That is the reason most of theР”Вeekshas are for 40 days and so is Ayyappa Deeksha. Some people say that is one of the reason for 18 steps at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.It is also believed by Hindus and many other people that, if we practice anything for 40 days, we get used to it and continue it. By doing it for 18 years, it is hoped we overcome all our bad qualities and become a SWAMY ourselves (or saints). Idea is to follow these rules with utmost discipline and dedication, so we can control & overcome inherent human bad qualities one by one like anger, lust etc.

Try to have tulasi leaf with you to be away from evil thoughts.

Try to attend as many as bhajans in your deeksha time.

Not supposed to shave your beard or comb your hair.

That is the reason it is recommended to take bath immediately you reach home from outside) But we might see women who are in their monthly cycles outside in shops or may shake hands with them (at work or shop). If it is not possible in the house/apartment you are living, that is OK. (Some say, it is not needed, but lot of people try to follow this rule too).

During monthly cycle for women, husband taking Deeksha is not supposed to see the wife at all.

Bramhacharyam: Should not even touch your spouse.

Call all women (including wife) as 'Matha' and men as 'Swamy'.

(Means no partying, no watching TV, listening to film music etc, no playing games)

Sleep on ground without pillow and bed.

Idea is to be far from 'kama, krodha, moha, lobha.'

When you or your spouse is preparing meal, make sure you clean the stove before cooking.

Make sure they should have prepared the meal after taking bath etc.

If anyone calls you for Annadanam you should not refuse the invitation.

Outside food should be completely avoided.

Dinner: Should take light food like, upma, idli.

Lunch: Should take fresh cooked food before noon.

So, have two pairs of black dress and wash them every day.

Take bath as soon you come home in the evening from work.

No need for cooked Prasadam every day.

Chant Hairivarasanam only after evening Pooja.Do your regular daily pooja followed by Ashotharam (108 namas) to Ganesh, Subramanyam, Durga & Ayyappan.Do the pooja twice a day, morning (before sun rise) and evening (after sunset).(Clarify usage of Soap and Shampoo from your guru Swamy). Take bath in early morning and evening with cold water.Mala should not be removed in Pamba or Sannidham. Deeksha will be ended after returning home from Sabarimala. It is usually done by Guruswami (who had been to Sabrimala 18 times) or the priest at the temple. Mandalam starts on first day of Kartika Masam (as per Kerala Calendar) It is usually observed during the Mandalam (which usually falls between Nov 2nd week and Sankranthi).

Females: Below age 10 and above 50 can observe deeksha

Swamiye saranam ayyappa song