Sri Ayyappa

SRI AYYAPPA

Ayyappa is the son of Lord Siva and Mohini. Vishnu took the form of Mohini to destroy a demon named Basmasura. Ayyappa stands for constructive destruction which is a combination of Vishnu and Siva. He protects our spiritual wealth and grace by maintaining the thought of godliness and destroys all other thoughts pertaining to worldly infatuations. He is the symbol of unity among all sects of Hinduism.

SLOKA/PRAYER

Loka Veeryam Mahaa Poojyam Sarva Rakshaakaram Vibhum
Parvathee Hirdya-anandham Saasthaaram pranamaamyaham

 

MEANING

 
I bow to Lord Shasta (Ayyappa, the upholder of Dharma and Sastra) who gladdens the heart of Parvathi. He is a peerless warrior who protects all. His glory is great and He deserves great reverence and devoted worship.
In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, the Ayyappa shrine is built similar to the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, with eighteen Holy steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum. This is perhaps the only temple outside India with the eighteen Holy steps. As in Sabarimala, associated shrines of Kannimula Ganapathi, Nagaraja, and Maligapurathu Amma are also built behind the Ayyappa shrine. The idol is made of panchaloha (five metals) in Chinmudra form. The architecture of the shrine represents Kerala Style.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS

Saturdays and the star Uttiram are auspicious to Ayyappa. Panguni Uttiram, Vishu and Makara Sankaranthi days are very important. Traditionally devotees observe austerities during the Hindu months of Vrichiga and Dhanu.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Ghee Abishekam to Lord Ayyappa is very auspicious. Devotees observe vratham for a mandalam (41 days) and carry irumudi* up the Eighteen Holy steps and perform abishekams to Lord Ayyappa. Decorations with sandalwood powder and abishekam with flowers are also performed. Appam, Paanakam and Aravanai Paayasam are offered to Lord Ayyappa.

GAYATHRI

Boodha Naathaya Vidmahe Bavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thanno Saastha Prachodayaath.

We worship Ayyappa, the son of Siva. Salutations to Saastha (Ayyappa). May that Ayyappa stimulate our creative faculties.