Sabarimala (Swami Ayyappan)

Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most ancient and prominent Sastha temples in the country. Located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is one of the few Hindu temples in India that is open to all faiths. The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws three to four million pilgrims each year. Surrounded by mountains and dense forest Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated. Perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad. The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandala pooja (December12,2011) and Makaravilakku(Jan.15th,2012) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non vegetarian food and carnal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty. The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.


THE HISTORY

AYYAPPAN know as AYYAN who belonged to the Vellalar Kulam, was the army chief of the Pandalam royal family. He lived with his uncle Perisseri Pillai of Erumeli, Kottayam dist, Kerala. This was about ten generations ago. Ayyan was instrumental in the defeat of Udayanan, who attacked Sabarimala and tried to demolish the ancient Sastha temple in the thick forest of present Pathanamthitta district.  Meanwhile the Royal family of King Pandya had migrated from Tamilnadu about 800 years back. The King reconstructed the destroyed Sastha temple at Sabarimala with the help of Ayyan, Vavar, a Muslim youth from Kanjirappally, Kadutha, a Nair youth from Muzhukeer, Chenganoor, Alapuzha dist.

During a clash, Ayyappan got killed. His uncle,Perissery Pillai, constructed the KOCHAMPALAM - an old small Sastha temple - at Erumeli, opposite the VAVAR PALLY (MOSQUE), constructed by Muslims in memory of Vavar swamy.

After the demise of Ayyappan people thought that he was the avathar of Lord Sasthaand began to worship him. Later Ayyappan and Sastha became synonymous.
Some say that Ayyappan was the son of a Brahmin but Nalankal Krishna Pillai in his book "Mahashekthrangalkkumunpil" states that Brahmins never had the name AYYAPPAN or AYYAN.
In the age old "Elavarsevampattu" it was clearly mentioned that Ayyan belonged to "Vellalar kulam, Near Erumeli, Kottayam, Kerala.There still exists a vellala house called Puthenveedu in Erumely. In the same compound there is a 300 year old, thatched, depleted, mud house, the house of Perissery Pillai, Ayyappan's uncle and the Vellal Chieftain of Erumeli. There even today one can see the ancient sword used by Ayyappan to kill the monstrous ERUMA- mahisham. The place where the "eruma" was killed became Erumakolly and later Erumeli.

Sabarimala pilgrimers ,Ayyappans, conduct the Erumeli PETTAITHULLAL (Pettatullal is painting the face with colours and dancing with wooden weapons to make one look odd. The essence of this practice is to give up ones ego and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. )This is to commemmorate the killing of mahisham by Ayyan and is celelebrated during the month of December-January every year. "Ayyan / Ayyappan" Pillai is very common name among vellalas of Kottayam, Alapuzha, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. A number of Ayyappan kovils were constructed by Vellalas who migrated from Tamilnadu to Kerala e.g. Erumeli, Kanam etc.

Lakhs and lakhs of Tamilian Ayyappan devotees called the "Ayyappans" - come to Sabarimala every year to worship Tamil origin "VELLALAR KULA JHATHAN AYYAN AYYAPPAN".

OPENING AND CLOSING DAYS OF SABARIMALA TEMPLE 2011-2012 Pooja Opening date Closing Date Mandalapooja 16.11.2014 27.12.2014 Mandalapooja 27.12.2014 Makaravikaku Festival 30.12.2014 20.01.2015 Makaravilaku 14.01.2015 Monthly Pooja (Kumbham)  12-02-2015 17-02-2015 Monthly Pooja (Meenam)  14-03-2015 19-03-2015 Utsavam Kodiyettam 04-04-2015 Vishu Mahotsavam  10-04-2015 18-04-2015 Utsavam Arattu-Painkuni Uthram  13-04-2015 Vishu Darsanam  15-04-2015 Monthly Pooja (Edavam)  14-05-2015 19-05-2015 Prathishtha Dinam/ Idol installation Day  7-06-2015 08-06-2015 Monthly Pooja(Midhunam) 14-06-2015 19-06-2015 Monthly Pooja(Karkitakam) 16-07-2015 21-07-2015 Monthly Pooja(Chingam) 16-08-2015 21-08-2015 Onam 05-09-2015 09-09-2015 Monthly Pooja (Kanni) 17-09-2015 22-09-2015

