BENGALURU:
Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, is home to the largest pilgrimage site in the world. It is believed that by worshiping Lord Ayyappa with unwavering devotion, all desires of the devotees will be fulfilled. The Ayyappa Swamy Temple in Gods Land is truly a marvel. Devotees flock here to partake in a single meal, take a cold water bath, observe the mandala vrata, and climb the eighteen steps to catch a glimpse of Ayyappa Swami, who humbly resides on the hill, chanting “Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa.” However, it is important to note that girls are not permitted to enter this sacred temple. Let us delve into some fascinating details about this temple.
Harihara Suta Ayyappa
Ayyappa Swami, situated in the Perunad village panchayat of the Patanthitta district in Kerala, is renowned worldwide for his extraordinary birth story. According to religious legends, during the churning of the ocean, Lord Shiva, captivated by the enchanting form of Lord Vishnu as Mohini, became united with him, resulting in the birth of a child symbolizing the union of Hari and Hara. This child was abandoned on the banks of the river Pampa and was later raised by King Rajasekhara for twelve years. It was this child who eventually came to be known as Ayyappa Swami.
The Boon Obtained by Mahishi
After the slaying of Mahishasura, his sister Mahishi embarked on a long penance to avenge her brother’s death. She sought the favor of Lord Brahma and was granted a boon that she could only be killed by the son of Shiva and Vishnu. Believing that it was impossible.
Harassment of Mahishi:
Mahishi has been causing trouble for both the inhabitants of earth and heaven. The deities, feeling helpless and lost, turn to Vishnu for salvation from Mahishi’s tyranny. Aware of the powerful boon granted to Mahishi, Vishnu decides to take on the form of Mohini once again. This form was previously used to deceive the asuras and deliver the elixir of immortality, amrita, to the devas. Mohini joins forces with Shiva and together they conceive a child. They make the compassionate decision to entrust the child to the Pandala king, a devoted follower of Shiva, and his childless queen.
Ayyappa the Manikantha:
Following the birth of Lord Ayyappa, his divine parents, Hari and Hara, adorn his neck with a golden bead and leave him on the banks of the river Pampa. One day, King Rajasekhara of Pandala, while hunting in the forest near the river, hears the sound of a baby crying. Intrigued, the king follows the sound and discovers a charming child. Suddenly, a monk appears before the king, observing the child with great curiosity. The monk instructs the king to bring the child to the palace.
The monk warns the king that the presence of this child will bring prosperity to the kingdom and that the child’s divine nature will become evident after twelve years. Noticing the golden chain around the child’s neck, the monk suggests naming him Manikantha. The king, accompanied by Harshonmad, brings the child to the palace and shares the extraordinary events with the queen. Both of them firmly believe that all of this has occurred by the grace of Shiva.
Women are not permitted in the presence of Ayyappa Swami, as he was a celibate and ascetic. This is why girls and women aged between 10 and 50 are prohibited from entering the temple for darshan. Initially, the Supreme Court had ruled in favor of allowing women’s admission, but this decision sparked numerous conflicts and acts of violence. Consequently, there has been a call for a re-evaluation of this decision, and discussions surrounding this issue are ongoing.
One fascinating occurrence at the Ayyappa Swamy temple is the appearance of a light in the night sky during Makar Sankranti. Even in the darkest of nights, this light shines brightly, accompanied by a distinct sound. According to the temple’s priests, this special star, known as Makara Jyoti, is visible on the first day of the month of Makara. Makara Jyoti is the second brightest star in our sky, after the Sun, and its luminosity is truly remarkable. However, devotees question why this star is only visible in this particular location, as stars should be visible to the entire world. To this day, this phenomenon remains an enigma.
During Sankranti, devotees who worship Ayyappa gather at Sabarimala in groups led by a leader known as Guruswami. These devotees apply vibhuti or sandalwood on their foreheads, refrain from shaving their faces, and take cold baths in the morning and evening. Their devotion and adherence to these rituals demonstrate their deep reverence for Ayyappa.
