50 years of performing 'Parakottipattu'

 

It has been 50 years since Prasad Aranmula starting singing 'Parakottipattu' front of Sri Ayappa at the Mani Mandapam near Sannidhanam. He started it along with his father when he was only eight. Thousands of devotees have prayed in front of him for relief and solace, he says.

 He said that the 'Parakottipattu' was performed at the bottom of the Holy Steps until about half a century ago. His father used to say that tigers could be found in the dome outside the temple during those times. Now the rush is remarkable higher with wildlife retreating to the inner area of the forest. But he also shared the concern that devotion to those who do not take the 41-day is diminishing. Previously, the Sabarimala Pilgrimage was done with naked foot. The devotees have to go through the stones and thorns of the forest before reaching Sabarimala. Ayyappa was the mantra at the time. Everyone's aim was self-purification. A devotee who goes up the mountain comes as a new man after ascending the Holy Steps.

 Decades ago, about forty people have performed 'Parakottipattu' here. Now, 14 people are only doing it following a court verdict. It is believed that Lord Shiva came to the palace as a forest tribe to remedy the evil that had inflicted on the prince of the royal Pandalam dynasty. All those who are performing the 'Parakottipattu' are his relatives. Every devotee who sits in front of him is regarded as Ayyappa, said Prasad. He estimates that the changes in Sabarimala within a half-century have been amazing.