Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) - the tradition, ONLY those who undertake the penance for 41 days and those who carry the IRUMUDI on their head are allowed to use the steps

Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. Initially the 18 steps 
were made of granite. It was later covered with Panchaloha in the year 1985 to prevent it from 
deterioration. As per the tradition, ONLY those who undertake the penance for 41 days and those who 
carry the IRUMUDI on their head are allowed to use the steps. Before ascending or descending the steps, 
pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacred Irumudi on the head
while going up or down the 18 steps. While descending the steps the devotees climb down backwards
facing the sanctum sanctorum.
Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the Nature. The significance of 18 can
be traced back to the Vedic age. The first Veda, believed to be protected by Lord Brahma himself, had 18
chapters. Later, Veda Vyasa divided it to create the four vedas: Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and
Atharava Veda. Each of these vedas had 18 chapters. Veda Vyasa also wrote 18 puranas and 18 upa-
puranas. The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and the Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days. There are many
mythological stories associated with the holy Patinettampadi.
Some believe the eighteen steps denote the 18 puranas.
Othere believe it represents the 18 mountains in the Sabarimala region: Ponnambalamedu,
Gowdenmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Chittambalamala, Khalgimala, Mathangamala,
Myladummala, Sreepadamala, Devarmala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Neelimala, Karimala,
Puthuserrymala, Kalakettimala, Inchipparamala and Sabarimala
The first three steps depict "Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash", 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15
for Jnanendriya, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who cross all these steps are believed to achieve "Punyadarshan".