Story of Lord Ayyappa and Sabarimala Shrine
In the lush forests of the Western Ghats, nestled in the sacred region of Kerala, the story of Ayyappan begins. It is said that Lord Shiva, the destroyer, once encountered Vishnu, who had taken the beautiful female form of Mohini. From this divine union, a child was born—a child unlike any other, embodying both the fierce asceticism of Shiva and the ethereal charm of Vishnu. This child was Ayyappan, destined to bridge the divide between the Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions and to uphold Dharma, the righteous path.
Abandoned in the forest with only a bell around his neck, Ayyappan was found by King Rajashekara of the Pandalam dynasty. The king, who had long yearned for a child, took this divine infant as his own, naming him Manikandan, meaning “one with a bell around his neck.” Raised in the royal palace, Manikandan grew up to be a compassionate, wise, and extraordinarily talented young prince, skilled in both martial arts and spiritual practices.
When Manikandan was twelve years old, a momentous event occurred that would reveal his divine nature to the world. The queen of Pandalam, seeking to prevent Manikandan from ascending the throne and favouring her biological son, faked a severe illness. She demanded that the only cure for her illness was the milk of a tigress. Knowing the danger of such a quest, the queen hoped to rid herself of Manikandan once and for all.
Undeterred by the difficult task, young Manikandan set out into the dense forests of the Western Ghats. There, he confronted and defeated the powerful demoness Mahishi, who had been terrorizing the region. In doing so, he liberated not only the kingdom but also the spirit of a cursed celestial being trapped within Mahishi’s form.
After defeating Mahishi, Manikandan mounted a tigress, milked her, and returned triumphantly to the palace, astonishing the king, queen, and all the courtiers. Recognizing that Manikandan was no ordinary prince but a divine incarnation, the king sought to honour him by building a temple in his name.
Sabarimala Temple Story
At Manikandan’s request, the king erected a shrine on the sacred hill of Sabarimala, deep within the forests where the Pamba River flows. Before leaving the mortal world, Manikandan shot an arrow into the air, and where it landed became the site of the temple. The temple was where devotees could seek solace and spiritual growth, free from the shackles of caste, creed, and wealth—a true embodiment of Dharma.
Manikandan then revealed his divine identity as Ayyappan, the god of truth and righteousness, and ascended to his abode. The temple at Sabarimala thus became a beacon of unity and devotion, where Ayyappan’s worship transcended all social and economic barriers.
To this day, millions of devotees from across India embark on the annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala, undertaking a rigorous 41-day period of penance, during which they observe strict vows of celibacy, abstain from meat and intoxicants, and live a life of simplicity and prayer. Dressed in simple attire and bearing an irumudi—a sacred bundle of offerings—they traverse the challenging terrain barefoot, chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” (O Lord Ayyappa, I seek refuge in you) as they climb towards the hilltop shrine.
A unique feature of the pilgrimage is the inclusion of a shrine dedicated to Vavar, a Muslim chieftain who, according to legend, was once an adversary of Ayyappan. After recognizing Ayyappan’s divinity, Vavar became his ardent devotee. This shrine symbolizes religious harmony, reflecting Ayyappan’s all-encompassing nature.
Ayyappan’s tale is not merely a story of divine birth and miracles; it is a living tradition that embodies the principles of Dharma, transcending the barriers of caste, creed, and religion. As the god of truth, righteousness, and celibacy, Ayyappan continues to inspire millions of devotees to lead a life of virtue and devotion.
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is more than a journey to a sacred site; it is a spiritual quest that unites people in their pursuit of inner purity and devotion. Ayyappan’s enduring legacy is one of unity, equality, and the unwavering pursuit of righteousness, guiding his followers on the path of Dharma through the dense forests of life to the light of truth.
The Sacred Posture of Lord Ayyappa
The idol of Lord Ayyappa, also known as Ayyappa Swamy, is depicted in a distinctive yogic posture called Yogapattasana or Yoga Peetha. This posture is unique to Ayyappa and has significant spiritual meaning. Here is a description of the posture:
1. Seated Position (Yoga Pose): The idol is seated in a cross-legged posture, similar to the meditative Padmasana or lotus position. This position symbolizes deep meditation, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment.
2. Hands Position (Mudra): Ayyappa’s right hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra, which is a gesture of blessing and protection. The left hand rests on the left knee, with the palm facing upwards, often holding a small garland or a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and divine grace.
3. Body Attire: The idol is adorned with a sacred belt called Yogapatta or Yogapattam around the knees and back. This belt signifies control over the senses and mind, indicating Ayyappa’s commitment to celibacy and self-discipline.
4. Facial Expression: Lord Ayyappa’s face is calm and serene, exuding compassion and tranquility. His gentle gaze conveys his benevolent nature and readiness to protect his devotees.
5. Neck Adornments: Ayyappa is usually depicted wearing a bell around his neck. The bell symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the awakening of spiritual consciousness.
The overall depiction of Lord Ayyappa in this yogic posture embodies his qualities as a warrior deity who has mastered the art of meditation and self-control. This posture also represents the harmony between life’s physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, making it a symbol of ultimate devotion and enlightenment for his followers.