DAILY POOJA

Standard Schedule of Rituals at Sabarimala Temple  During Makaravilakku season, the temple opening is at 3:00 AM and closing at 11:45PM. So some of the pooja timings will shift accordingly. Essentially, this is the trend of events Opening and Closing Time  16.08.2014 - 5.30 pm Nada Opening 21.08.2014 - 10.00pm Nada Closing 27.08.2014 - 5.30pm Nada Opening 31.08.2014 - 10.00 pm Nada Closing 16.09.2014 - 5.30 pm Nada Opening  21.09.2014 - 10.00 pm Nada Closing 16.10.2014 - 5.30 pm Nada Opening 21.09.2014 - 10.00 pm Nada Closing 15.11.2014 - 5.30 pm Nada Opening 26.12.2014 - 10.00 pm Nada Closing For Makara Vilakku Festival 31.12.2014 - 5.30 pm Nada Opening 20.01.2015 - 10.00 pm Nada Closing

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Pampa  By Rail: The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broad gauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauage) and from there by bus to Pampa. Nearest Railway Stations Kottayam 0481- 2563535 Chengannur - 0479- 2452340 Pamba Railway Enquiry Counter - 04735- 203605 By Air: The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery by Air and from there reach Pampa by bus/car. By Road: KSRTC has started operating buses to Coimbatore, Palani and Thenkashi from Pampa for the convenience of the Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Government of Tamil Nadu & Karnataka has been given the permission to operate buses to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camp. Distance From To Distance Erumeli Pampa 56 Kms. Kottayam Erumeli 72 Kms Kottayam Pampa 128 Kms. Chengannoor Pampa 93 Kms. Thiruvalla Pampa 99 kms Ernakulam Pampa (via) Kottayam 200 Kms. Alleppy Pampa (via) A.C. Road 137 Kms. Punalur Pampa 105 Kms. Pathanamthitta Pampa 69 Kms. Pandalam Pampa 84 kms. Thiruvananthapuram Pampa 175 Kms. Ernakulam Erumeli (via) Palai, Ponkunnam 175 Kms.

Bus services from Chengannoor, Kottayam and Ernakulam railway stations have started to help pilgrimage to Pamba. Advance seat reservation facility is also available including group reservation prior to 10 days. The KSRTC will provide bus to Pampa from any place within 10 kms from special service centre for a group of 40 pilgrims.

The timing of bus from KSRTC is not specifically scheduled since bus will always available as and when required. That is, one bus will always be there at the bus station and will starts the trip just after filling the seating capacity. Contact: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation
Transport Bhavan, East Fort, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Phone: +91 471- 2471011

General Info
Vehicles operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Travancore Devaswom Board and Private parties are available to Pamba. Dolly service is available from Pamba to Sannidhanam for those who are unable to walk the heights.

There are Cardiology centres at Appachimedu (Phone No. 04735-202050) and Neelimala (Phone No. 04735-203384). Stretcher service is available at Appachimedu (Phone No. 04735-203350)

As Sabarimala Ayyappa is 'Nithya Brahmachari' (celibate)women between the 10-50 age group are not allowed to enter Sabarimala. Such women who try to enter Sabarimala will be prevented by authorities.

Only pilgrims who have observed Vrutham alone are allowed entry through the holly Pathinettampadi. They have to carry Irumudikettu (Pallikettu) also.

Hospital facilities
The Health Department of the Government of Kerala runs allopathy, homoeopathy and ayurvedic hospitals at Sannidhanam and Pamba during the pilgrimage season. A cardiology unit functions at the Neelimala ascent the Devaswom Board also runs a cardiology hospital at Pamba near the Pamba Maramath Complex, in cooperation with the Amritha Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
In addition to the above facilities, some organizations from and outside Kerala also conduct free medical camps for pilgrims during the Mandala pooja and Makaravilakku festivals. They are at Sannidhanam and Pamba, and also along the sides of the path leading to the Sannidhanam.
Sufficient ambulance services are also available at Pamba.

PADI POOJA

GURUVAYOOR TEMPLE

Guruvayoor, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country', Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world.


Guruvayoor is a thriving township in Trichur district of Kerala state in the South of India, its scenic beauty and serenity are breath taking. Guruvayoorappan is the chief diety here - The God which hears the prayers of its pilgrims. Guruvayoorappan is adorned with the holy tulasi (Basil) garland, and pearl necklace the Lord here appears in all radiance to bless the devotees.



