Each Step Represents 15: Fill & Download for Free

Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. Every Ayyappa devotee, before he sees the Sanctum Sanctorum, has to lay his footsteps over eighteen sacred steps. Initially the 18 steps were made of granite. It was later covered with Panchaloha (a special composition of gold, silver, copper, iron and tin), in the year 1985 to prevent it from deterioration. Pilgrims initiate their ascent up the Pathinettam Padi by placing their right foot on the first step. As per the tradition, only those who undertake the penance for 41 days and those who carry the irumudi on their head are allowed to use the steps.The symbolism of these 18 steps is as follows:The first five steps symbolise the five human senses (Panchendriyas) i.e. visual (vision), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the `mortal’ nature of one’s body. The next eight steps symbolise the eight Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boastfulness). The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva, ( perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor). The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and 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.Ponnambalamedu, Gowdenmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Chittambalamala, Khalgimala, Mathangamala, Myladummala, Sreepadamala, Devarmala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Neelimala, Karimala, Puthuserrymala, Kalakettimala, Inchipparamala and 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.Source: Ayyappa seva Sangham

Lets say we can measure the quality of the result that an algorithm produces by some number. The higher the number, the better the result. Lets suppose that an algorithm is basically traversing a tree containing positive and negative numbers. The leaves mark endpoints of the algorithm. On reaching a leaf, the algorithm produces a result where the quality is the sum of all the numbers on the path from the root to the leaf.Suppose we have a tree like this:010 13 -1 15 2Each level in the tree represents one iteration of the algorithm. Now, a greedy algorithm simply tries to pick the best option it can at each step. So, it starts off at 0, then decides to pick 10 since its bigger than 1, and then decides to pick 3 since its bigger than -1. So it returns a solution with a quality of 0+10+3=14. Essentially, it picks the best possible option at each step.The globally optimal algorithm however, considers every possible path. So when deciding between 10 and 1, it explores the next level too, and sees that even though 1 is a worse choice compared to 10 in the current iteration, it can pick 15 in the next iteration and end up with a better overall quality of 0+1+15=16.The greedy algorithm only looked at 3 nodes in the tree - 0, 10 and 3. Although it picked the best possible option at each step, it turns out that the overall best solution was not comprised of these options.On the other hand, the globally optimal algorithm inspected every single path from root to leaf, and thus found a better solution, at the cost of taking more time.

