Padi Pooja begins at Sabarimala

Due to a variety of customs and legends, the Sabarimala Sridharmashastha Temple is always popular. The unique padipooja ceremony has started at Sabarimala soon after the Makara Vilakku festival. The padipooja will be up to January 20 starting from January 16. The padi pooja is being performed by Tantri Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru and chief priest Areekara Sudheer Namboodiri.

 The padi pooja performed in the 18th step has many features. It is widely believed that the 18 hills in Sabarimala represent the holy eighteen steps. The concept here is that every step of the way represents the Malaya god. Others claim that they are based on eighteen myths. The five senses of the eye, the nose, the tongue, the skin, and the ear represent the first five steps, and the steps represent, lust, fury, religion, rebellion, and pride. The next three steps are based on the three attributes - a monster, rajas, and tamas. Wisdom and Knowledge represent the 17 and 18 steps.

The eighteenth step becomes more important and glorious. Padipuja is a puja performed in accordance with these 18 steps. All the Abhishekas and Poojas performed within the temple are held unchanged.