Vratham is the word for fasting. Fasting is not only about refraining from eating certain food but also about control over many other activities. During these days, devotees eat only vegetarian food. Accordingly the person going to Sabarimala should take bath twice a day.
He should eat only vegetarian food and strict celibacy should be followed during the time of Vratham. He must do meditation during those times, which is for purifying thoughts. He must refrain from movies and entertainment that invokes sensual pleasure.
According to the traditional Malayalam Calendar Usually, vratham has to be
observed for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. It is advised to observe
Vritham throughout the Mandala Kalam which begins on Vrishchikam 1st and ends
on 11th or 12th of Dhanu. During vratham men should not speak bad words or
watch unwanted movies. When the vratham is followed sincerely the entire family
members will get Lord Ayyappan’s blessings.
