Lamp (Jyoti) signifies the pure soul. Tatwamasi (you and me are one and the same) is the ideology that Ayyappa propagated. The appearance of Jyoti on Makara Vilakku Day is symbolic of the oneness of the jeevatma (oneself) with paramatma (divine).
Over the time, the significance of vrata has taken a back seat and has become ritualistic. The preconditions of wearing a single coloured clothing signifies simplicity and equality. Wearing a mala is a conscious act to always remember the lord in all activities undertaken by a person throughout the day. Addressing everyone as swamy is to respect and recognise the divine energy present in each person. Not using leather products upholds the ideology of ahimsa. Regulated consumption of food is to bring about a balance between mind and body. Sleeping on the floor and not wearing footwear teaches a person to let go of ego and enter the state of pure consciousness.
