You can go to your local temple and ask the Priest about this Ayyappa Mandala Puja.

Please see this link

http://www.sabarigiri.org/vritham.h…

Austerities (Vrutham) The Vrutham (austerities) starts on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrichikam ( November 14/15/16 ) for those devotees who intend to worship Lord Ayyappa on Mandala Pooja Day( around 25th December ) or Makara Sankranti day (around Jan 14th). "Makara Sankranti" day is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala and " Mandala Pooja day " is considered as second most auspicious day. Nowdays the temple is open to devotees on 1st day of each Malayalam month and other kerala festival days such as "Vishu", "Thiru Onam", etc. However 41 days minimum vrutham is necessary before the day of Pilgrimage to Sabarimala as per the conditions of the pilgrimage.

The vrutham starts from the day of wearing of "Thulasi Mala" (garland) or" Rudraksha Mala with the locket of Lord Ayyappa. The mala is to be accepted from a temple Priest or Guru Swami/Periya Swami (The devotee who has visited the Sabarimala Temple several times and who can guide the other devotees in all matters relating to Sabarimala pilgrimage) after the mala is duly sanctified in a temple/ or pooja room. A "Dakshina" is to be given to the priest/Guru Swami/ Periya Swami concerned. After wearing the "Mala" the devotee is called as "Ayyappan" or "Swami"( in the name of Lord Ayyappa) till the completion of his pilgrimage and removal of Mala thereafter. The eligible female( aged between 1 and 9 and above 50 years) devotees are called as "Malikapuram"( The Shakti of Lord Ayyappa).

During the period of Vrutham utmost care should be taken by each devotee to keep their mind and body clean,pure and balanced. The devotee is expected to live like "sadhu", "Yogi" and his action,word,thought should not under any circumstances hurt the feelings of the others. The devotee should avoid all worldly pleasure and avoid taking alcohol,tobacco and non-vegetarian food. They are also not expected to cut hair and nails a shave. Black / dark blue dhoti and shirt is the proper dress for the vrutham. Wearing Chappal, Shoes are not allowed as per traditional rule of the Vrutham. Absolute Bramacharya during the period is essential without which no devotee should go to Sabarimala Temple. The devotee is expected to pray in the morning and evening after taking bath. Before each meal devotee should pray and take the meal as "Prasadam" of Lord Ayyappa.

Without proper Vrutham Pilgrimage to Sabarimala is not at all advisable. The mental satisfaction of the pilgrimage can be attained only through the proper Vrutham. May the Lord Ayyappa help everybody to follow the rule of traditional Vrutham for the attainment of salvation of the soul . You can also see these links

http://www.vishuji.com/sabari.htm…

http://www.vishuji.com/dailyayyappa…

http://www.sabarigiri.org/sabarimal…

http://www.ayyappan.com/ayyappan/hi…

http://www.cyberkerala.com/sabarima…

(Rated by 5 Council Members)

http://www.cyberkerala.com/sabarima…

Vrutham starts on Vrichikam 1 (aprox. November 15) which enables one to observe nearly 60 days of Vrutham before Makara Sankranti (aprox. January 14) which is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala. This also helps devotees to observe a vrutham of 41 days before the Mandala Pooja. The devotees initiate the vrutham by wearing a Thulasimala or Rudrakshamala with mudra (mudra means the locket, in this case that of Lord Ayyappa). The mala (bead garland to which is attached a pendant of Lord Ayyappa)) is sanctified in a temple or in the pooja room before being worn. After the prayers, the devotee receives the mala from the temple from the temple priest or a Periya Swami or a Guru Swami. It is also permissible to wear this mala in your own pooja room. At the time of adorning the mala, the pilgrim should be made to understand the implications of the vrutham and the pilgrimage. Before accepting the mala, traditional dakshina (tribute to the Guru) is offered to the priest or Guru. After wearing the `mala', the pilgrim is addressed as `Ayyappan' till his mala is removed on completion of his pilgrimage. Eligible female pilgrims are addressed as Malikapurams. Guruswamy is one who has undertaken 18 or more pilgrimages and climbed the Pathinettam Padi eighteen times. It must be remembered that in the old days, pilgrimage was undertaken once a year only. Eighteen pilgrimages meant 18 years of steady devotion and dedication. On the eighteenth visit, it was symbolic to take along a coconut sapling to be planted at Sannidhanam. Nowadays eighteen pilgrimages can be undertaken in just over a year. So we must re-define Guruswamy to say that it is someone who has undertaken the pilgrimage at least eighteen times, is a total devotee of Lord Ayyappa, and is learned and responsible enough to to convey the full significance of the pilgrimage to his followers. He should also be able to lead his group safely through the pilgrimage. Simple living, absolute cleanliness and holy thoughts are the mainstay of the vrutham. The mind and body are to be kept impeccably pure and absolute celibacy is practiced. The devotee is expected to behave in an austere and sober fashion during his vrutham. Total abstinence from all vices like alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food is stipulated. Personal adornments, hair cutting, shaving, etc. are also taboo.

