Ayyappa

Hare Krishna

Ayyappa, also known as Manikandan or Mani, is a revered tale in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be a combination of various legends from different sources. Ayyappa is largely worshipped in South India. 

Here the story starts...

Goddess Durga Killed the Demon Mahishasur, he had a sister called Mahishi. Mahishi had a boon from Lord Brahma that she can be killed only by the child that is born to Shiva and Vishnu. So Vishnu incarnated himself in Mohini Avatar and with the union of Mohini and Shiva, Ayyappa was born. They left the child at Pamba river, the King of the dynasty Rajashekara who didn't had a child adopted Ayyappa and named him Manikandan.

 Later the couple were blessed with a boy named Raja Rajan. Both boy grew up as prince, but Ayyappa excelled himself in martial arts and had great knowledge in Shastras. Upon Completion of their training King wanted Ayyappa to become his successor, but the Queen wanted her child that is prince Raja Rajan to become the next King.

 The Queen started creating troubles for Ayyappa. The Queen pretended to be sick with mysterious health issues and asked Mani to go to the forest and bring lactating Tigeress milk, that is the cure of her illness. On the way to the forest Ayyappa realised the purpose of his incarnation was to kill Mahishi. In the forest  Ayyappa and Mahishi had a fierce battle and the demoness was killed by Ayyappa and recieved moksha.

Ayyappa came back from the forest sitting on the Tigeress. The King and Queen realised that Ayyappa was not an ordinary child and offered him the throne but Ayyappa refused saying that his birth on earth had different purpose he has to live as Brahmachari. King Wished to construct a temple for and asked to chose a place, Ayyappa shot an arrow saying that he would be in meditation on the place where arrow falls. The place where the arrow fell is called Shabrimala. It was already a holy place where Shabri the great devotee of Rama lived, she wanted to meet Rama once in her life. Rama met her at the same place and accepted her hospitality. 

Manikandan said that he will be called as Ayyappan by his devotees and his devotees have to attain 41 days Brahmacharya Vratham. It is believed that the temple was built under the direct supervision of Lord Parshuram by the great architect, Vishwakarma. Upon the advise of Sage Agastya the king laid foundation stone of the temple. The temple has 18 golden steps indicating 18 hills surrounding the temple.

It is essential to note that the legend of Lord Ayyappa may have regional variations and is often passed down through oral traditions, making it a cherished tale for millions of devotees who revere and worship Lord Ayyappa as a unifying symbol of divinity and love.

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Radhe Radhe!!!