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.

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".
Another interpretation of the 18 Steps that resonates with the modern world we live is as follows:
The first five steps denote the indriyas or senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin).
The next eight steps signify the ragas or vices -- tatwa, kama, krodha, moha, lobha, madha, matsraya,
and ahamkara OR desire, anger, avarice, lust, pride, rivalry, jealousy, and boastfulness
The next three steps signify the gunas -- satwa, rajas and thamas OR wisdom, activity, and stupor
The seventeenth and the eighteenth denote vidhya (knowledge) and avidya (ignorance).
We're born with the five senses but have a choice of using them for good or bad. In this kaliyuga, where
crimes and atrocities dominate, you can easily get detracted into seeing and hearing these bad things. How
do you focus your senses to see and hear the good things that elevate your spirit? You can extrapolate the
same to smell, taste, and touch. Using our senses to focus for the good of us and everyone around us
moves us closer to The Almighty.