There are 2 coconuts in the pin Kettu (back end pouch). One of it is to be broken at the Pampa River. Another coconut is to offer to the Malikapurathamma (Bhagavathi). Here the coconut is not to be broken. It is to be rolled on the ground in front of the deity of the Bhagavathi.
The boiled raw rice and vegetables kept was used in the earlier periods to cook the same and eat during the journey as in those days there were no stalls or facility to get food. Now things have changed and it may not be possible and practical to cook the food. So the rice is given for wanna danam (contribution for offering of free food) purpose.
The sacred ash and the sandal powder are for making paste of the same separately and applying the same on the forehead, chest and upper and lower arms of the devotee. The Thulasi/Rudraksha mala (garland) worn by the pilgrim is to be removed only after returning home after the journey to Sabarimala. This removed mala is to be kept in the pooja room near the idol or photo of Lord Ayyappan. If the same mala is used for 18 times to go on the pilgrimage it is considered as a sacred one and the place where the same is kept will have the presence of the divine forces.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel