Mandala Vratham - What, Why and How?

The Essence of Observing Mandala Vratham

In the Indian yogic system, it has been adviced that any form of practice or sadhana be done for one Mandala i.e 48 days, because it is the length of time that is needed for the practice  to take root in your system. Just as the embryo needs to spend enough time in the womb to become a fully formed child, a yogic practice needs its time to mature within our system. It takes some time for our food to digest and give us energy. Similarly, it will take some time for the practices to integrate with our system and offer us benefits.

While adopting yogic practices newly, we create a space in our mind for it. We also make the necessary adjustments in our environment to accommodate the new habit, say an adjustment in our time schedule. It takes time for the mind and body to be tuned to this. Hence don’t be quick to judge, keep practicing for a Mandala and then beyond.Forty-eight days or a mandala, a time period when the system goes through a certain cycle. This is also the reason why in Ayurveda for example, medicine is usually given for 48 days.

When we say "Sadhana" or any spiritual practice, we are talking about using every aspect of life – both internal and external – so that it is a continuous nurturing for your life. Because the very nature of a human being is such, unless there is some dynamism, some movement in his life towards betterment within and outside of himself, he will feel frustrated. He has to keep moving to a newer and newer possibility. Sadhana is an act which facilitates that. Everything can be sadhana. The way you eat, the way you sit, the way you stand, the way you breathe, the way you conduct your body, mind and your energies and emotions – this is sadhana. Sadhana does not mean any specific kind of activity, sadhana means you are using everything as a tool for your wellbeing.

The Mandala vratam is designed to cleanse and enhance the physical, mental and spiritual realms of the aspirant. In order to achieve this, the vratam directs the aspirant to adopt an austere life – getting up early every day, taking a bath in cold water, praying to the Lord, doing  mantra chants and bhajans,focusing on good aspects of life, maintaining Trikarana shuddhi (purity in thoughts, words and deeds) every wakeful moment, bathing and worshipping in the evenings, participating in satsangs with other devotees, adopting a monastic dress code, not wearing footwear, eating and drinking simple satvik food in moderation that are spiritually enhancing etc.

The essence of practicing a sadhana or a mandala vratham is that one becomes more receptive to the Divine Grace or tto the tremendous possibilities of inner transformation.

Sabarimala Mandala Vratham:

November 16, 2016 marks the beginning of the Sabarimala Mandalam season this year - the transit of Sun into Scorpio – called vrischika sankramanam – and is the first day of kartikai. To millions of devotees of Lord ayyappan around the world, the day marks the start of the Mandala vratam, a six week period of austerities which will culminate in their pilgrimage to see the Lord in His abode on the Western Ghats (Shabari malai) and submit their iru-mudi at His feet. Most devotees are familiar with the vratam and its significance; every Guru swami will have expounded on this prior to the start of the vratam by the formal wearing of the mudra mala. 

  

That also means, we do not just do vratam, we assiduously practice it – the samskrit word ‘Anushtanam’ (implying strict, well-thought out and regular practice) is normally used to describe it. It is not appropriate to take the vratam as a casual, do what you can activity – it is a regimen that requires commitment. Proper vratams have rules, not just guidelines. In addition, this vratam is guided by our preceptor, the guru , who initiated us in this vratam by gracing us with the mudra mala.Your body, your mind and your emotions have to be disciplined to channel your energies to the right direction. 

Such an observance is an eight-step process, called 'Ashtanga yoga'. These progressive steps are: Yama (control), Niyama (discipline, following established procedures), Asana (proper posture), Pranayama (regulated breathing), Pratyahara (regulated consumption), Dharana (forbearance), Dhyana (meditation, contemplation), and samadhi (stilled senses, thoughts, in complete repose). In its ideal state, our vratam is to get us to 'yo mam pashyati sarvatra, sarvam cha mayi pashyati - one who sees Me everywhere, and sees everything as Mine' that state of devotion that Lord Krishna mentions in the Geeta. This is why we say 'Swami sharanam' to every one, and begin/finish all transactions with this phrase.

The guidelines for a devotee wishing to observe  Sabarimala Mandala Vratha:

do's:

Maladharanam:- For SABARIMALA YATRA, the prime exercise is Maladharanam or rosary wearing. The Mala can be of either Rudraksham or Tulasi. The Mala should be worn through Guruswamy with whom the Bhaktha is intend to perform the Yatra. If Guruswamy could not be contacted or unavailable, the wearing of the Mala can be had through his mother or father or at any temple .

Mandala Vratham:- As a main principle, Mala should be worn first and then the vratham starts which should be observed for a minimum of 41 days and to be completed before the commencement of the Yatra.

Nitya Pooja :- From the day of Maladharanam and commencement of Vratham, the Bhaktas should take bath twice every day, i.e., early in the morning and after Sun set and to do small pooja at both the times. Also should chant Ayyappa Swami Saranams before the end of the daily Pooja.

Brahmacharyyam:- Should be observed very strictly during the entire 41 days of Vratham and continue till the end of Dharsanam, Abishekam at Sabarimala & mala visarjanam.

Mita Aharam:-During the Vratham period, Bakthas should take only moderate quantity of food as required to subside the hunger.

Mita Bhasha & Satya vaakku:-During this period always speak TRUTH and Talk LESS.

Karye Daivam:-What ever may be your daily work, you have to do for your livelihood, do it with full devotion on the Supreme Lord and discharge it in the correct manner.

Sarva Prani Samanatvam:- Treat all living creatures with love, as they are also created by the GOD, like us.

Taraka Mantram:-While talking with others (whether they are Ayyappa Swamis or not) the main Taraka Manthram, i.e. "Swami Sharanam "should be uttered with every sentence you use.

Swami Samuham:- As far as possible try to be in the company of small Ayyappa group so that you will not be deviated and also can gain more knowledge about the Divine creator, Punya Yatra or pilgrimage and Vratham.

Swami Bhajana:-During this period, as far possible, try to take part in the Poojas and Bhajans.

Annadanam:-Before the date of commencement of Yatra, within your capacity, if possible, do a small Pooja and do a small scale ANNADANAM to poor and needy people. The guidance in all the connected books clearly says that Ayyappas should do ANNADANAM to poor. 

Nigraham:- Try always to be calm and even when you are being provoked by others, control your temper and say the only word “ SARANAM AYYAPPA”

Maligapuram & Manikanta:- Address all men as “Ayyappa or Swami” (Not only Vratham Ayyappas) and ladies and girls, including your wife as “MALIGAPURAM” and boys as “Manikanta”. 

Sarvamata Samanatvam:-The main principle of Ayyappa Deeksha is, that all religions and castes are to be treated as ONE. Any body (Whether they are Christians, Muslims or other religion) having faith in Ayyappa, can worship Him. Ladies can participate in Poojas and Bhajans, but only girls below 10 years who have not attained Maturity and Ladies who have reached menopause, after certain age, can very well perform the Yatra duly observing the Vratham.

Manasa-Vaacha-Karma:-Manasa, Vaacha and Karmana (with mind, word and duty) have full devotion to Lord.

Vastradharanam:- Though there is no prescribed dress to wear during this Vratham and Yatra period, to distinguish you as Ayyappa on Deeksha either black, blue or saffron dresses can be worn.

Wishing all devotees a successful sadhana and blissful darshan!