HISTORY


The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 A.D. By then it had become the most famous center of pilgrimage in Kerala mainly due to the five devotees who propagated the glory - Poonthanam, Melpattur, Vilvamangalam, Kururamma and the Prince Manadevan (Zamorin).


In 1716 AD The Dutch plundered and set fire to the temple. It was rebuilt in 1747 AD.In 1766 AD Haider Ali captured Calicut and Guruvayoor, but spared the temple for a reason of 10000 Ferams which was paid by Vatakkepat Variyar.The general insecurity prevailing; the flow of pilgrims and the annual payment of tenants ceased. Haider Ali however gave a 'Devadaya' (free gift) to the temple in 1780 AD., on the recommendation of the Governer of Malabar, Srinivasa Rao and thus saved the temple from total extinction.


In 1789, Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali's son and successor descended on the scene to defeat the Zamorin and to convert Hindus to Islam. Fearing destruction of the image, the Mulavigraha (Main deity) was hidden underground and the Utsavavigraha (processional deity) was taken to Ambalapuzha. Tipu set fire to and plundered the temple. But a timely rain and an incorporeal voice averted a major catastrophe. After the English drove out Tipu, both the vigrahas (deities) were reinstalled. From 1875 to 1900, the Ullanad Panikars came in and offered their free secures to the lord apart from contributing from their family estates. [Like the earlier devotees Chempakasseri Nambudiri & Desavarma Nambudiri who had donated everything they had, to the lord.




In 1841, the Govt. of Madras restored the Devadaya appropriated by Tipu Sultan. Slowly & steadily the temple became prosperous. All the portions were rebuilt renovated and ornamented. At the turn of the 20th century various reforms have seen in the temple under the administration of its manager Sri Konti Menon. In 1928, the Zamorin once again became responsible for the administration of the temple.

In 1931-32, a Sathyagraha was launched under the leadership of Kerala Gandhi, i.e., Kelappan, a prominent group leader of Kerala, to secure the entry of untouchables in to the temple. All this resulted in the Travancore Temple Entry proclamation in 1936, and similar measures in British Malabar in 1946 & Cochin in 1947.

Since then every Hindu is permitted to have a darshan of the Lord outside the sanctum sanctorum (Sree kovil). Yet the offering of Namaskara sadhya (feast) exclusively to Brahmins in the Uttupura (dining hall) continued. Finally this custom was also sapped. From 1st Jan 1982, the Devaswam itself feeds 500 – 1000 pilgrims, with Prasadam (Prasada Oottu). Devotees too can make an offering of any amount for free feeding.


On 30th November 1970, after the 6th day of the annual Ekadasi festival, a disastrous fire broke out in the temple Hindus, Muslims & Christians fought the fire shoulder to shoulder. Despite 5 hours of the raging fire, the Srikovil, the vigraha of Guruvayoorappan, and the subshrines of Ganesha, Ayyappa and Devi, and the flag staff remained intact.





FESTIVALS


Ulsavam (Festival):

This is conducted in the month of Kumbha (Feb-March) and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajastambham) about 70 feet high heralds the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held. On the next 6 days, there are elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night. In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (Offering of oblation at various altar). There are various cultural programs like dance, music, religious discusses are held at Melpathur Auditorium (outside the temple) on all these days. On the 8th day, ‘Utsavabali’ (from 10 am to 4 pm) or oblations are offered to the Lord’s lieutenants.

A sumptuous feast then awaits the devotees. Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the 9th day. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life. After that the Lord's Thidambu is takan to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras. Thousands of devotees also take the dip, chanting the Lord’s name to purge them of their sins. Then ucha Pooja (i.e, noon worship –this takes place at night only on this day) is held at the Bhagavati shrine. Finally, the Lord returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. The temple flag is then lowered signifying the end of the festival.


Vishu:





The Malayali New Year day, Vishu, falls on the 1st of Medam month (mid-April). As the belief goes, one’s fortunes for the year depends on the auspiciousness of the objects that one sees first at dawn on this day. Accordingly a kani (omen) consisting of konna flowers , raw rice, gold, betel leaves and nuts, yellow cucumber and coins, are so arranged in front of the family deity in the previous night itself, so that one sees them at first glimpse on waking up in the morning.