Devotee is expected wear black/blue/saffron clothes. Devotee is expected to pray daily in the mornings and evenings after taking bath. The prayer ritual can be performed by going to any temple or in one's own pooja room. Those devotees who are desirous of worshipping Lord Ayyappa on `Makara Vilakku' day (January 14) may continue their vrutham till that day. The vrutham continues till the pilgrim returns from his pilgrimage to Sabarimala and removes his `mala' after breaking a coconut and offering prayers. Without a proper Vrutham it is a sacrilege to visit the temple or climb the Holy 18 Steps. (The 18 Steps cannot be climbed if you are not carrying an `Irumudi Kettu'). A vrutham of at least 41 days must be undertaken so that necessary physical fitness and mental conditioning are achieved before the arduous trek. No pilgrim, except the Royal Family of Pandalam, is permitted to ascend the `Pathinettam Padi' without carrying a Irumudi on the head. Those without Irumudis can only enter the temple precincts through the side entrance. Prior to leaving home for Sabarimala, the Irumudi is filled at the temple or in ones own pooja room. The ceremony is conducted with the assistance of the periaswamy amidst chanting of 'Saranam Ayyappa'. Irumudi is carried on the head with due reverence. Irumudi Kettu is divided into two parts. The front pouch and the rear pouch. The front pouch, for identification, is marked with the symbol `OM'. The front portion is meant for stocking pooja articles such as coconuts filled with cow ghee, camphor, unboiled rice, plantain (kadali), aval (flattened rice), pori, sandal paste incense sticks, vibhuti (sacred ash), kumkum (vermilion), turmeric powder, jaggery, kalkkandom (candied sugar)and coins for dakshina.

The rear pouch of the Irumudi Kettu contains consumable edible items which are used by the pilgrim for his personal sustenance during the journey to Sabarimala and back. Minimal bedding like blankets or bed sheets can also be carried. These can be used as a cushion on the head. When the pilgrims leaves his home for Sabarimala, he breaks a coconut on a stone near his door step. A lit oil lamp is generally placed on this stone. Till the pilgrim returns home after the pilgrimage, one of the family members ritually lights this lamp at dusk, and allows it to remain lit for a couple of hours, in a gesture of prayer for the well being of the pilgrim and his safe return. When the pilgrim returns home, he breaks a coconut at the same spot to signify the end of the pilgrimage and then moves on to the pooja room to unload the `Irumudi and remove the mala which he had worn at the time of beginning the austerities. That signifies the last ritual of the pilgrimage.

(Rated by 5 Council Members)

(Rated by 5 Council Members)

Austerities ( Vrutham)

The Vrutham (austerities) starts on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrichikam ( November 14/15/16 ) for those devotees who intend to worship Lord Ayyappa on Mandala Pooja Day( around 25th December ) or Makara Sankranti day (around Jan 14th). "Makara Sankranti" day is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala and " Mandala Pooja day " is considered as second most auspicious day. Nowdays the temple is open to devotees on 1st day of each Malayalam month and other kerala festival days such as "Vishu", "Thiru Onam", etc. However 41 days minimum vrutham is necessary before the day of Pilgrimage to Sabarimala as per the conditions of the pilgrimage.

