Ayyappa or Ayyappa Swamy is one of the widely worshiped Gods of the Hindu pantheon. He is the presiding deity of the famous hill Temple of Sabarimala, Kerala. He is a unique Divinity, as, according to legends, he was born of the spiritual union of the Supreme Gods Shiva and Vishnu when Vishnu assumed the form of the bewitching Mohini. Hence, Ayyappa is also called Harihara Sutha or Harihara Putra, the Son of Vishnu and Shiva, and is believed to possess their combined powers.
Ayyappa is also believed to have incarnated to establish Dharma and is regarded as the upholder of justice and righteousness, and hence devotees celebrate him as Dharma Sastha. He is Brahmachari, a celibate God who, as per belief, protects his devotees and fulfills their wishes. Ayyappa is also regarded as the powerful controller of Shani, the much-feared planet Saturn.
Ayyappa Swamy Pooja is the ceremonial worship of this powerful divinity invoking his protection and blessings.
According to mythological accounts, the childless king of Pandalam found a Divine-looking baby boy in the forest with a bell around his neck, named him Manikantan, and raised him as his own son. But when the king planned to declare Manikantan as the crown prince when he attained the age of 12, the queen hatched a conspiracy and sent the boy to the forest to bring the tiger's milk. Undaunted, Manikantan went on the mission and returned riding a tigress. According to a version, while everyone realized his divinity and offered the kingdom to him, Manikantan renounced everything, turned a warrior-ascetic, and took his abode in the mountain itself as Ayyappa, assuming the Yogis posture.
It is also said that the purpose of the incarnation was to overcome the buffalo-headed she-demon Mahishi, which Manikantan achieved during his sojourn in the forest.
True to this legend, Ayyappa is often portrayed as a young boy riding a tiger and holding a bow and arrow.
Many ardent devotees of Ayyappa undertake the annual pilgrimage to his mountainous abode of Sabarimala as an elaborate ritual, when they observe austerities for a period of 48 days, abstaining from enjoying comforts and pleasures and devoting their time to prayers and ceremonial worship, then visit his Temple on the top of the Sabari Hill in the state of Kerala, often undertaking a long, arduous journey on foot covering the rugged mountainous terrain.
According to belief, this Vrat helps build inner strength and guides devotees along the spiritual path.
Experienced priests well-versed, particularly in the Ayyappa worship and rituals, perform the Ayyappa Pooja or Ayyappa Swamy Pooja, adhering strictly to the Sacred texts, tradition, and practices, reciting Ayyappa Mantras to appease the powerful God for his protection and blessings.
According to traditional beliefs, a Pooja to Ayyappa can bestow the combined blessings of the Supreme Protector Vishnu and Supreme Dissolver Shiva. Ayyappa Pooja can also help connect with the mighty God, purify one's soul, and lead an ethical life. His grace can also grant good health, prosperity, success in endeavors, and spiritual bliss. Ayyappa's unique powers to control Saturn can also mitigate the malefic effects of the powerful planet.
Let us surrender ourselves to Ayyappa and seek his guidance for a purposeful life.