Seeing the kani at Guruvayoor is considered very auspicious and hence millions of devotees stay overnight, blindfold themselves and set their eyes on the Kani and the glorious deity as the doors are as usual opened for the dharshan at 3 a.m.


Vaishka:


The lunar month from the day following the new moon of Metam (April-May) to the following new moon. The observance of austerities or ‘Vratha’ during this month is considered especially sacred to Vishnu.

Ashtami Rohini:

In the month of Chingam (July-Aug), under the Rohini Nakshatra, on the 8th day of the waning moon of Sravana is the day of Lord Krishna’s birth i.e. Janmashtami.

A very special day in all Sree Krishna temples, Guruvayoor Devaswom itself offer a niramala (full of garlands and vilakku), devotees flock in with appam (Cakes of rice paste and jaggery) considered the most favourite food of the Lord on that day.

Kuchela’s Day:

This is observed on the first Wednesday of Dhanu (December-January). Kuchela was a poverty-stricken Brahmin and a childhood friend of Lord Krishna. One day, he went to seek Krishna’s help, at the instance of his life. He carried with him a small gift of beaten rice to offer his friend. On reaching Dwaraka, he was not only welcomed warmly by Krishna, and made to feel at home, but was also asked what he had brought for him.


POOJA TIME


THE DAILY POOJAS IN THE TEMPLE


THE TEMPLE OPENS AT 3.00 AM

3.00am to 3.30am Nirmalyam

3.20am to 3.30am  Oilabhishekam, Vakacharthu, Sankhabhishekam

3.30am to 4.15am Malar Nivedyam, Alankaram

4.15am to 4.30am Usha Nivedyam

4.30am to 6.15am Ethirettu pooja followed by Usha pooja

7.15am to 9.00am Seeveli,Palabhishekam,Navakabhishekam, Pantheeradi Nivedyam, and Pooja

11.30am to 12.30pm Ucha pooja (the noon pooja)


TEMPLE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.30PM AND 4.30PM AND REOPENS AT 4.30 PM

4.30pm to 5.00pm Seeveli

6.00pm to 6.45pm Deeparadhana

7.30pm to 7.45pm Athazha pooja Nivedyam

7.45pm to 8.15pm Athazha pooja

8.45pm to 9.00pm Athazha seeveli

9.00pm to 9.15pm Thrippuka, Olavayana


9.15pm The Sreekovil will be closed. On the day of Special Illuminations called "Vilakku" the Thripuka is performed after that. The Sreekovil will be closed after Thripuka. Then the Krishnanattam, a colourful traditional dance-drama on Lord Krishna's life is enacted inside the Temple on specified days.

*The timings given are approximate. It may vary if there is Udayasthamana pooja or on certain special occasions.



MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Udayasthamana Pooja:  This is the most popular offering, the booking for which are said to have been done for the next ten years. Udayasthamaya literally means from sunrise to sunset. Hence it implies worship from sunrise to sunset. It consists of 15 special Poojas in addition to all the routine poojas and begins after the morning Siveli. There is a special feast for the devotees. There is the Vilakku (illumination) in the evening. The Siveli in the evening takes 5 rounds instead of the usual 3. The tripuka marks the end of the udayastamana pooja.


Prasadaootu:  These are arrangements for free feeding as Prasadams at the dining hall for thousands of pilgrims at 10.00 AM everyday. One can make an offering of any amount (min Rs 1) for this free feeding.


Elephants:  Devotees offer elephants to Guruvayoorappan and today there are about 40 elephants kept with Punnathur Kotta maintained by the Devaswam. The feeding of these elephants- Anayoottu is another popular offering that attracts many on-lookers. All the elephants are taken to the temple at around 10 A.M, and fed a sumptuous feast of fruits, molasses and boiled rice.

Tulabharam:  A devotee is weighed against a commodity of his choice-banana, sugar, water, gold, in fact anything permitted inside the temple. If you want to be weighed against articles not permitted inside, do not worry. Arrangements are made for conducting the tulabharam outside the temple. Also, non-Hindus can perform the ritual outside.