The vrutham starts from the day of wearing of "Thulasi Mala" (garland) or" Rudraksha Mala with the locket of Lord Ayyappa. The mala is to be accepted from a temple Priest or Guru Swami/Periya Swami (The devotee who has visited the Sabarimala Temple several times and who can guide the other devotees in all matters relating to Sabarimala pilgrimage) after the mala is duly sanctified in a temple/ or pooja room. A "Dakshina" is to be given to the priest/Guru Swami/ Periya Swami concerned. After wearing the "Mala" the devotee is called as "Ayyappan" or "Swami"( in the name of Lord Ayyappa) till the completion of his pilgrimage and removal of Mala thereafter. The eligible female( aged between 1 and 9 and above 50 years) devotees are called as "Malikapuram"( The Shakti of Lord Ayyappa).

During the period of Vrutham utmost care should be taken by each devotee to keep their mind and body clean,pure and balanced. The devotee is expected to live like "sadhu", "Yogi" and his action,word,thought should not under any circumstances hurt the feelings of the others. The devotee should avoid all worldly pleasure and avoid taking alcohol,tobacco and non-vegetarian food. They are also not expected to cut hair and nails a shave. Black / dark blue dhoti and shirt is the proper dress for the vrutham. Wearing Chappal, Shoes are not allowed as per traditional rule of the Vrutham. Absolute Bramacharya during the period is essential without which no devotee should go to Sabarimala Temple. The devotee is expected to pray in the morning and evening after taking bath. Before each meal devotee should pray and take the meal as "Prasadam" of Lord Ayyappa.

http://www.sabarigiri.org/vritham.h…

http://www.cyberkerala.com/sabarima…

http://www.vismayam.net/IncludeSong…(You can hear beautiful malayalam yesudas songs about ayyappan. You will enjoy them)

(Rated by 5 Council Members)

That's really good. Before taking the vows for the pilgrimage, seeking the permission and the blessing of the parents is a must.

The Vritam (vow) should be observed for at least 45 days before ascending the sacred 18 steps to the sanctum sanctorum (sannidhanam) of Sabarimala. The Vritam is very simple and easily observable. The devotees shall try to be pure in all the 3 aspects - Kaaya (Physical) Vaacha (Speech) and Manasa (Mental) and obey the Guruswamy always.

The devotees undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time (called 'Kanni Ayyappan') should seek the guidance of a senior Guruswamy who has been to Sabarimala four or more times.

Strict celibacy, repeated chanting of the 'taaraka mantram' ie SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA, conditions the body for the trek through the Sabari hills. Utmost devotion, honesty and unfliching faith in His ultimate grace, abstinence from alcohol and non-vegetarian food, are the other prerequisites. During Deeksha, the devotees shall be in black or saffron clothes, remain unshaven, wear Tulsi or Rudraksha mala. The sacred mala should be worn in the presence of a Guruswamy. If unable, then place mala at the altar, chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" thrice and then wear. Once you wear the mala, ensure you observe full Vritam. They should aslo walk on bare foot only.They aren't supposed to wear any shoes or chappals during these 45 days.

The devotees shall participate in Bhajans, Kirtans, puja etc. Devotion alone is the surest and simplest way to take one nearer to the Almighty.

The daily pooja vidhi during the Vritham is simple. Saranam Vili (chanting of Ayyappa names) should be preferably done twice a day - morning and evening. The timing can be flexible depending on your work schedule. But the poojas should be done after a bath and before partaking of any food.

First chant the "Sharana Ghoshas". As many as you please but with full devotion.Then the Namaskara sloka - Lokaveeram....... Offer Naivedhyam - anything it could be freshly cooked rice, payasam, panagam, fruit, dry fruits or even sugar/candy sugar-suit your convenience.Light a small lamp with Ghee and do Deepam aarthi chanting "Aarya vamsha sujatha namo namo…….. Light camphor and do Karpoora aarthi chanting "Om Akhila bhuvana deepam …Complete the pooja by chanting the Mangala aarthi "Om Jaya, Jaya Jaya, Shakti…….."Prostrate before the Ayyappa photograph .

