Ayyappan 5 - Prayer & Conduct Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

In any religion,
Prayer plays an important role
In the life of a spiritual aspirant.
Prayer soothes, calms the mind,
It makes you responsive, responsible,
Prepares you for an inner spiritual quest.

The ‘Ayyappa Swamis' pray too,
But accompanied by certain fixed
Observances, rituals and morality.
These practices have to be followed
For a period of forty-one days,
With a strict code of conduct on all days.

Cleansing of the body is a priority.
The day starts with a bath,
Followed by prayer and various rituals.
Equally essential is to keep the mind clean
And pure without any negative thoughts.
A systematic and disciplined daily routine!

The ideal colour chosen by the Ayyappa devotees
Is surprisingly black! Black absorbs all colours.
Men dressed in black clothes is a common sight
In Kerala, during the ‘‘mandala' month.
Black wards off evil, protects, preserves,
Is a lucky talisman that sustains and maintains!

The ‘Ayyappa Swamis' grow their hair, beard
They wear ‘rudraksha', holy basil or crystal chains,
The food is restricted to cereals, vegetables, fruits,
Non-vegetarian food like meat, fish, eggs are banned.
It is a period of absolute celibacy.
These rules cannot be avoided or overlooked.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala,
To get a glimpse of the deity - Sri Ayyappan,
Is not easy or a smooth climb without any effort.
For Sri Ayyappan is the Supreme ‘Brahman'
The embodiment of truth & knowledge,
And eternal bliss!