Ayyappa Deeksha : DOs & Don'ts

Ayyappa Deeksha is a religious observation done as an offering to Lord Ayyappa following the rules & regulations of utmost celibacy (as practiced by Brahmacharis in good olden days).  Deeksha should be observed for 41 days.

WHO can do it?
Males: Any one can do it.
Females: Below age 10 and above 50 can observe deeksha

WHEN?
It is usually observed during the Mandalam (which usually falls between Nov 2nd week and Sankranthi). Mandalam starts on first day of Kartika Masam (as per Kerala Calendar)

WHERE?
Mala Dharana can be done in any temple. It is usually done by Guruswami (who had been to Sabrimala 18 times) or the priest at the temple. Deeksha will be ended after returning home from Sabarimala. Mala should not be removed in Pamba or Sannidham.

WHAT to do?
• Take bath in early morning and evening with cold water. (Clarify usage of Soap and Shampoo from your guru Swamy).
• Daily visit temple.
• Do the pooja twice a day, morning (before sun rise) and evening (after sunset).
• Do your regular daily pooja followed by Ashotharam (108 namas) to Ganesh, Subramanyam, Durga & Ayyappan.
• Chant Hairivarasanam only after evening Pooja.
• No need for cooked Prasadam every day. Fruits as Naivedyam for Ayyappan are OK.
• Take bath as soon you come home in the evening from work.
• Wear only Black Dress.
• You should never take the mala out.
• Use fresh clothes every day. So, have two pairs of black dress and wash them every day.
• No Breakfast.
• Lunch: Should take fresh cooked food before noon. No left overs from previous day.
• Dinner: Should take light food like, upma, idli.
• No onion,garlic, egg or meat products.
• Outside food should be completely avoided.
• If anyone calls you for Annadanam you should not refuse the invitation. Make sure they should have prepared the meal after taking bath etc.
• When you or your spouse is preparing meal, make sure you clean the stove before cooking.
• Follow celibacy to the core. Idea is to be far from 'kama, krodha, moha, lobha...'
• Sleep on ground without pillow and bed.
• NO Entertainment. (Means no partying, no watching TV, listening to film music etc, no playing games)
• Control Anger and talk less.
• Call all women (including wife) as 'Matha' and men as 'Swamy'
• Bramhacharyam: Should not even touch your spouse.
• During monthly cycle for women, husband taking Deeksha is not supposed to see the wife at all. (Some say, it is not needed, but lot of people try to follow this rule too). If it is not possible in the house/apartment you are living, that is OK. But we might see women who are in their monthly cycles outside in shops or may shake hands with them (at work or shop). That is the reason it is recommended to take bath immediately you reach home from outside)
• No Smoking, Drinking.
• No footwear.
• Not supposed to shave your beard or comb your hair.
• Try to attend as many as bhajans in your deeksha time.
• Try to have tulasi leaf with you to be away from evil thoughts.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT:
Idea is to follow these rules with utmost discipline and dedication, so we can control & overcome inherent human bad qualities one by one like anger, lust etc. By doing it for 18 years, it is hoped we overcome all our bad qualities and become a SWAMY ourselves (or saints). Some people say that is one of the reason for 18 steps at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.It is also believed by Hindus and many other people that, if we practice anything for 40 days, we get used to it and continue it. That is the reason most of the
deekshas are for 40 days and so is Ayyappa Deeksha. So, if you can, take Deeksha for 40

One thing any Sasthras say is: Follow rules to the best of abilities, considering the environment we are in. So if you can't wear black dress to work or if you can't sleep without a pillow because of health reasons, that is acceptable. But not following Diet and Celibacy restrictions is NOT ACCEPTABLE.