Annaprasanam:  This is the first rice-giving ceremony of a child conducted before the Lord Guruvayoorappa . All the itemsincluding cooked rice, payasam (sweet preparation of rice and jaggery; rice, sugar & milk) plantain etc. are placed on a banana leaf and the children are fed each of these.

Alroopams: You can offer miniature images in gold or silver, or replicas of different parts of the human body, eyes, nose, limbs etc. It is believed to cure whichever part is affected and therefore offered. You can place it after depositing in the hundi, an amount devised by you.


Picking up Kunnikkuru:  You can offer this to develop your children’s intelligence and smartness. A handful of these seeds (Abrus precatorious) are picked up and dropped thrice in the vessel kept for the purpose and an amount desired by the devotee is deposited in the hundi. Bhagavati Azhal: 10 or 20 wicks soaked in oil are kept in a sheath of plantain tree and lighted before the goddess Bhagavati. It is done after deeparadhana and athazha pooja.


Sayanapradakshina:  Also called angapradakshina, the devotee circumambulates the temple, rolling along the pradakshina path with his eyes closed and chanting the Lord’s name.


Bhajan:  This offering is the most fruitful and spiritually elevating- it is the complete dedication of oneself to God. It is austere worship, the devotees forgetting their worldly worries and associating them maximum with whatever goes on within the temple-heavy bath in the temple pond, drinking water from its well and having the Prasadam as food. Married people are expected to observe strict brahmacharya (celibacy) during the bhajan. Apart from these main offerings, there are a variety of archanas, alankarams, and naivedyams that can be offered. A list of all these offerings and their rates is displayed at the counters on the northern side of the temple.

Bhagavati Azhal: 10 or 20 wicks soaked in oil are kept in a sheath of plantain tree and lighted before the goddess Bhagavati. It is done after deeparadhana and athazha Pooja.


Krishnanattam:  Krishnanaattam, which is the most important art form of the temple, is performed in the temple as an offering. Devotees can offer this as a vazhipadu or offering on a payment of the prescribed amount. Each days performance believably yields a particular benefit to those making the offering.


HOW TO REACH


By Road

Guruvayoor is well connected with the other parts of the country by road and rail. The National highway is passing through Kunnamkulam which is just 8 kms away from Guruvayoor. The private bus stand is towards the east of the temple, near Manjulal (the banyan tree). It is half an hour drive by car from Thrissur and busses ply every 5 minutes from Thrissur toGuruvayoor.

Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs bus services from all major locations of the state and few inter-state services. The bus stand is 500 meters to the west of the temple. Both KSRTC and private busses offer interstate services to all major South Indian cities like Madras, Madurai, Palani, Salem, Coimbatore, Thiruchandoor, Mysore, Mangalore, Uduppi, Mookambika etc.

By rail

Guruvayoor has got a railway station towards the east of the temple which is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. It has got computerised ticket booking facility and tickets can be booked to any locations from here. One from the Mangalore side can get down at the Kuttippram station. Regular buss services are available from there to Guruvayoor. Those from the Madras/Trivandrum side can get down at Thrissur.


By Air

Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms from Guruvayoor and the Calicut airport is 100 kms away. All major international flight services are operated from these airports.

Guruvayoor Anayottam 

What is Yoga ?

Ans. Yoga originated thousand of years ago in India as a technique to help people achieve spiritual enlightenment. Today, people practice yoga to improve their physical, mental and spiritual well - being. Most forms of yoga involve physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.

 How safe it is ?

Ans. Practicing yoga is generally safe, but take it easy in your first few classes, there's no reason to push beyond your limits. Also, if you have back, knee, or other physical problems, get the go-ahead from your doctor first, since some poses can aggravate injuries. And tell your teacher beforehand about any limitation or concerns you have, so he or she can help you with alternate or modified poses.

What are the benefits of yoga ?

Ans. Yoga strengthens and tones muscle, improves balance and flexibility and increases blood flow and vitality. It's also a great way to reduce stress. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found yoga lowers chemicals in the blood stream associated with anxiety and triggers other physiological relaxation responses, such as reducing muscle tension and lowering heart rate.

 

Does it matter that I'm not very flexible ?

Ans. Not at all, a good instructor can adapt the poses to fit any level of student. Over time, your flexibility will improve.

How often do I need to practice yoga ?

Ans.  Practicing two to three times a week for 45 minutes to an hour is good goal to work towards. Another alternative is to practice 15 minutes every day. The more you practice, then you feel more benefit.

