My country has many traditional myths and beliefs. Each of them have their own importance. Knowing some of them is always fascinating, and appears to be a logic behind following the. My recent visit to a temple, I noticed something new, the staircase to the main temple sanctum were decorated and lit up. I learned those staircase were worshipped by the priest and that took me by surprise. I was not aware of such rituals but there is a logic behind that. Those stairs which many people often climb to get inside the temple were worshipped too. This is completely something new and took me by surprise. But vibrant India has many things to explore and this rituals is one of them which i never explored earlier.
I never counted those stair before even though I am regular to that place. Who does ever counting the steps. But these steps to the temple is a special one and on learning the rituals, I found that there are 18 steps in total that took the devotees to the inner sanctum. These 18 steps represent a profound spiritual journey and a, symbolic path to self realization, rather than just physical access to the shrine. A large poster on the wall, beneath the staircase explain the importance of these 18 steps.
Every step a prayer, every step a surrender.
First 5 steps: Represent the five human senses i.e. eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin.
Next 8 steps: Symbolize the Ashtaragas i.e eight passions / vices of human being. These were lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, jealousy, hatred, and ego.
Next 3 steps: Signify the three Gunas i.e. qualities of human nature. These were Thamas (inertia), Rajas (activity), and Sattva (purity).
Final 2 steps: Represent Vidya (knowledge) and Avidya (ignorance).
Climbing these steps signifies transcending worldly desires and progressing towards self-realization and spiritual liberation (Moksha).
Climbing the steps before entering the temple is seen as a transition from ignorance to knowledge and a method to cleanse the soul. It has been said that to connect to the divine power, one should leave behind these 18 traits behind. The 18 steps symbolically represent a journey of inner purification, where the devotee sheds all material attachments, negative emotions, and ego to unite with the divine power. Leaving behind 18 worldly attachments to reach the ultimate truth. The golden 18 steps are more than just a climb, they are a spiritual purification. These 18 steps were called as Pathinettam padi, which indicates, the path to self-realization.
This post is not a religious talk, but the old myths or call it the belief is still intact in our culture. Often it is seen / observed that, a person find it difficult to attain the spiritual progression in life. There are many hurdles that stops a person from getting spirituals. These hurdles includes internal factors like ego, doubt, laziness, and attachment to worldly comforts, alongside external challenges such as lack of guidance, distractions, and inconsistent practice. The 18 steps is somehow directing us the correct path to attain spirituality. Although many devotees like always climb them without realizing what each steps signifies.
Those 18 steps symbolize the eighteen major obstacles that must be overcome to achieve spiritual evolution and Self realization. Ascending these steps, serves as a journey to purify the mind, control the senses, and transcend material limitations. I completely agree with the logic. Have you ever heard such sort of things. worshipping these 18 steps does sounds logically right to me.
In good faith - Peace!!
