Aazhi Pooja

Aazhi Pooja is a ritualistic event conducted as a part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. It symbolises the attainment of a spiritual and ascetic mindset. Aazhi Pooja is performed close to the pilgrimage day, after the pilgrim has been on ‘Vrutham’ for forty-one days and has reached a certain degree of purification of mind and body. ‘Aazhi’ here is a pyre made by lighting camphor. Devotees chant 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa’ and go around the pyre. Coconut pieces, rice flakes, etc., symbolising desires, are thrown into the pyre and they get burnt in the fire that represents Lord Ayyappa. Overcome by the fervour of devotion, some devotees go into such a state of frenzy and excitement that they enter the aazhi and spread the embers all around the place. This is usually a safe practice and no one gets hurt.