swamyae saranam ayyappa

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Thx Mr.Rajesh.kolluri It seems to be lifted from a well formed web site of our Swamy Ayyappan. very informative once again thanks Swamy Swamy saranam"rajesh.kolluri" <rajesh.kolluri wrote: sriayyappan From: "rajesh.kolluri" <rajesh.kolluriMon, 26 Nov 2007 08:32:43 -0000 swamyae saranam ayyappa ABOUT AYYAPPA SWAMY sabarimala Sree Ayyappa T emple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples. This is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. Lord Parasurama consecrated the deity of the temple at the foot of Sabari hills to which reference has been made in Ramayana. The temple attracts pilgrims from all part of the country and abroad. The main feature of the temple is that it is open to everybody. Sabrimala temple gives much importance for the secularism and communal harmony and has turn out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate holding position or not master or servant, are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA. There is no other temple in the world in which the pilgrims itself are called after the deity of the temple. The Lord Ayyappa is always around us. Yes in your mind, body, speech, thought and every inch of your body is made with the blessings of the paramathma .The Lord affirms that "The kingdom of God is within us" and that one is not to wander outside to achieve salvation. The meaning of the holy word "THATHWAMASI" written in the front of the temple shows how you are related to Lord Ayyappa. Sabari Hills, the Secred aboard of Lord Ayyappa, is thronged by millions of devotees throughout the year, particularly during the Mandalam period. On the first day of 4th month of malayalam calendar, the pilgrims commences a well defined preparatory routine of austerities enduring for a

"Mandalam" of 41 days. The emphasis is to give up all materialistic desires and surrender oneself to the thought of Lord- a sort of penance from the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. The accosting of "Maala" symplices the invoking of the Lord into the pilgrims' hearts. The pilgrims lead a simple life in uniform grab of black and dark blue colors. These and unkempt, unshaven face signify immersing one's Ego in sacred anonymity. During the period the devotees greets each other as "Swami Saranam" to be reciprocated by"Ayyappa Saranam". Swami Saranam, meaning one is at the mercy of the Lord is a significant mantram. Anyone who had undertaken

pilgrimage to the Hills,especially during the peak period of "Mandalam", will understand the significance and divine feeling one gets by chanting the "Mantram", which echoes through the Hills. The Lullabies of birds, the whistling winds and roaring sound of river 'Pumba' submerge in the chanting of mantram and all these together create a divine atmosphere only to heard to be believe. The Holi river Pumba is considered to be sacred as the Ganga. A holi dip in the river before proceeding to the hills is an experience itself. The common offering to the Lord is ghee filled coconut. The hard shell of the coconut signifies how stubborn are our desires for worldly

life, the sweet fruit inside signifies how serene is our heart and filling it with pure ghee signifies our true love for the God. Once the pilgrim reach the "sannidhanam "after trekking the Hills, their hearts overflow with the vision of Lord at the temple. What we see in the sanctum sanctorum is the Lord in a posture of meditation. This is the "Nirvikalpa Samadhi" of the Lord as the Lord in his superior manifestation, seeks His own identity with the cosmic immanent, as the self meditates on itself. The experience of the long walk from Erumeli to Sabarimala,Commanding oneself to the total care of the Lord, signifies a unique feeling and the

effects lasts for long after returning home. This experience prospects the temptation to accost 'Maala' year after year. With the manifestation of Vishnu as the divine mother in the form of " Mohini" and "Shiva" as divine Father arrived Shaastha- the supreme Lord of Law and Love. HISTORY OF AYYAPPA SWAMY Lord Ayyappa of sabarimala or Dharma Sastha as is universally called has a number of historical stories about him which his devotees heard from their ancestors or,Guru.The Stories about Lord Dharma Sastha is also mentioned in Vedas and Puranas. However different stories are prevalent in different areas , depending upon the locality and places. Lord Vishnu's " Mohini Vesham" is a well known story. After the death of Mahishasura , His sister Mahishi took a decision to take revenge against all Devas. Hence she started Dhyanam(meditation) to please Lord Brahma . Impressed by her bhakti, Brahma made an appearance and granted her wish that, nobody in the Universe could kill her except the son of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. With this boon, she felt so powerful that ,she started harassing Devandran and the Devas. The Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The venerable gods sent their shakti & spirit together

to the earth in the form of a Mahisham. There upon the Mahishi along with Mahisham left heaven for earth and started in a jungle. One day Lord Shiva requested Lord Vishnu to show the Mohini Vesham once more. As the Mohini appeared in front of Lord Shiva , Kamadeva sent his arrow at Lord Shiva and thus the disaster began for Mahishi. A male child was born(Uthram Star,wendesday )from the thigh of Lord Vishnu . The child was born with a bell in his neck and so he was named as Manikandan(The one who was born with a bell in his neck). Lord Shiva took him to Kailasam. The boy learnt all mantra and tanthra under the tutelage living of Lord Shiva and became a good warrior. At the age of 12, Manikandan was told about his