(Sorry guys this is going to be a long answer since it is such an important question — ignorance of the meaning of the marriage ceremony I feel is the cause of so much domestic turmoil and unhappiness.)In Hindu weddings, why do people take vows (7 vows) which they don't even agree with?That’s because this seminal part of the wedding ceremony has been distorted by self-interested parties.Firstly, it must be noted that this is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the wedding ceremony and the bond is finalized on the seventh step.These seven steps represent the beginning of the journey in life together and each one of them symbolizes a building block of a perfect marriage - much like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The words as found in the Grihya Sūtras differ slightly from one to the other but the gist is the same. They are in sūtra forms so I will give some elaboration.So as the couple take the steps together they recite:–1. iṣe eka pa̍dā bhava̱ | viṣṇu̱stvānve̍tu |Take the first step with me for nourishment. (May lord Vishnu guide us)The idea here is that healthy eating and nourishment is the basis of a happy marriage. More so in this day and age when obesity is the foremost health problem of modern society.2. ūrje dvi- pa̍dā bhava̱ | viṣṇustvānvetu |Take the second step with me for health.Healthy living means - exercise, avoidance of gambling, imbibing alcohol, smoking etc.3. rāyas-poṣāya trīṇi pa̍dā bhava̱ | viṣṇustvānvetu |Take the third step with me for prosperity and security.When a couple is healthy and well-nourished they can then work hard and strive for prosperity and security.4. mayo-bhavāya catvāri pa̍dā bhava̱ | viṣṇustvānvetu |Take the fourth step with me for achieving consummate bliss.Consummate bliss is a code word for keeping and preserving an intimate romantic bond. Romance and sex are the first casualties in the enterprise of marriage, so the couple are exhorted to keep this aspect alive.5. paśubhyo pañca pa̍dā bhava̱ | viṣṇustvānvetu |Take the fifth step with me for cattle.Cattle connotes investment in the future which in the ancient world also included children who were the superannuation guarantee for old age. In some Grihya sūtras, cattle (paśu) is substituted by offspring (prajā)6. ṛtubhyo ṣaḍ pa̍dā bhava̱ | viṣṇustvānvetu |Take the sixth step with me for enjoyments according to the seasons.There are six seasons in India and there are enjoyments mentioned in the poetic literature about the specifics of each season - so the couple are being told not to get too bogged down by their domestic and professional responsibilities that they neglect to play together, enjoy together and go on holidays together.7. sakhyāya sapta pa̍dā bhava̱ | viṣṇustvānvetu |Take the seventh step with me for friendship. (May lord Vishnu guide us)The culmination of this whole process to achieve perfect and everlasting friendship.Sakhā̍ sa̱pta-pa̍dā bhava̱ | sakhā̍yau sa̱pta-pa̍dā babhūva | sa̱khyam te̍ gameyam | sa̱khyāt-te̱ mā yo̍ṣam | sa̱khyān me̱ mā yo̍ṣṭāḥ | sama̍yāva̱ saṅka̍lpāvahai̱ | iṣa̱m-ūrjam a̱bhi-sa̱mvasā̍nau̱ | sannau̱ manā̍guṁsi̱ sam vra̱tā sam u̍ ci̱tāny-aka̍ram ||You are my friend in life through these seven steps; may I attain your friendship, may our friendship bind us together; may we never cease being friends, may our intentions be of one accord, may our radiance be one, and our minds be united. We are united in harmony and affection, radiant with kind thoughts, enveloped in enjoyment and strength, united are our minds, our vows and our hearts.And this last verse is the most telling. Marriage is all about friendship, and friendship can only exist between EQUALS. If one is the master and the other the servant, there can never be a friendship in an asymmetrical power relationship. The couple change places after the seventh step to again affirm the equality of the relationship.Please note that the terms for a married couple are Pati and Patni — Lord & Lady — implying equality.Now some medieval manuals (prayogas) in the North of India have invented and inserted various vows into the seven steps which are generally anachronistic and sexist. These “vows” differ from region to region.There is one set that I really enjoy and which is recited by the bride before she sits on her husbands left.If ever, O beloved you desire to go on any journey or pilgrimage or give any gifts, or do any Yajna, then I ask that I be consulted and be allowed to join you on such occasions. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.Should you desire to perform any form of worship or ceremony for your departed ancestors, then I ask that you allow me to join you in their execution. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.I ask that I be given full control of our household. If we should rear any animals, then I ask that I should be a equal partner in their care. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.Whatever wealth is acquired through your earnings, or produce procured, I ask that I be consulted fully in their disbursement and use. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.If ever you embark on a project of public benefit such as the construction of a temple, a well, a pond et al, then I ask that I be consulted in their planning and join you in their inauguration. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.Whatever trade, business or occupation you engage in at home or abroad, I ask that you allow me to assist you in that. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.Whether in joy or sorrow, in sickness or health, in poverty or wealth, promise me that you will honour, respect, love and be devoted to me to the exclusion of all others. If you agree, then I shall sit on your left side.THE GROOM’S RESPONSE.Promise me that you will not roam about in parks alone or go to the pub without me, or play with other men, nor sing and dance with them, nor joke with them without my permission. If you agree then I will take care of you.In addition to the SAPTA-PADI or seven steps, I give here the summary of all the vows and affirmation which are recited in Sanskrit during a standard North India wedding ceremony — they differ very slightly in the South.May we always be friends, bound together in friendship, may our intentions and radiance be one, and our minds united.May we be united in harmony always.May we dedicate ourselves to the performance of our duties as householders.May we enjoy well-being and prosperity and ever increase our knowledge.May we forever continue to pursue the path to enlightenment.May we never be hostile to each other.May we be tender to animals.May we be of cheerful mind.May we be the parents of heroes.May we be devoted to the gods.May we be a source of happiness to others.May we be benevolent to all beings.May we listen to beneficial advice.May we listen to each other attentively.May we communicate well.May our minds be in harmony, appreciating each other’s ideas, views and feelings.May we respond to each other’s requests.May our skills and talents complement each other.May we love each other and bring delight to each other.May we have adventures together.May our aspirations be the same.May we live together, till eternity.May we both strive as hard as possible to remain together.May we never be defeated.May we be firm and steadfast as a stone, in our commitment to each other — rising above all our tribulations, pressing underfoot all negativity and sorrow.These are all actually affirmations rather than vows per se. The actual vows which are recited in front of the sacred fire are based on the concept of contracts. Within a marriage there are three areas which necessitate contractual arrangements and these three form the tripod of human happiness known as puruṣārthas viz. Dharma = duty, profession, responsibilities, ethics and morals. Artha = mutual financial arrangements and Kāma = enjoyment, recreation, procreation etc. Moksha = Salvation, the ultimate.So the couple solemnly declare three times:dharme cha arthe cha kāme cha imaṁ nāticharāmiIn these three areas of love, I swear that I shall never do the wrong thing by you!