Significance of 18 steps of Sabarimala Temple

The Sabarimala temple is the one of the most visited pilgrimage places. Every year there are lakhs of people visiting the temple. In fact, every year more devotees visit this place does increase to a great extent, as more believers get pulled into visiting this miraculous holy place.

The 18 steps of the temple is the most important part of the temple. A big tradition of this temple is to climb the 18 steps with the irumudi on your head. Here is the significance of the steps in the Sabarimala Temple.

The meaning of the first five steps

The first five steps of the temple are called the Panchendriyas. The first five stones signify the five senses of the human body. They are: eyes, nose, ears, mouth and touch. It means that eyes should always see good things, ears should hear good things, tongue must be used in speaking good and chant the name of the Lord Ayyappa, nose should breathe fresh air, and touch the japa mala chanting the Lord’s name.

The next eight steps

The next eight steps are called the Ashtaragas. They are: kama, krodha, lobha, moha, madha, matsarya, asooya and dhumba.

The significance of the next three steps

The next three steps are the trigunas. They are satva, rajas, and thamas. They tell that one should be active and let go of laziness. They say that ego should be given up and one must give themself to Lord Ayyappa.

The meaning of the last two steps

The last two steps are called the vidya and avidya. Vidya means knowledge and avidya means letting go of ego and submitting oneself to the lord. It is believed that this leads to salvation.

It is commonly believed by many pilgrims that climbing the 18 steps in Sabarimala will lead to knowledge of life.

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