When they get to the feet of the temple pilgrims brake their coconuts as offering to Lord Ayappa.
then they are burned..
This pilgrimage to Sabarimala, in the mountains of Kerala takes place every year. They are devotees of Lord Ayappa. They go through a 41 day penance abstaining from sex, meat and intoxicationg drinks before undertaking the trek up the forested mountain chanting the celebrated three words "Samiye, Saranam Ayappa ( Oh lord Ayappa, I come to thee for refuge). The doors of the temple at Sabarimala are open to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status.
1 comment:
those are ghee (clarified butter) filled coconuts thrown in the fire ... the heat grows so intense that the metal barricade melts and forms strange shapes .... you can feel the heat on your face as you look at it .. its usually at the end of the pilgrimage ... and I just wanted to head home then :o)
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