Breaking of the coconut in itself is a spiritual act. The
shell of the coconut represents the material body and kernel,
the immaterial. The water represents the soul. When the devotee
breaks the coconut and steps on to the pathinettampadi, he
breaks the physical barrier and blends with the Ultimate.
A devotee on his 19th pilgrimage carries with him a coconut
sapling which he plants near the temple. This again underscores
one more magnificent facet of the pilgrimage: The symbiosis
between man and nature.
Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium
is divine in all aspects. 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 crosses all these steps is believed to achieve "Punyadarshan".
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