month begins on November 16 and ends on December 15. The Karthigai month is devoted to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Muruga, and Ayyappa.The very word Sabarimala reminds every one of the Pilgrimage. Lord Ayyappa’s devotees, initiate their Ayyappa deeksha Vrittam to mark the beginning of the annual sabarimala pilgrimage during this month. The devotees wear a special chain beaded with Rudraksha and Tulsi Beads.

The Sabari mala pilgrimage.

The methodology of undertaking a pilgrimage to Sabarimala is still unknown to many. The materials carried in the Irumudikettu are still a puzzle to many. The pilgrims carry Pallikkettu, also known as Irumudikettu, is split into two compartments. The front is used for keeping the materials meant to be offered at the temple and the rear accommodates edible items for self-use. Earlier, pilgrims used to carry with them blankets, sleeping mats and utensils for cooking. In those days one could ascertain whether the Pilgrim is a novice by noticing the colour of the Irumudikettu. The fresh Pilgrims used red silk cloth while the seniors used white coloured cotton cloth.

With time, lots have changed. The articles in the front of the Irumudikettu are betel leaf, betel nut, coin, coconut, ghee stuffed coconut, camphor, turmeric powder, puffed rice, fried paddy, honey, dried grapes, black pepper, rose-water, banana, rice flour, rice and raw tobacco. Earlier, pilgrims also used to carry packets of ganja as offering to the Karuppuswami and Kaduthaswami. The ghee stuffed coconuts are meant for offering at the temple. The betel leaf, betel nut and coin are offered to the adjacent temples by the pilgrims on their return.

As the Lord Ayyappa is fond of camphor the pilgrims worship him by burning camphor. They also offer turmeric powder to Naga Yakshi, Nagaraj and also at Malikappuram. They also offer coconuts at the Malikappuram Temple. Pilgrims offer puffed rice, sugar candy, fried paddy, dried grapes and roasted rice flour to Kaduthaswami for child boon. For Karuppuswami the offering is raw tobacco while it’s black pepper for Vavaruswami. Rice, molasses and bananas are meant for offering to Lord Ayyappa. The rice in the rear compartment is for self-consumption, accompanied by pickle, coconut slices and grilled papad.

Watch this space for more Sabarimala Pilgrimage related articles.