The Vratham (a period of spiritual discipline and fasting) should be undertaken with permission from both your parents and your Guru. Once permission is granted, the date for starting the Vratham is fixed. On the day before the Vratham begins, the devotee must offer prayers to their family deity. A holy knot with yellow cloth containing 1.25 currency units is tied and offered to the family deity, symbolizing the deity’s blessing to start the Vratham.

The holy mala (garland of Tulsi or Rudraksha) should be cleaned, smeared with sandal paste, and placed in front of Lord Ayyappa's portrait. 

On the day the Vratham starts, the devotee should rise early, bathe, and offer prayers to their family deity and Navagrahas. The devotee, along with their Guru, will visit the temple to receive the mala amidst the chanting of "Saranam Ayyappa." Upon wearing the mala, the devotee is considered a representation of Lord Ayyappa and must follow the path of a pious life.

During the Vratham, the devotee withdraws from social activities and dedicates their time to prayers, poojas, bhajans, visiting temples, helping the poor and sick, and attending religious discourses.

Vratham Guidelines:

• Only satvic (pure) food should be consumed. Avoid meat, alcohol, drugs, betel leaves, and smoking.

• The devotee should bathe twice or thrice daily and perform pooja, chanting at least 108 Ayyappa Saranam mantras.

• Chant "Saranam Ayyappa" continuously in mind, whether at work or home.

• Do not cause harm to anyone, either verbally or physically.

• Treat all co-devotees as Lord Ayyappa himself and serve them with devotion.

• Remain humble despite the respect and privileges received while wearing the holy mala. When others offer respect, dedicate it to Lord Ayyappa, saying, "Lord, bless everyone for their faith in you."

• Avoid causing inconvenience to family members while observing the Vratham.

• Approach each year’s Vratham as if it is your first, strictly following all the rules.

• Observe brahmacharya (continence), and treat all women, including your wife, with a motherly attitude.

• Social events such as birthdays, engagements, and weddings can be attended, but party foods should be avoided.

• Stay away from the proximity of dead bodies.

• If possible, sleep on the floor without a pillow and avoid using footwear.

• Surrender completely to Lord Ayyappa during the Vratham.

• If health permits, try to eat only once a day.

The grace and spiritual power of Sabarimala grows stronger by strictly following these rules. However, the most important aspect is maintaining cleanliness of mind and purity of thoughts.

Devotees must wear a Tulsi Mala or Rudraksha Mala with 108 or 54 beads, along with a portrait of Lord Ayyappa. This is done in front of a Guru who has made the pilgrimage to Sabarimala multiple times. After wearing the mala, devotees offer Guru Dakshina and receive the Guru’s blessings.

The Vratham lasts for 41 days, and it concludes when the devotee ascends the Holy 18 Steps with the Irumudi. The full 41-day Vratham period is mandatory and cannot be shortened.

Ayyappa devotees can begin the Vratham based on the dates listed in the Houston Ayyappas calendar. The Irumudi date will be determined based on the start of the Vratham.

Tulsi Mala, Dhoti, and Irumudi kits are available for purchase through Meenakshi Temple.

Swamy Saranam!