MaladharnaRegistration

Maladharna

The Maladharna (Wearing of the Mala) is a sacred initiation where devotees of Lord Ayyappa begin their 41-day period of spiritual discipline, known as Deeksha, in preparation for their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Wearing the mala (sacred garland) signifies the devotee's commitment to practicing spiritual discipline, self-restraint, and devotion during this period. Below is a summary of the process and the necessary steps for Maladharna.

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Before starting the Vratham (Deeksha), the devotee must seek permission from their parents and approval from their Guru Swamy (spiritual guide). Once granted, a date is chosen to begin the Vratham. The day before the set date, the devotee performs rituals to seek blessings from their family deity. This includes offering prayers and tying a holy knot with a yellow cloth, placing 1.25 currency units inside as a symbolic gesture of devotion and respect.

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On the day before starting the Deeksha, the devotee undergoes a purification process, including shaving, trimming nails, and ensuring cleanliness. The sacred mala, made from tulsi or Rudraksha beads, is then cleansed, anointed with sandal paste, and placed before an image of Lord Ayyappa. Additionally, the devotee wears simple clothing in black, blue, or saffron, typically consisting of a dhoti and shawl.

On the first day of Vratham, the devotee wakes early, bathes, and offers prayers to the family deity and Navagrahas (nine celestial deities). A pooja is performed for the mala, and then, accompanied by their Guru Swamy, the devotee visits the temple.

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The mala is received from the Guru amidst the chanting of "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" and once it is worn, the devotee is considered a representative of Lord Ayyappa, expected to lead a life of purity, devotion, and austerity throughout the Deeksha.

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This marks the beginning of a profound spiritual journey, culminating in the Sabarimala pilgrimage, where devotees seek Lord Ayyappa's blessings.

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Maladharna at Meenakshi Temple Society:
1. Purification:
   - The devotee takes a ritual bath, known as *Abhishekam*, to purify the body and mind, symbolizing the start of their spiritual journey.

2. Temple Visit:
   - The devotee visits a MTS and offers prayers to all the deities, and seek blessings for the Deeksha.

3. Registration:
   - Devotees are requested to RSVP for the Maladharna Pooja@Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland scheduled for

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   05 October 2024 via the following link: Maladharna Pooja Registration - Oct 5th.

   02 November 2024 via the following link: Maladharna Pooja Registration - Nov 2.

   09 November 2024 via the following link: Maladharna Pooja Registration - Nov 9th.

   - Please visit Sri Meenakshi Temple Society website to pay the Maladharna Fees: [Sri Meenakshi Temple Maladharna Payment]

and search for "Maladharna"

4. Presentation of the Mala to the Sannithi:
   - Devotees should present their mala in a cup labeled with their name to the designated volunteer before the pooja begins.

5. Maladharna:
   - After the priest completes the pooja, all devotees are requested to collectively recite the Maladharna Mandram

"Jnaanamudraam shaastrumudraam gurumudraam namaamyaham
Vanamudraam shuddhamudraam rudramudraam namaamyaham
Shaantamudraam satyamudraam vratamudraam namaamyaham
Shabaryaashrama satyena mudraam paatu sadaapi mae
Gurudakshinayaa poorvam tasyaanugraha kaarine
Sharanaagata mudraakhyam tvan mudraam dhaarayaamyaham
Chinmudraam khechareemudraam bhadramudraam namaamyaham
Shabaryaachala mudraayai namastubhyam namo namaha"

6. Receiving the Mala:
   - Following the Maladharna Mandram, the Guru Swamy or priest places the sacred mala (Tulasimani or Rudraksha beads) around the devotee’s neck, marking the official start of the 41-day Deeksha. The mala is received from the Guru amidst the chanting of "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" Wearing the mala signifies the devotee’s commitment to the pilgrimage and spiritual discipline.

7. Offering Guru Dakshina
   - After receiving the mala, devotees offer Guru Dakshina (a token of gratitude) to the Guru Swamy or priest and seek their blessings to successfully complete the Deeksha.

8. Adherence to Vratham:
   - Once the mala is worn, devotees are expected to adhere to strict discipline, including wearing simple black, blue, or saffron-colored clothing, and living a life of purity, devotion, and austerity for the next 41 days.

This process spiritually prepares devotees for their pilgrimage, allowing them to fully participate in the sacred practices dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

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Items Needed for Maladharna:
 

Sacred Mala: (Tulsi Mala\Dhothi\Irumudi are available to purchase from Houston Ayyappas or Meenakshi temple.). 

The garland (mala) is made of Rudraksha, Tulasi, or sandalwood beads and symbolizes the devotee's commitment to the Deeksha period. The mala should be procured in advance and kept clean.

Vasthram (Clothing):

Devotees typically wear simple black or saffron-colored clothing throughout the Deeksha period.
These clothes should be modest and comfortable, often consisting of a dhoti and shawl for men, and simple attire for women.

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