Ayyappa Lord
Sabarimala temple located in Kerala is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the world, where crores of devotees visit every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is also known as Ayyappan Hariharan, Manikandan, Dharmastha, and Hariharaputra. Irumudikattu is offered to Lord Ayyappa in the Sabarimala temple. Often the question comes in people’s mind whether Lord Ayyappa and Kartikeya are the same or different. Let us tell you who Lord Ayyappa is and whose incarnation he is.
Who is Lord Ayyappa? (Who is Ayyappa Swamy)
Lord Ayyappa is also called Harihar Putra, because he is the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini form of Lord Vishnu. Lord Ayyappa was born to kill the demon named Mahishi, sister of Mahishasura. According to religious belief, Lord Ayyappa was raised by the king of Pantalam. His worship includes a rigorous fast of 41 days and climbing the 18 steps of the Sabarimala temple.
Rules before visiting
Ayyappa Swamy rides a tiger and is worshiped mainly in South India. Sabarimala temple situated on 18 hills in Kerala is their most famous temple. Before having darshan of Ayyappa Swami, devotees have to observe a strict fast for 41 days. During this time they have to stay away from material pleasures and apply sandalwood paste on their forehead.
In the Sabarimala temple, devotees have to carry a bag called “Irumudikattu” on their heads, which symbolizes their fast and dedication. Before visiting Sabarimala temple, devotees have to take bath in the sacred Pampa river. To reach this temple one has to climb 18 stairs.
How was Lord Ayyappa born?
According to the legend, Lord Ayyappa was born from the union of Lord Shiva and Mohini form of Lord Vishnu during the churning of the ocean. Lord Ayyappa was born to kill the demon Mahishi, as he had received a boon from Brahma that only the children of Shiva and Vishnu could kill her. There is also a belief that Mohini became pregnant with Shiva’s semen (called ‘Parad’) and gave birth to a son.
After birth, Lord Shiva and Mohini left the child on the banks of river Pampa, where he was found by King Rajashekhar of Pantalam. The king was childless and he took the child to his palace and brought him up and named him ‘Manikandan’. Manikandan grew up as a prince, but later decided to give up royal life and reside in Sabarimala.
(Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.)