Ayyappa Mala Procedure – How to Wear Ayyappa Mala to Visit Sabarimala Temple?

Devotees visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple should compulsorily wear the Ayyappa Mala. This Mala is worn after beginning the Vratam to visit the Sabarimala Shrine. Usually, the Ayyappa Mala is worn in a local Ayyappa temple or any other temple near the house. Those who are unable to do it at a temple or holy place wear the Mala at home in the Puja room or area.

The Mantra chanted while wearing the Ayyappa Mala is

Jnaanamudraam shaastrumudraam gurumudraam namaamyaham
Vanamudraam shuddhamudraam rudramudraam namaamyaham
Shaantamudraam satyamudraam vratamudraam namaamyaham
Shabaryaashrama satyena mudraam paatu sadaapi mae
Gurudakshinayaa poorvam tasyaanugraha kaarine
Sharanaagata mudraakhyam tvan mudraam dhaarayaamyaham
Chinmudraam khechareemudraam bhadramudraam namaamyaham
Shabaryaachala mudraayai namastubhyam namo namaha

Ayyappa malas are usually made of Rudraksha beads, Tulsi, Pavizham (small gem stones), Raktha Chandanam, Uduppi Tulsi, or Black Pavizham. A devotee chooses a particular mala of his liking. The most preferred is the one made from Rudraksha beads.

Upon returning home after Ayyappa Darshan, the mala is removed after chanting the following Mantra

Apoora machala rohani Divyadarshana Kaaranam
Shatrumudrat Mahadeve Dehi me Vrata mocchanam

There are also people who wear the Mala for 41 days or till the end of the Makaravillakku on January 14.