The Holy Trek

On the appointed day, after performing poojas and surrendering himself to the Lord, the pilgrim fills a coconut with pure cow’s ghee, through the third, soft eye, the water having already been removed, and securely corks and seals it. This ghee-filled coconut is placed in a cotton bag along with the other offerings to the Lord (camphor, agarbattis ets.) and tied up and placed in the front part of the Irumudi. The rear part is filled with the personal requirements of the pilgrim and tied up. Both parts are then tied together to form two bundles under one knot.

Once this is done the pilgrim waits no longer. He puts the Irumudi on his head and, shouting

“Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” “My Lord Ayyappa, I take refuge in you,”

he leaves the house. He does not look back at the house, nor does he look at his parents, wife or children with worldly attachment. He goes straight out.