How to do the Mandala Kalam (Vratam) puja at home

The first morning: the bath, the black mundu, and the mala from the guru swami at the temple.

1. Malayidal

   The bath, and the black mundu

   1. Bathe before sunrise.
   2. Put on a black or blue mundu, freshly washed.
   3. Take the mala and a dakshina with you to the temple.
   

2. Malayidal

   The mala, from the guru swami

   1. Before Lord Ayyappa at the temple, give the mala into the hands of the guru swami or the temple priest.
   2. He sanctifies it and puts it round your neck as the mala dharana mantra is said.
   3. Fold your hands and call Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa — स्वामिये शरणम् अय्यप्पा, three times.

   The mala is received, never put on by oneself. Many take it on a Saturday or on Uthram, Lord Ayyappa's star, if Vrischikam 1 cannot be kept; from now on the wearer is called Swami.

   

3. Malayidal

   Dakshina to the guru swami

   1. Place a coin with betel leaves and an areca nut in the guru swami's hands.
   2. Bow to him and receive his blessing.
   

Before sunrise: the bath, the diya before Lord Ayyappa, the saranam — and only then food.

1. 1. The bath before sunrise
   2. The diya before Lord Ayyappa
   3. Ganesh ji first
   4. Flowers for Lord Ayyappa
   5. The saranam
   6. Your prayer to Lord Ayyappa
   7. Only now, food
   8. Darshan at a Sastha temple

   These 8 steps, with their drawings and mantras, are in the app

At dusk: the bath, the diya, the saranam, the bhajans, and the Harivarasanam to close.

1. 1. The bath at dusk
   2. The diya at dusk
   3. Incense before Lord Ayyappa
   4. The saranam at dusk
   5. The bhajans
   6. The Harivarasanam

   These 6 steps, with their drawings and mantras, are in the app