Ayyappa: The Mythical Saga of a Hindu God

Lord Ayyappan is also known as Ayyappa (sometimes written Ayappa). He is a Hindu god who is primarily revered in South India. It is thought that Lord Shiva and the legendary sorceress Mohini. This is recognized as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu who were the parents of Ayyaappa. Due to this, Ayyappa is also referred to as “Hariharan Puthiran” or “Hariharputhra.” This translates to mean “the son of both Haran,” or Shiva, and “Hari,” or Vishnu. You can go to our website Onlinetemple.com and book an online pandit for puja and follow all the Hindu traditions and customs.

The Reason Behind Ayyappa’s Name: Manikandan

Ayyappa is also known as “Manikandan.” According to legend, his divine parents fastened a golden bell (mani) around his neck (kandan) shortly after his birth. After Shiva and Mohini abandoned the baby on the banks of the Pampa River, King Rajashekhara, was Pandalam’s childless monarch. He discovered the newborn Ayyappa, accepted him as a divine gift, and adopted him as his son.

The Reasons Behind the Gods’ Created: Ayyappa

According to legend, Lord Ayyappa’s birth is recounted in ancient scriptures known as the Puranas. Mahishi, the demon king Mahishasur’s sister, sought retribution after Goddess Durga defeated him. She was endowed by Lord Brahma. A child born of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva was the only person who could defeat her due to his power. Lord Vishnu changed into Mohini and married Lord Shiva to stop this threat, which resulted in the birth of Lord Ayyappa. You should now explore the online Hindu Puja Service to gain a new perspective on Hindu tradition and custom.

Story of Ayyappa’s Childhood

After King Rajashekhara adopted Ayyappa, his biological son, Raja Rajan, was born. The boys both had princely childhoods. Manikandan, also known as Ayyappa, was a bright man who was skilled in martial arts and had a thorough understanding of many shastras. Everyone was taken aback by his superhuman abilities. When he completed his princely training and studies and offered gurudakshina, or a fee to his guru, the master, aware of his divine power, requested a blessing of sight and speech for his blind and deaf son. The boy was touched by Manikantan, and a miracle occurred.

Ayyappa’s Royal Conspiracy

When it came time to name the heir to the throne, King Rajashekhara wanted Ayyappa, also known as Manikantan, but the queen preferred her son. She planned Manikandan’s death with the diwan, or minister, and her physician. Pretending to be unwell, the queen forced her doctor to request an unattainable cure: lactating tigress milk. When no one could get it, Manikandan volunteered to go against his father’s wishes. On the way, he came across the demon Mahishi and killed her on the banks of the river Azhutha. Then, after entering the forest in search of tigress milk, Manikandan encountered Lord Shiva. The tiger, who was Lord Indra in animal form, was sitting on him at his command.

Lord Ayyappa’s Deity Status

The king pleaded with Manikandan for forgiveness, having already realized that the queen was plotting against his son. The king promised that they would build a temple to keep his memory alive on Earth. Manikandan fired an arrow to indicate where he wanted to go. Then he vanished, ascending to his celestial home. After the construction was finished, Lord Parasuram sculpted the image of Lord Ayyappa, which was then placed on Makar Sankranti day. Lord Ayyappa was therefore deified.

Worshiping the Lord Ayyappa

Lord Ayyappa is thought to have imposed strict religious observance to receive his blessings. First, devotees must complete a 41-day penance before visiting him in the temple. They should abstain from physical pleasures and family ties and live as celibates, or brahmachari. They ought to always reflect on the goodness of life. Furthermore, devotees must bathe in the holy river Pampa, wear three-eyed coconuts (representing Shiva) and aantha garlands, and then climb the 18 stairs to the Sabarimala temple.

Sabarimala: The Renowned Journey

With over 50 million pilgrims visiting Sabarimala in Kerala annually, it is one of the most well-known Ayyappa shrines worldwide. On January 14, also known as Makar Sankranti or Pongal, when the Lord is supposed to descend in the form of light, pilgrims from all over the nation brave the thick forests, steep hills, and bad weather to seek the blessings of Ayyappa. The devotees then accept prasad, or the Lord’s food offerings, and walk backward down the 18 steps, facing the Lord. You can go to our website Onlinetemple.com and book an online Basant Panchami puja and follow all the Hindu traditions and customs.