Penance of the devotee Pilgrims

Beads of Necklace worn by the Pilgrims

Each Ayyappans must rigidly follow rituals commanded on them for Mandalakalam 41 days.None other temple stipulates such strict rituals just to take a darsan of the lord ,they may have
some rituals for other purposes.Sabarimala pilgrimage is the purity of the rituals associated with it. In concerned with Ayyappa devotees rituals do not mean restrictions and timely intake of food alone,it is not only a return trip that nature has prepared for man but also a way of to help to open the inner vision to unite with God.If you adorn your neck with the symbolic beads chain (Tulasi maala/Rudrasha maala) it is the beginning of observing the rituals bound for the pilgrimage.
Ayyappa devotees must rise early in the morning , bath and purify yourself,go to a temple and only after doing getting pooja done on the string of beads should you wear it.Devotees are none other than Ayyappan for the next Manadalakalam(41 days).
Each Ayyappans must rigidly follow rituals commanded on them for Mandalakalam 41 days.None other temple stipulates such strict rituals just to take a darsan of the lord ,they may have
some rituals for other purposes.Sabarimala pilgrimage is the purity of the rituals associated with it. In concerned with Ayyappa devotees rituals do not mean restrictions and timely intake of food alone,it is not only a return trip that nature has prepared for man but also a way of to help to open the inner vision to unite with God.If you adorn your neck with the symbolic beads chain (Tulasi maala/Rudrasha maala) it is the beginning of observing the rituals bound for the pilgrimage.

A saintly life should be followed during this period.So the devotees set for the pilgrimage must keep off women ,liquors and non-veg; food and follow the path of ahimsa.To redeem the world Lord Ayyappa decided to be a celibity and Satwik Brahma.All Ayyappan should be bare-footed to sabarimala and should live in tune with nature like a yogi. After wearing the beaded chain devotees should not trim his hair,beard,mustache or nails.This is to awaken the spiritual senses and also to make the devotees mind and body go back to nature after leading a year of luxurious life.