Ayyappa Deeksha Draws More Youngsters in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Ayyappa deeksha is attracting more youngsters in Hyderabad, with an increasing number taking up the 41-day observance to develop discipline and strengthen their spiritual lives.

Around 22,000 devotees have taken the Ayyappa mala at the Sanathnagar temple so far, while nearly 7,000 visit the temple every day for prayers and rituals, Guruswamy Arun said.

He said more youngsters were voluntarily taking up the deeksha despite changing lifestyles and the growing use of technology. The practice was also bringing families closer, with parents, children and siblings observing it together.

“At least one or two members from almost every household are taking up the mala. At least two new Ayyappa temples are also being inaugurated every year,” he said.

Guruswamy Arun said nearly 65 to 70 per cent of devotees visiting Sabarimala were from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. At the Sanathnagar temple, 63 devotees have been observing the deeksha continuously for the past 18 years, he added.

Guruswamy Arun said the deeksha helped devotees develop discipline, devotion and respect towards elders while staying away from undesirable habits. In his message, he urged them to observe the deeksha sincerely, respect elders and treat everyone equally. He said the mala should not be removed while visiting other temples and should be taken off only at the place where it was first worn or at home, with the blessings of parents.

He also appealed to devotees not to leave their clothes behind after taking a holy dip in the Pamba river, saying this was not part of the tradition. He urged them to complete the deeksha by following the prescribed practices.

For first-time devotee Srikanth, his uncle, a Guruswamy, inspired him to take up the deeksha. He said he wanted to become mentally and spiritually stronger. Though his family was initially surprised, they later supported his decision.

“The deeksha is teaching me that everyone is equal. I am learning to be punctual, keep my promises and give up ego,” he said.

Another first-time devotee, Kommineni Ranjith Kumar, said his family had encouraged him to wear the mala. He was initially unsure whether he could follow the 41-day routine.

“After taking the mala, I have started feeling positive. I wake up early, perform pooja and try to control my thoughts and actions. It has been only seven days, but I can already feel a change in myself,” he said.

For 24-year-old Rakesh, the rules of the deeksha were the main reason for taking up the mala. He said the practices were helping him develop patience, humility and self-discipline.