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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Shabrimala Temple

Hare Krishna

Sabarimala Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a revered deity in Hinduism. The temple is known for its unique traditions and attracts millions of devotees each year, especially during the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappa, who is considered to be a union of Lord Vishnu (In his Mohini Avatar) and Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that Lord Ayyappa is a celibate deity and embark on a spiritual journey to seek his blessings. The pilgrimage season at Sabarimala begins in November and ends in January. The most significant days are during the Makar Sankranti festival, when the Makaravilakku is observed. Devotees follow strict austerities during the pilgrimage, and there are specific dress codes and rituals to be followed.

Devotees who plan to visit Sabarimala undertake a 41-day vow of self-discipline and abstinence known as "Vratham." During this period, they observe strict rules, including celibacy, vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol, and refrain from cutting hair or nails. The devotees carry Irumidi (cotton cloth bag) on their head which has Pooja items in it. The pathway leading to the main sanctum sanctorum has 18 sacred steps, which are believed to represent the 18 hills surrounding the temple. Only male devotees between the ages of 12 and 70 who have completed the Vratham are allowed to climb these steps and have the darshan (sacred view) of the deity.

Sabarimala has been historically known for its tradition of prohibiting women of menstruating age (typically between 10 and 50 years) from entering the temple. This tradition has been the subject of much controversy and legal challenges in recent years. Devotees can reach the temple via different trekking routes through the dense forests. The main pathways are the Pamba route and the Erumeli route, and both provide a spiritual and challenging journey for the devotees. The temple hosts several festivals, with the most prominent being the Makaravilakku festival during the Makar Sankranti. The event involves the ceremonial lighting of a lamp atop Ponnambalamedu, a nearby hill, which is believed to be Lord Ayyappa's abode during this time.

Sabarimala Temple holds immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus, and the pilgrimage is considered a transformative and purifying experience for devotees who undertake it. The temple's unique traditions and rituals make it one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in India.

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