Sabarimala Yatra: Irumudi Kattu – Complete Items List & Procedure

Planning your pilgrimage to Sabarimala? Learn the full Irumudi Kattu procedure and items list, unpacking the sacred tradition, what goes in the front pack and back pack of the irumudi, and important tips for a smooth trip.

Brief Summary

• Meaning and significance of the irumudi kettu
• Vratham (41-day austerity) and eligibility
• How to prepare the irumudi: front compartment (mun mudi) vs rear compartment (pin mudi)
• Detailed items list for the irumudi
• Step-by-step procedure of tying the irumudi
• Do’s & Don’ts, best practices and FAQs

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is one of the most deeply-felt spiritual journeys in India. Central to this journey is the ritual of the irumudi kattu — the tying of the sacred bundle carried on the head of the devotee. Understanding the items, their placement, and the correct procedure ensures your journey is both respectful and meaningful. In this article, you will find a complete items list and a clear procedure of the irumudi kattu, so you can prepare confidently.

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What is the Irumudi Kattu and Why It Matters

The term “irumudi” literally means “two bundles” (with iru meaning “two” and mudi meaning “bundle” or “knot”). The devotee who has undergone the set-vratham (austerity) carries these bundles on the head while ascending the holy steps of Sabarimala.

The two compartments are:

• Mun Mudi (front compartment) – dedicated to the deity and includes sacred offerings
• Pin Mudi (rear compartment) – includes items for the pilgrim’s journey

According to tradition, only a pilgrim who carries the irumudi is permitted to ascend the 18 holy steps (Pathinettampadi) into the inner sanctum.

This ritual symbolises surrender (the devotee’s self offered) and purification (preparing body, mind and material for the divine).

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Preparing for the Yatra: Vratham & Eligibility

Before one sets out on the Sabarimala pilgrimage, certain practices must be observed:

A 41-day vratham (austerity period) is traditionally observed. This includes wearing the mala chain, abstaining from vices, leading a simple life.

The irumudi kattu must ideally be done under a Guru Swami or in the presence of an experienced pilgrim.

One must carry the irumudi on the head during the climb, and follow rituals as prescribed.

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Items List for the Irumudi

Here is a detailed breakdown of what typically goes into the irumudi, based on trusted sources. Note: this is a general guideline — local variations may apply, so always check with your pilgrim group or temple authorities.

Mun Mudi (Front Compartment – for the deity)

1. A coconut with ghee (sometimes called “mudra coconut” or nei thenga) – polished, drained of water, filled with ghee.
2. Ghee (for filling above)
3. A small coin (kanik pon) offered to the deity or Guru
4. Betel leaf and nut
5. Turmeric powder
6. Kumkum (vermillion) powder
7. Sandal powder
8. Vibhuti (holy ash)
9. Camphor and incense sticks (agarbatti)
10. Rose water
11. Rice (small quantity for offering)
12. Jaggery block (acchu bella)
13. Puffed rice (aralu or malar)
14. Black pepper, sugar crystals
15. Some versions include honey, dried fruits, etc.

Pin Mudi (Rear Compartment – for the journey)

1. Additional coconuts (often 2 or 3) to be broken en-route (one at the 18 steps ascending, one at MalikaPuram, one while leaving)
2. Rice (larger quantity)
3. Other dry food items (for the travel)
4. Blanket or towel for carrying on the head
5. Personal essentials (simple clothing, water bottle)
6. Sometimes fruits, bananas, nuts, etc.

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Step-by-Step Procedure of Irumudi Kattu

Here is a simplified walkthrough of how the tying happens:

1. Pre-ritual prayers – Begin with prayers to Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa (and other deities) at the time of the irumudi preparation.
2. Preparation of the Mudra Coconut – Clean, defibre the coconut, drain water, then fill with ghee. This coconut is placed in the front compartment (mun mudi).
3. Placing items in Mun Mudi – Add the sacred offerings (turmeric, kumkum, sandal, etc) as per list above.
4. Placing items in Pin Mudi – Place journey-items, coconuts for breaking, rice etc, in the rear compartment.
5. Tying the bag – The guru or the senior pilgrim ties the Irumudi bag so that it can be placed on the head; a blanket or towel may be placed on the head first for comfort.
6. Placing the Irumudi on head – The pilgrim places the Irumudi on the head and chants “Saranam Ayyappa” and begins the climb.
7. Climb & rituals along the way – On reaching the 18 steps (Pathinettampadi), appropriate coconuts are broken at designated places. After darshan, the return journey may involve breaking another coconut.

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Do’s & Don’ts / Important Tips

• Do ensure the Irumudi bag is clean and ready before the pilgrimage begins.
• Do follow the path of austerity — 41 days of vratham helps align body & mind.
• Don’t open the front compartment (Mun Mudi) until after the darshan or as instructed by Guru.
• Don’t carry prohibited objects (instructions vary depending on season and temple rules).
• Do arrange for a comfortable head-towel/blanket, as the bag sits on the head.
• Do check for announcements or updates from the official temple board (Travancore Devaswom Board) before departure.
• Do participate in group sangha or with a seasoned pilgrim, especially if first time.

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FAQ

Q1: Can someone go without tying the Irumudi?
A: Without carrying Irumudi (and observing the vratham), one may still visit the temple but climbing the 18 steps with the Irumudi is the traditional route reserved for those who observe the pilgrimage norms.

Q2: How many coconuts should I carry?
A: Typically one “mudra coconut” in the Mun Mudi, and 2–3 additional coconuts for breaking at key points (18 steps up, after darshan, 18 steps down or on exit).

Q3: Are there changes due to crowd or temple regulations?
A: Yes — temple authorities periodically issue updated lists of permitted items and restrictions on what can be carried in Irumudi. Always check latest notifications.

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Key Takeaways

• The irumudi kattu is not just a bag — it symbolises spiritual readiness, surrender, and the pilgrim’s journey.
• The two compartments (Mun Mudi and Pin Mudi) clearly separate offerings to the deity and items for the pilgrim’s journey.
• A detailed items list helps you prepare effectively; being under-prepared can distract from the spiritual experience.
• Proper procedure (clean coconut, ghee-filling, placing items, tying, placing on head) ensures you follow tradition respectfully.
• Observing vratham, following do’s/don’ts, and staying updated with temple notifications contribute to a smooth pilgrimage.

Preparing the irumudi and undertaking the pilgrimage to Sabarimala is both a physical journey and a spiritual transformation. By understanding the full items list, following correct procedure, maintaining the austerity of the vratham, and respecting tradition, you honour this sacred path. May your journey be full of grace, discipline and profound experience: Saranam Ayyappa.

Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani

References & Helpful Links

• “Irumudi Kattu – Kettunira” – Sabarimala.net.
• “Sacred Irumudi – Sabarimala.com”
• “Irumudi Items List” – HinduRel.Weebly.com
• “Sabarimala Pilgrimage – Kettunira or Palli Kattu” – YEnsures.com
• “Temple board issues list of permitted items in Irumudi bag” – NativePlanet article

Related Articles

• How to Observe the 41-Day Vratham Before Sabarimala Yatra
• Understanding the 18 Holy Steps (Pathinettampadi) at Sabarimala
• Travel & Accommodation Tips for Sabarimala Pilgrimage