mission of life and sent to earth as a child. Raja Rajasekharan was the king of Panthalam, a small place in southern Kerala. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and his queen that of Lord Vishnu. They were childless. They prayed to god ceaselessly for a child. One day after hunting, while taking rest at the bank of river pumba , the Raja heard a child's cry . When he went for a search with his companions he found a child alone in the jungle . Immediately a saint appeared and told the king to take

the child to his palace and call him Manikandan. The king and queen were very happy and they brought up the child as their own. After three years, the queen gave birth to a son and named him Raja Raja. Manikandan was sent to Raja Guru for learning. Manikandan completed his studies quickly and bcame expert in all fields. When the time for leaving the Gurukul came, Manikandan wanted to give Dakshina to his Guru. The Guru then told Manikandan to cure his son from blindness. As soon as Manikandan rubbed his hands over the eye of the boy, his vision was restored. The Guru then told Manikandan that one day he would become Lord of the Universe. Manikandan requested guru to keep it as a secret and left the

Gurukul. The Panthalam Kingdom was one of the smallest kingdom, but it was rich. There were frequent attacks from other kingdoms as well as Persian countries. The Diwan was not loyal to the king. After his return from the Gurukul, Manikandan took keen interest in the affairs of the kingdom . He put an end to the internal fight among the warring kingdoms and restored law and order in the Kingdom. One day a Muslim invader by name VAVAR reached the coastal area of panthalam to attack the kingdom. Seeing the helpless situation of the king, Manikandan insisted on going

alone for the battle with Vavar. After much persuasion, the king acceded to Manikandan's wish. Manikandan with his divine power temporarily closed the eyes of Vavar who could see only Manikandan. Realising the divine power Vavar became his ardent and closest believer . This was the beginning of a friendship between two people from different religions and regions. It was a proof that caste, religion or region were not barriers for a good friendship and that humanity is above all. The mutual respect and love they shared helped

them to overcome all difficulties. Raja started thinking of making Manikandan as the next king. The minister did not like this and took several steps to kill Manikandan . The Minister failed in his attempts because of the divine power of Manikandan and timely intervention of Lord Shiva. The Minister then persuaded the queen to make her own son the next king. Persuaded by the Minister , the queen created a drama of suffering from severe headache and the King, believing this, called the Diwan to bring in the best physicians to treat her. The

Physician, brought by the Diwan examined the Queen and told the King that the Queen had been suffering from a dangerous disease and it could be cured only by applying Tigress' milk. The King sent several of his men to the forest for bringing this milk. The King understood that it was an impossible task and wanted his dear Queen to be cured at any cost and offered half of his Kingdom to anybody who brought the milk. Manikandan wanted to go and fetch Tigress' milk but was refused permission by the king as he was very young to go to the forest and that he was to be crowned. Understanding the

situation Manikandan requested the king for a promise to do something he wanted. The King gave the promise and Manikandan asked for permission to go to the forest. Disappointed that he was tricked the king had no other alternative but to send Manikandan to the forest. King Rajasekara made arrangements to send a group of his loyal men along with Manikandan, which however was refused by Manikandan on the ground that the tigress might run away seeing the crowd of soldiers. King Rajasekara sent along with Manikandan necessary foodstuffs and coconuts with three eyes, in remembrance of Lord Shiva. In the mean time Mahishi was enjoying life along with Mahisham. However within a few days , Mahishi could guessing the plan of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva abandoned the Mahisham and went to Devalok and again started attacking Devas. Devendra and others had to run away to seek the help of Lord Shiva, who promised the early end of Mahishi . In the jungle Manikandan was welcomed by the VAVAR and Panchbutha of Lord Shiva .On his way seeing the atrocities of Mahishi in the Devaloka, he went there and in the battle between them, Mahishi was pushed by Manikandan into the earth, where she fell on the banks

of Azhutha River. Manikandan clashed with her there. At the end of the battle between Mahishi and Manikandan at Azhutha River banks, Manikandan climbed up her chest and danced violently. The impact of his dance was felt in the Earth and Devloka and the Devas were afraid. Mahishi knowing that the divine power dancing on her body was none other than the son of Hari and Haran, prostrated before Manikandan and died. This dance was witnessed by Lord Shiva and Mahavishnu from a place called Kalakatti . A divine lady( Leela daughter of Karaban) came out of the body of Mahishi and requested Manikandan to consider her as his Shakti. Manikandan expressed his inability to accept her as his wife as he has taken Brahmcharya for welfare of the Universe. He offered a suitable place near his temple and named her as