Better sex life with yoga practice

From East to West, people have turned to yoga for better bodies. Yoga doesn't up your fitness quotient alone, it can help you to increase your sex power also.

Indeed, all you need to do some simple yoga asanas (postures). You'll get a body that's so flexible that you'll perform positions that you thought were meant only for the pages of Kamasutra. What's more, with some practice, your guy will be able to control his climax too.

The postures that promise pleasure:

Today yoga lovers are finding that more time on the mat means more, and steamier, time spent revelling in their newly toned bodies. While asanas like Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha Halasana, Matsyasana and Viprita Karani Sarvangasana Sirhasana are some of the postures that help in better sexual performance, lets dug out a few easy-to-do yoga movements that will help you gain a great sex life.

 The most common sexual yoga exercise that is used to enhance libido and sexual gratification is a posture that one can do even while sitting in the office. Contract and release the muscles of your pubic area as if you want to stop the flow of urine. Experts say that they have seen many people reviving their sex lives with the help of this one simple exercise. It indeed helps to get more powerful orgasms.

Alternately, while you are seated or are standing, contract and then release the pubococcygeus muscle located between the pubic bone and the tailbone, as if you wanted to stop the flow of urine. You can even do this at your desk, say, 10 times at three workday intervals. This is called the Mula Bandha in Sanskrit and is one of the most important postures to practice for a great orgasm. This one's for both your partner and you.

Have some more time on your hand? Try this: you can lie on the floor and put your legs against the wall. Focus on breathing properly. Do the deep breathing yoga technique where you inhale the air through your nose and exhale it out of your mouth. This exercise will help you feel re-energised and you will be able to enjoy sex without feeling tired. In addition, it will help to heighten the sensations. The simplest yogic breathing that will enhance your sex life is called balancing Pranayam. In this you will have to alternately breath through each of your nostrils. This helps to harness sexual power.

Practice of yoga awakens the body senses to the extent that each body cell can experience the bliss of the partners' touch during the act. Yoga makes the core muscles flexible, as a result the body becomes more open and you can perform various postures while you make love, with complete ease. This naturally increases the pleasure. Practicing certain asanas will calm your mind, thus helping you focus and concentrate better. Multiple orgasms can then be a regular phenomenon. Yoga also helps partners to bond and the combined aura of the two of you will allow long-lasting sex.

The following are some specific yoga postures which may help improve your sex life.

Lotus Position: 

In this posture, the person sits cross-legged and feet are placed on opposite thighs. The appearance of the position resembles the lotus flower and hence the name.

Halasana: 

The practitioner lies straight on the floor. Keeping legs together and straight, he raises the legs and takes them behind the head. Hands are kept firmly to the floor and parallel to the upper body. The name is derived from the word ` hala`, which means plow.

Uddiyana Bandhas:

It is done by pulling the abdomen inwards after exhaling all the air. While doing so, take a false inhale, hold your breath, pause and release the abdomen. This cycle of doing false inhale and complete exhale is repeated several times.

Bandhas means internal lock. While doing this asana, the air is blocked to enter the lungs. Once the cycles are over, the lung receives fresh air.

Sirhasana: 

It is one of the very famous asana in which the practitioner stands on the head, supported just by forearms. This asana is also known as the king of all yoga asanas.

Viprita Karani: 

To perform this asana, lie straight on the floor and raise legs perpendicular to the body.

Sarvangasana:

This is an interesting asana in which the entire weight of the body is put on the neck, the head, upper back and upper arms. The hands are held behind the back and slowly, the legs and the lower body is raised upward.

Natural Sexual Healing Through Ayurvedic Medicine For Sex

It is usually understood that men can be excited very easily and that they are always ready for sexual intercourse. However, a lot of men also experience many different sexual conditions which can inhibit their libido, or cause them to perform unsatisfactorily. Low sex drives, infertility, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and semen infection are some of the common sex problems that men may experience. Ayurvedic medicine for sex can be used to treat all these problems, improve libido and allow for more pleasurable intercourse. Such medicines are made from natural ingredients and can be safely used without any side effects.


