The symbolism of these 18 steps

The first five steps symbolize

the five human senses (Panchendriyas)
1.visual (vision)
2.auditory (hearing)
3.olfactory (smell)
4.gustatory (taste)
5.tactile (touch)
These signify the `mortal’ nature of one’s body.

The next eight steps symbolize the eight Ashtaragas

6.Kama (Love)
7.Krodha (Anger)
8.Lobha (Avarice)
9.Moha (Lust)
10.Madha (Pride)
11.Maltsarya (Unhealthy)
12.Asooya (Competition)
13.Dhumb (Jealousy and Boastfulness)

The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities)
14.Satva, ( perspicuity, discernment)
15.Rajas (activity, enjoyment)
16.Thamas (inactivity, stupor)

The last two steps represent

17.Vidya (Knowledge)
18.Avidya (Ignorance)

It is assumed that after climbing up these eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches oneself from all the
worldly ties that bind one physically and mentally to the world. It is only then that a person will be in a receptive
condition to be ‘one’ in consonance with the concept of ‘The Ultimate Creator’.

The above are the most prevalently accepted version of the significance of the Holy 18 steps. Other versions are as
follows: Ayyappa was a master of 18 weapons and the steps signify these. Ayyappa before merging into the idol at the
Sanctum Sanctorum, surrendered his 18 weapons, one at each step of Pathinettam Padi.
The steps represent the 18 hills existing in and around the region of Sabarimala.
1.Ponnambalamedu,
2.Gowdenmala
3.Nagamala
4.Sundaramala
5.Chittambalamala
6.Khalgimala
7.Mathangamala
8.Myladummala
9.Sreepadamala
10.Devarmala
11.Nilakkalmala
12.Thalapparamala
13.Neelimala
14.Karimala
15.Puthuserrymala
16.Kalakettimala
17.Inchipparamala
18.Sabarimala

Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the Nature. The significance of 18 can be traced
back to the Vedic age. The first Veda, believed to be protected by Lord Brahma himself, had 18 chapters. Later, Veda
Vyasa divided it to create the four vedas: Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharava Veda. Each of these vedas had
18 chapters.Veda Vyasa also wrote 18 puranas and 18 upa-puranas. The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and the
Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days.

There are many mythological stories associated with the holy Patinettampadi.
Some believe the eighteen steps denotes the 18 puranas.
Some believe that
The first three steps depict “Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash”,
6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya,
10 to 15 for Jhanandriya,
16th for mind 17th Intelligence and
18th Jeevathma Bhava.
Those who cross all these steps are believed to achieve “Punyadarshan”.

The steep steps are so important and holy that no one can climb them without fasting for 41 days and carrying the holy
irrumudi on ones’ head. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps.
One needs to have the sacre Irumudi on head while going up or down the 18 steps. While descending the steps the
devotees climb down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.

One who climbs the Patinettampadi for 18 times shall plant coconut sapling in Sabarimala. Built on a plateau about 40
feet high, the Ayyappan temple commands a lofty view of the mountains and valleys all around.