eighteen steps

Number 9 and combinations of numbers that sums up to number 9 are very important in Hinduism.

 

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Like 18 chapters of Epic Mahabharata ;

Eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita,

Eighteen Purans,

108 Upanishads,

108 beads in the Rudrasha Japa Mala,

432,000 years of Kali Yuga etc ..

 

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Naturally 18 steps of Sabari Mala is has a lot of symbolism associated with it.

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The first five steps

 

symbolize five human senses (Panchendriyas) (vision), (hearing), (smell), (taste) and (touch). These signify the `mortal' nature of one's body.

 

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The next eight steps

 

 

symbolize the eight Ashta RagasKama (love) , Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (lust), Madha, (pride) Maltsarya (unhealthy competation) , Asuya [ jealousy) Ahamkara ( ego)

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The next three steps

 

stand for three Gunas (nature-born qualities)Satva, (Truth / Goodness) , Rajas (Passion / desire) and Thamas (inactivity, Darkness).

 

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The last two steps

 

stand for Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance).

 

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By climbing up these eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches oneself from all the worldly ties that bind one physically and mentally to this world.

 

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By symbolically climbing these 18 steps, a person is breaking away from all those egoistic elements in his/her life which stand against finally attaining SELF REALIZATION.

 

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What is Hindu Salvation?

 

Hindu Salvation is the process by which a person realizes that he/she is NOT the perishable body but the Atman-the immortal soul within. That is the reason why Hindu salvation is known as Self Realization. REALIZING ONE IS SELF or the IMMORTAL SOUL.

 

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Hindu salvation is also known as MOKSHA..........meaning LIBERATION, the liberation from SAMSARA , the cycle of death and rebirth....

 

 

 

Done