Ayurveda is an age old traditional medicine system that finds its origin in the Vedic knowledge from ancient India. Ayurvedic treatment of sexual disorders aims to strike a balance in the body’s energies. Stress, anxiety, fear and an imbalance of physical energies in the body can prevent sexual function. These problems can be effectively dealt with Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, yoga and meditation.

Ayurveda and Sex

Sexual intimacy is an important part of the relationship between a man and a woman. Maharishi Vatsayan wrote the texts of Kamasutra on the practice of sex and how to make it more pleasurable as well as spiritual for the man and woman. In fact, his book is among the most comprehensive commentaries and documentations on the practice of sex. Ayurveda too talks about the sexual act in its text of Charaka Samhita. Even 3000 years ago, the saints and ascetics of India had devised complete solutions to all conceivable sexual problems.

According to Ayurveda, sex is an integral part of our dincharya and is an important part of our daily habits. Men and women should ideally have intercourse two hours after having their dinner because that is the time when the kapha dosha is at work. A satisfying union of the bodies can be developed over time and once that happens, the sexual union offers both the partners good health and vitality. Apart from Ayurvedic products and Ayurvedic herbs, there are some other things that can play a vital role in sexual performance. These include touch, smells, food, ambiance and music. For increasing and prolonging intimacy, a combination of these factors should ideally be utilized.

Ayurveda describes sexual problems and disabilities as a fallout of an aggravated vata. When this vital energy is aggravated, it reduces immunity and makes you more vulnerable emotionally. This could also eventually make you more fear prone. If you have increased pitta, it could cause increased anger and frustration. An aggravated kapha, on the other hand, makes you more jealous and possessive of your partner. Each of these doshas has some effect on the intimacy and sexual performance.

Modern Understanding, Pathology and Causes of Sexual Problems

In our fast paced, hectic lives, sexual disabilities have become rampant. Over work, stress, too much exercise and trauma are some of the common causes of sexual under-performance. Malnourishment or overweight can also have an adverse affect on libido and sexual abilities. Obesity can dull one’s reflexes and slows down the body which can then have an effect on sexual performance. There are many emotional triggers to sexual problems as well. These include difficulties in relationships, feeling of rejection from the partner, poor body image and confidence issues. A feeling of failure, or lack of success in life can also cause emotional triggers that lower sexual performance and libido.

Modern Allopathy Treatment for Sexual Disorders and Why It Fails?

The modern treatment for sexual disorders depends greatly on its cause. In most cases, the cause is said to be psychological (according to Modern Medicine, this is not so in Ayurveda) and therefore you may have to go to a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who would help you understand the cause of the problem and work with you towards its solution. Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually used for treatment of sexual disorders in Allopathy. Pharmacological help is also available for those who have diminished libido. Sometimes, in more serious cases, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended.

The modern methods of treatment for sexual disorders are usually not curative but they provide just the symptomatic relief. The medicines work immediately but you have to keep using the drugs in order to get the results. This is very time consuming and it may take forever for the disorder to be completely cured. Despite a prolonged treatment time, there is no guarantee that the disorder will be cured. Often, the condition persists despite long term treatment.

Ayurvedic medicine, on the other hand, attack the root cause of the condition and help you recover from it completely within no time.

Some Useful Home Tips and Ayurvedic Treatments for Sexual Problems

You can use Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of your sexual problems. However, before a treatment can be recommended to you, it is important to understand the exact nature of your sexual problems and their triggers. Here are some of the herbs which are usually used in Ayurvedic medicine for sex.

• Ashvagandha: This is an herb, most commonly used for sexual problems. Ashwagandha improves the nervous system, lowering stress levels and improving overall functioning of the autonomic nervous system for better sexual performance.
• Shatavar: This her is used for the treatment of infertility. Shatavar can naturally enhance sperm production, improving both the quality and quantity of sperm in the semen.
• Kaunch: This herb is an excellent remedy for premature ejaculation. It improves the viscosity of semen, so that the sperm continue to be alive in them for longer durations. This herb is ideal for those who have thin, watery semen or those who ejaculate prematurely, leaving their partners dissatisfied.
• Talmakhana: This is another herb used for the treatment of semen anomalies. It improves sperm quality, prevents early ejaculation and improves blood circulation to the genitals.
• Shilajit: This is an herb used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is a natural agent that improves blood circulation to the groin, helping men who have problems with erection. This herb can also help a man last longer in bed, enabling him to provide pleasure to his partner.