Pathinettampadi (Malayalam: പതിനെട്ടാംപടി) are the 18 divine steps to the 'Thirumuttam' of famed Sabarimala temple in Kerala state of India. These steps have a length of 5 feet, width of 9 inches and height of 9 inches. Earlier, these steps were made out of granite and later in 1985, it was covered by 'Panchaloha', a composition of five metals such as gold, silver, copper, iron and tin. One who undertakes Sabarimala pilgrimage must mark his foots over these steps by carrying an 'irumudikettu' and undergoing a vratam (penance) of 41 days.[1] [2] The pilgrims who climbed the Pathinettampadi for 18 times needs to plant a young coconut tree at Sannidhanam and thereby becomes a 'Guruswami'. In the past, devotees used to break coconuts on these steps which was later restricted and replaced.
The first five steps represents 'Panchendriyas', which are the five human senses such as eye, ear, nose, skin and mouth.[3] The next eight steps represents "Ashtaragas' which includes Kama (desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (inordinate desire), Moha (attachment), Madha (pride), Matsarya (unhealthy competition), Asuya (jealousy) and Dhumb (braggy). The next three steps represents 'Thrigunas' or the three qualities of Sathva, Rajas and Thamas. The final two steps indicates Vidya (knowledge) and Avidya (ignorance of knowledge).[4] These steps also symbolizes the eighteen hills that surrounds the Sabarimala temple which are Ponnambalamedu, Gaudanmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Karimala, Mathangamala, Mayiladummala, Sreepadamala, Thevarmala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Chittambalamala, Ghalkimala, Puthusserymala, Kalakettymala, Inchipparamala, Sabarimala and Neelimala.[5] One who cross all these steps become purified and attains eligibility to get the darshan of lord Ayyappa.
The number 18 has a unique position and significance within Hinduism. Some of them are the following;
The padi pooja is a ritualistic pooja performed by the thantri accompanied by the Melshanthi (chief priest) to the eighteen hill deities who guards Ayyappa. The steps are decorated with beautiful flowers and each of them will have lamps. The rituals are concluded by the Aarathi by tantri.[6] [7] In fact, it is the most expensive vazhipadu or offering at Sannidhanam.[8]
| - | - | The closed Pathinettampadi | Devotees climbing Pathinettampadi | Pilgrims at Pathinettampadi |