41-day fast begins for Sabarimala devotees

With the beginning of the Tamil month of ‘Karthigai’ on Tuesday, Ayyappa devotees have begun their 41-day fast. After observing the fast, pilgrims will visit the Sabarimalai temple.

Several temples in the city were adorned on the eve of this function. In particular, Ayyappa temples in Mahalingapuram, Raja Annamalaipuram and Anna Nagar were grandly decorated. Stores selling the required items for the fast witnessed a huge crowd on Monday, as several devotees thronged the shops. Though the city has been receiving heavy rainfall for the last few days, neither the rain nor the resultant woes seemed to deter shopkeepers or devotees.

Pilgrims observing the fast wear the Sabarimala malai mostly at temples through their leader (Gurusamy). Those who do not visit temples, wear it through elders at home.

Following the ritual, the pilgrims follow a few prescribed rules such as not shaving and walking barefoot, in addition to abstinence from non-vegetarian, smoking and more. They also sleep on the floor and bathe in cold water twice a day.

The 41-day fast highlights the importance of austerity and abstinence in the lives of those seeking a complete merger with the Lord. A devotee has to abide by several regulations, if he is to cross the pathinettu padikal (18 steps) and enter the temple on Sabarimala.