The God Ayyappan’s mantra is “ Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” which means “ Lord Ayyappa, I seek refuge in you“. There is a tremendous increase in Lord Ayyappan’s devotees in the last century mostly due to vast improvements in transport and communication in India. They wear a distinctive ritual dhotis of saffron, black and light blue colors. Lord Ayyappa’s devotees fast and engage in austerities under the leadership of a Guru Swami (one who has undertaken the pilgrimage to Sabarimala for 18 years).
With over 10 million devotees from all over the world visit this temple every year, which makes this temple as one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the world. Lord Ayyappa’s Annual FestivalĮvery year men from throughout southern India visit the famous Ayyappan Shrine at Sabarimala (hills of Pathanamthitta in Kerala) during the Ayyappan’s annual festival. Generally Lord Ayyappa is depicted in a yogic posture, wearing a jewel around his neck, hence named Manikanda (Mani means ‘ Gem‘ and Kanda means ‘ Neck‘ – ‘ one who wears with gem around the neck‘) and also on top of tiger which is his vehicle. Thus the words ‘ Ayyan‘ and ‘ Appan‘ put together ~ ‘ Ayyappan‘ which refers to a senior and respectable guardian deity of the oldest community. in English) and ‘ Appan‘ which means ‘ Father‘. In Tamil, ‘ Ayyan‘ is a title of respect (like Mr/Mrs. As Dharma Sastha, many of them consider him to be born out of the union between Mohini (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva. Lord Ayyappa Images: Lord Ayyappa is a Hindu deity who is the son of Harihara, fused with both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
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