At the end of each segment seek forgiveness of the Lord for all known and unknown misdeamoners committed by you, by chanting the mantra….."

OM Adiyen Therindum Theriyaamalum Chaiytha sakala kutrangal ellaam poruthu kaathu rakshikka vendum, Satyamaana ponnu pathinettam padimel vaazhum, Om shri harihara

For more slokas on Ayappa and puja vidhanam, Check this: http://www.vishuji.com/sharanaayyap…

Good Luck

(Rated by 5 Council Members)

The austerities and regulations that has to be strictly followed for taking pilgrimage to Sabarimala Temple:

1. The vritham has to be undertaken after getting permission from parents. Then one has to get the permission of the the Guru. After this the date is fixed to commence the vritham. The previous day before the said date one has to offer prayers to ones' family deity and make a holy knot with yellow cloth with 1.25 currency units within and present it to the family deity, thereby taking Her/His permission to commence the vritham.

2. Previous day before starting the vritham, the devotee will cleanly shave, clip his nails, trim his hair and make himself physically clean. The holy mala / garland (tulsi / uthradsham) should be cleaned and smeared with sandal paste and placed before the portrait of Lord Ayyappa. The devotee should also buy a new pair of coloured (black, blue, saffron) dhoti and towel/shawl.

3. On the day of starting the vritham the devotee shall rise early, bathe and offer prayers to family deity, Navagrahas and perform pooja to the holy mala. Then he shall go to temple with his Guru. The mala has to be received from the Guru in midst of chanting of Saranam. After wearing the mala the devotee becomes Lord Ayyappa himself and starts the demands of pious life.

4. The devotee shall withdraw from all social activities and spend his time by taking part in praying, poojas, bajans, visiting temples, cleaning temples, feeding the poor, helping the poor/sick and attending religious discourses.

5. He shall take only vegetarian food and refrain 100% from taking meat, intoxicating drinks / drugs, chewing betel leaves and from smoking.

6. He shall bathe twice, if possible thrice, daily and perform pooja by at least chanting 108 Ayyappan Saranam. He shall continuously chant Saranam Ayyappa in mind, both at work and at home.

7. He shall not hurt anybody verbally or physically.

8. He shall treat all co-devotees as Lord Ayyappan himself and serve them in all the ways.

9. He shall not feel proud of the respect and privileges he gets when he is wearing the holy mala. When others prostrate themselves on his feet he shall not feel proud but dedicate the same to Lord Ayyappan and say aloud 'Lord Save everybody for their faith in you'.

10. He shall not cause inconvenience to his family members on account on observing the vritham.

11. As he starts his vritham every year, he shall think that he is doing the same for first time and follow all the rules of the vritham strictly.

12. He shall strictly follow brahmacharya (celibacy) and refrain from sex, avoid thinking of sex, avoid developing a passion for women including his wife, and treat all women with motherly feeling.

13. He shall not apply oil to his hair and shall not take bath with oil smeared over his body.

14. He shall not attend any social functions like birthdays, engagement, wedding etc. and shall not feast in anyone's home who has not undertaken the vritham.

15. He shall avoid being in the proximity of dead body and shall not eat anything till he bathes if he accidentally sees a dead body.

16. He shall always carry a tulsi leaf with him to prevent him from evil feeling and from Thitu.

17. He shall not sleep on bed but on floor, he shall not use pillow but wooden block, he shall not use footwear but walk with bare feet.

18. He shall totally surrender himself to Lord Ayyappa.

One should remember that Lord Ayyappan of Sabarimala will continue to shower his blessings on any one who observes the above rules strictly.

The devotee has to lead a strict abstemious life, free of any desire, carnal or otherwise. He/She is prohibited from sleeping with spouse or any woman/man. Men will have to grow beard and should not look at or come in the way of ladies in menstrual periods.

Please visit http://www.sabarimala.org/pilgrimag…

Samiye saranam Iyappa

(Rated by 5 Council Members)

(Rated by 5 Council Members)