Dwara Murthis of 18 Holy Steps
Dwara Murthis of 18 Holy Steps
Kadutha Swami, Karuppayi Swami and Karuppayi Amma are the devoted guards of the 18 Holy Steps and the Ayyappa Temple. They stand on both sides of the 18 Holy Steps; Kadutha Swami on the right side of Lord Ayyappa and Karuppayi Swami and Karuppayi Amma on the left side of Lord Ayyappa. They maintain the sanctity of the temple surroundings and the 18 Holy Steps that represent the 18 Holy Mountains and also bless the devotees who climb the Holy steps with Irumudi.
DWARA MURTHIS
The figurines of Kadutha Swami and Karuppayi Swami, which were carved in concrete at the entrance to the 18 Holy Steps had to be removed during the Rajagopuram construction. New idols carved out of granite were consecrated in two new Mandapas, built at the base of the 18 Steps in November 2001.
