Ladies and Sabari Malai

I'm penning this article based on my own opinion and if it does not please you, my apologies for that...
Sabari Malai has been revered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus, in particular Ayappa devotees. In the history of mankind, the Sannidhanam never allowed woman pilgrims who have attended age and before menopause. As we all know, pilgrims to Sabari Malai are only allowed into the Sannidhanam after strict 48 days of fasting. Fasting includes dietary control, refraining from sexual pleasures, comfort, etc. Start of the 48 days fasting is initiated by a Guru and the devotee starts wearing Mala around the neck to signify this fasting period. Once the Mala is worn, the male devotee is required to perform prayers daily and recite the Naama of Swami Ayappa. Having said that, the mental and physical state of the devotee is fully devoted to the Lord of Sabari Malai. The steadfastness to take the tough journey through the mountains that reach the pilgrim spot is notable. However, this year, there has been a court ruling that all woman are allowed regardless of menopause. Considering the fact that, any women would have a 28 days cycle of menstruation, the mental and physical state of the lady devotee would be disrupted and how can a lady abide the required abstinence? I'm not a sexist and I am a support of gender equality. At the same time, I'm a ardent follower of the Sastra and I strongly believe that certain practices and temple norms have a significant value which should never be taken for granted. Well, leaving aside the Puranam which talks about Ayappa being a Naishtika Brahmachari and so on, there are certain core values and underlying substance to a reasoning for such rules.
Likewise, why don't we offer liquor or meat to lord Ganesha? Isn't that what we humans consume? Logically speaking, what is wrong to offer meat and liquor to lord Ganesha? The same logic applies here, we follow certain guidelines and rules when we express our devotion. There would come a time when whatever that is logical to a human's mind becomes accepted and ancient teachings will be taken for granted. Human court rulings supersedes that of the Almighty. Today, when we visit a temple, we are not allowed into the sanctum sanctorum (Moolastanam). Only initiated Brahmins are allowed to enter. What is wrong if everyone is allowed to enter and do their own Yagnas, Abhishegam and prayers? Wouldn't that be more humane and equality for all? I would say this will cause chaos and sanctity of the temple would be destroyed. Well, not necessarily that all Brahmins are TRUE Brahmins and wearing a white thread across the shoulder does not really make one a Brahmin. However, at least there is a Karma principle that governs these aspects and the Brahmin priest is liable for his own wrong doings. Likewise, the guided principle for Sabari Malai is that ladies are not allowed and that should be revered and given due respect.
A lady plays various prominent roles when it comes to Bhakti. As a married woman, she is regarded as the Lakshmi in the family and she who ensures there is food on the table daily for the family is the form of Annapurneshwari herself. When her husband wishes to partake in Vritha (fasting) for Sabari
Malai Pilgrimage, the wife plays a great role in ensuring that the house is kept clean at all times, prepares for daily prayers and ensures there is food offered to all who visit their home for prayers and bhajans. She also prays to Lord Ayappa for well being and safe return of her husband, A point to note, she also sacrifices her sexual needs in the name of this fasting for 48 days. A man cannot fulfill his Vritha without the support from his wife.When there is such significant role for a woman, why even bother about wearing Mala and going to Sabari Malai. Wouldn't the Lord bless the woman who is at home as much as he would bless the man who visits him in Sabari Malai? This is the greatness of a lady's devotion. Like a child who comes to a mother out of love, the Lord comes to a lady devotee. Remember ladies, it is you who brings the Lord to your home, making sure he stays with your family forever and not just mere 48 days. let the men take the hardship of visiting him in Sabari Malai. There is absolutely no need for a lady to visit him in Sabari Malai...

***Swamiye Saranam Ayappa***

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sanatana Dharma Classes

Image
"Aakashath Pathitham Thoyam Yatha Gachathi Sagaram Sarvadeva Namaskaram Keshavam Prathi Gachathi" "As the water that falls down in rain from anywhere in the sky finally reaches the Ocean, the worship of any divine aspect ultimately reaches the Supreme Being."  What is the true meaning of this great verse that was said by Shankara? If the above is true, then  why the confusion and conflict? A rguments and debates?Q uarrels and fights? We see arguments within Sanatana Dharma followers, we see conflicts between people from different religions, we experience chaos in our own mind, which is the right teaching. We end up switching from one belief system to the other, from one Guru to another, from one religion to another. This goes on and on. The cause of this, is mainly because we only see the differences between us, we fail to appreciate the similarities. We think superior of ourselves and our belief system and not realizing the essence of our very own teachings wh
Read more

Tarpanam and Soul's Journey

Image
Often times, I get questioned by people why do we do Tarpanam. The question arises in 2 context.  1. A non believer of God trying to question with narrow mindedness and with limited knowledge of Sanathana Dharma and with expectation that results that are not seen, heard, felt, tasted, spoken and smelled is untrue. 2. A true believer of God trying to gain knowledge and ensure that they perform a ritual meaningfully. For the first questioner, this article does not apply as these folks need to be approached in a different manner. This article is particularly for the 2nd questioner who is trying to understand the significance of the ritual and wants to perform the ritual for betterment. Starting with the definitions: Tarpanam comes from the word 'Trup' which means 'to satisfy others'. Tila Tarpanam is usage of Tila (black sesame seeds) to satisfy others. Why is Tila used instead of pepper corns, mustard seeds or even some tasty Pizza or Pasta?  Wh
Read more

Should I be a Vegetarian

Image
One asks if Hindu's should be vegetarians. Instead, one should ask ''him/herself if  'I' should be vegetarian". S ince such a question has already arisen in your mind, perhaps you have developed a degree of sensitivity about harming other living forms to satisfy your physical hunger. If that is true, you may be better off not eating meat. That way you will be at peace with yourself. Since you are sensitive to this issue, your intellect may be directing you towards being a vegetarian. It is a possibility. However, your mind wants the pleasure of eating meat and your body may crave it due to past habits. So you have to reflect on this. Why has this question come up for you? What is the right thing for you to do? In my last post I spoke about Sattvik lifestyle and what makes us a Brahmin. In the same context, I am going to touch on Advaita Vedanta and the definition of it. Advaita means non dual, Vedanta means Philosophy. So when we say non dual, it mean
Read more