Sri Ayyappa
Ayyappa is the son of Lord Siva and Mohini. Vishnu took the form of Mohini to
destroy a demon named Basmasura. Ayyappa stands for constructive destruction
which is a combination of Vishnu and Siva. He protects our spiritual wealth and
grace by maintaining the thought of godliness and destroys all other thoughts
pertaining to worldly infatuations. He is the symbol of unity among all sects of
Hinduism.
SLOKA/PRAYERLoka Veeryam Mahaa Poojyam Sarva Rakshaakaram
Vibhum
Parvathee Hirdya-anandham Saasthaaram pranamaamyaham
MEANING
I bow to Lord Shasta (Ayyappa, the upholder of Dharma and Sastra) who
gladdens the heart of Parvathi. He is a peerless warrior who protects all. His
glory is great and He deserves great reverence and devoted worship.
In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, the Ayyappa shrine is built similar to the Ayyappa
temple at Sabarimala, with eighteen Holy steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum.
This is perhaps the only temple outside India with the eighteen Holy steps. As
in Sabarimala, associated shrines of Kannimula Ganapathi, Nagaraja, and
Maligapurathu Amma are also built behind the Ayyappa shrine. The idol is made of
panchaloha (five metals) in Chinmudra form. The architecture of the shrine
represents Kerala Style.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS
Saturdays and the star Uttiram are auspicious to Ayyappa. Panguni Uttiram,
Vishu and Makara Sankaranthi days are very important. Traditionally devotees
observe austerities during the Hindu months of Vrichiga and Dhanu.
SPECIAL OFFERINGSGhee Abishekam to Lord Ayyappa is very auspicious.
Devotees observe vratham for a mandalam (41 days) and carry irumudi* up the
Eighteen Holy steps and perform abishekams to Lord Ayyappa. Decorations with
sandalwood powder and abishekam with flowers are also performed. Appam, Paanakam
and Aravanai Paayasam are offered to Lord Ayyappa.
GAYATHRIBoodha Naathaya Vidmahe Bavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thanno
Saastha Prachodayaath.
We worship Ayyappa, the son of Siva. Salutations to Saastha
(Ayyappa). May that Ayyappa stimulate our creative faculties.
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