18 holy steps of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple: Significance, Meaning

18 Steps in sabarimala ayyappa temple

There are 18 holy steps which the devotees have to climb before entering the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. These sacred steps are called Pathinettam Padi. The steps are made with Panchaloham which is a special composition of gold, silver, copper, iron and tin. It is believed that each step has a significance.

There are many versions about the significance of these holy steps as per ancient texts. However the most popular and widely accepted one is mentioned here.

The first five steps symbolise the five human senses of vision , hearing, smell, taste and touch.

The next eight steps symbolise the eight astharagas which are Kama, krodha, lobha , moha, madha, matsarya, asooya, dhumb.

The next three symbolise the thrigunas which are sattva, rajas and tamas.

The last two steps symbolise vidya and Avidya.

It is believed that after climbing up these eighteen steps, the devotee detaches himself from all the worldly pleasures that bind him and will merge with the supreme being Lord Ayyappa. He would rise above his sensory perceptions. He would gain control over the eight negative forces that bind every human being. He would go beyond the thrigunas and seek knowledge and get rid of ignorance in the final steps.

It is to be noted that only Ayyappa devotees who have taken the deeksha and are wearing black coloured dress along with the irumudi are allowed to climb the eighteen steps as per temple authorities. For other devotees there is a separate entrance that leads to the temple.