Ayyappa Mala for the 41-Day Sabarimala Vratham

Choosing an Ayyappa mala

• Tulsi malas: the Original Tulsi 108 Beads Mala, the Original Rough Tulsi Mala for Jaap and two Tulsi kanthi designs.
• Rudraksha malas: the 108 Beads Rudraksha Jaap Mala and the 3-in-1 Rudraksha Stretchable Mala.
• Karungali with Ayyappa: the Silver-Capped Karungali Malai with Lord Ayyappa Pendant, or the Lord Ayyappa malai and bracelet combo.
• Mixed beads: the Rudraksha, Karungali and Tulsi Mala with Silver Cap.

Many devotees add an Ayyappa locket to a tulsi or rudraksha mala. Follow your guru swamy’s advice on which to wear.

Ayyappa mala rules and customs

Customs differ between families and regions, so follow your guru swamy. Commonly, devotees wear the mala from the first day of the vratham and keep it on until they return from the pilgrimage.

During the 41 days, many keep a simple vegetarian diet, wear black, blue or saffron clothes, observe celibacy and avoid alcohol and tobacco. Devotees address each other as swamy and chant Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa in prayer.

Ayyappa puja at home

Many devotees keep a small image or idol of Lord Ayyappa for daily prayer during the vratham. The Lord Ayyappa Karungali Idol is made of Karungali (ebony) wood and suits a home mandir.

A simple ayyappa puja may include lighting a lamp, offering flowers and chanting the Ayyappa mantra, Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa. Follow the routine your guru swamy or family keeps.

Order in time and care for your mala

Allow about a week for delivery before the day you plan to wear the mala. Check the bead count, size and closure on each listing before you order.

Keep tulsi and Karungali beads dry where you can, and pat them with a soft cloth after bathing. Store a spare mala in a clean pouch. Divine Hindu is an independent store, not affiliated with the Sabarimala temple administration.