Vrishchikam: The story and the Importance.

Vrishchikam is very much important for devotees of Ayyappa Swamy. Vratham for 41 days are taken by devotees before Darshan of Ayyappa in Sabarimala.

According to the legend, Ayyappa is incarnated to kill Mahishi (the demon princess). So Ayyappa was born as Hari Hara Putra. Child of Bhagwan Shiva and Vishnu in Mohini Avatar. The King of Pandalam Palace, who had been taking penance for a child, saw the child and took him to his palace and looked after as his own child. He named him Manikantan. ( born with a bell in a neck). Later Mahishi was killed by Manikantan. As his birth aim is fulfilled, Ayyappa left the palace and went forest to do penance. A temple was built by the king there as requested by Ayyappa Whoever visit Sabarimala should take a 41-day Vratham.

This is to enable one to begin the journey towards becoming a true devotee. The ultimate purpose of Ayyappa Vratham is self-transformation. The process helps the Sadhaks to realize that we are part of the divinity. According to the Sanadhana Dharma, man (jeevaatma)seeking the union with Bhagwan is the ultimate spiritual purpose of human life. However, there are several ways to reach God, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Gnana Yoga. Ayyappa Vratham probably falls under Bhakti Yoga. Using devotion to bring out the divinity in humans is the aim of Ayyappa Vratham. In under-taking the Vratham, we follow several rituals to signify the transformation of human nature to the divine nature. Ayyappa Vratham and the journey to Sabarimala is one, and perhaps, the most realistic way to reach him in this Kali yuga. Mudra mala symbolizes the beginning of the Vratham.

It reminds the devotee that he is God himself and to others, it indicates that the devotee is in Vratham. The Mudra mala is removed when the Vratham is over after 41 days and after the devotee has the darshan of Lord Ayyappa climbing 18 steps with the irumudikettu on his head. After taking Vratham of 41 days and they reach temple Climbing 18 holy steps, they see themselves as Bhagwan. That is Tatwamasi means (TAT you, TVAM god ASI are.) You are part of Bhagwan.

Importance of 18 steps

The first 5 steps of Panchendriya's senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Next 8 steps of emotions Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb. Next 3 steps of thrigunas of Satva, Rajas, and Tamas.The last two steps Vidhya and Avidya.