Malikapurathamma. Manikandan visited one of his old devotee "Sabari" and gave salvation to her soul. He also agreed the Sabari's request to remain in Sabarimala for the welfare of the Universe. Then Lord Shiva appeared before Manikandan and told him that though he had done good for the Devas, still there was one main task and that was to give comfort to the King Rajasekara who was very concerned about him and also to cure the Queen's ailment. Lord Shiva further told him that he could go to

the Palace with the tigresses and Lord Indran would help him. As stated by Lord Shiva, all female devas in the disguise of tigresses and male devas as tigers with Lord Devendran as the tiger on whom Manikandan rode, started their journey to the Palace. When Manikandan approached the palace with the tigers and tigresses, the people who ridiculed him when he started his journey to teh forest whether he wanted toy tigresses, really got panicky seeing the violent bunch of animals and started running helter skelter. The Sanyasi who appeared at the forest at the time of King Rajasekara's visit there when he heard a child's cries, again appeared at the palace and told King Rajasekara the identity of Manikandan. Hearing this, the King stood in great surprise and silence. He stood non plused as he saw Manikandan riding a tiger and people running away. Seeing the King, Manikandan descended from the tiger's back and told him that since the tigresses were there, he could get the Queen cured with their milk. King Rajasekara, fell at his feet and begged to forgivence for whatever happened without his knowledge, and asked him to send back the tigers as the Queens ailment had been

cured the moment Manikandan went to the forest. King Rajasekara told Manikandan that the Diwan was responsible for all these things and hence he should be punished. However, Manikandan told the king that he need not punish the Diwan and all had happened only through the will of God. He also gave necessary advice to Raja for the salvation of soul (Which is known as Boothanatha Geetha) . After giving necessary guidance and information for the construction of temple at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa(Dharma Sastha) informed Raja ,that he is going for meditation at Ponnambalamedu for the welfare of the universe and to protect Dharma. King Rajasekharan was heart broken hearing this and implored Ayyappa, "I have made all arrangements for your coronation and what shall I do with all the ornaments which were made for your coronation ceremony?". To this Lord Ayyappa replied, "I am entering eternal meditation for the betterment of the world. However, every year at the time of Makara Sankranthi, I will wake up from my meditation and open my eyes to see the world. At that time you may adorn my idol with all the ornaments that you have made for my coronation ceremony and Makara Jyoti will appear in the Ponnambala Medu. The Lord then merged in to the idol of Lord Dharma Sastha in the Ponnamlamedu for meditation for the welfare of the universe and to protect Dharma . At the advice of Saint Agasthya, King Rajasekara laid the foundation stone for the building Shabarimala Temple. Bhagwan Manikandan, had made it clear that he would grace only those devotees who offer Dharshan after performing Viradha for forty one days keeping themselves isolated from family desires and tastes and leading a life like Brahmacharyas, thinking of good things always, and that while coming for his darshan, they shall adorn themselves with three eyed coconut and foodstuff/Aantha Garland in their heads, as the Bhagwan did when he went to the forest to fetch tigress milk, and bathe in River Pampa raising slogans of Saranam and climb the eighteen stairs. As graced by the Bhagwan, King Rajasekara completed building of the temple with eighteen stairs to reach it. When the King was thinking how to put Dharmasastha's figure in the temple for darshan to devotees, he recalled the words of the Bhagwan, the River Pampa was a holy river as River Ganga, Sabarimala was a holy place as Kasi. Dharmasastha sent Parasuraman to Sabarimala who carved the figure of Lord Ayyappa and installed it on the day of Makarasankranthi. Every year lakhs and lakhs of people throng to Sabarimala irrespective of

caste or creed and adorn themselves with garlands and irumudis, chant slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the eighteen stairs and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha. The Jewel Casket is carried on head from the ancestral residence of the royal family of Panthalam to the Shrine on the day. A Garuda, the Brahman kite, follows this ornaments carrying procession, hovering about in the sky. After these ornaments are adorned on the Lord the bird circles the temple in the sky three times and disappears. Excited by this sight the devotees begin to chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa". A

Star(Uthram Nakshathra) never seen before in the sky appears on the day of Makarajyothi day before the sighting of the Jyothi. A Jyothi is seen for a little time on the hilltop showing the presence of Swamy Ayyappan gracing his devotees. Pathinettampadi(Holi 18 Steps) Sabarimala temple complex mainly comprises of the Holy Eighteen Steps (PONNU PATHINETTAMPADI) in the front side for ascending to the upper thirumuttom, the main temple of SREE DHARMA SASTHA, shrines of KANNIMEL GANAPTHY and NAGARAJA. The pilgrims with IRU MUDI KETTU alone are permitted to ascend the Holy Eighteen Steps. Entry to the temple for all other is through the steps on the northern side. The pilgrims with Irumudi kettu have to come in queue through the barricades in the Nadapandal area for ascending the holy eighteen steps for the darshan of Lord Ayyappa after breaking coconuts in the space provided (lower side of Pathinettampady ). The

sacred 18 steps (Ponnu Pathinettampadi) are covered with `Panchaloham'(a preparation of special metals and mortar). The inner meaning of these 18 steps is as follows:- The first five steps represents the Five Senses m(Panchendriyas) ie visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile. These signify theortal' nature of one's body. The next eight steps represents the eight Ashtaragas viz Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb(Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boast fulness). The next three steps represents the three Gunas (nature-born qualities), Satv, (perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor). The last two steps represents Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance). It is believed that, those who detaches themselves from all these worldly pleasure, can see the Lord Ayyappa in real sense. It is considered that after climbing up these eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches oneself from all the worldly ties that bind one physically and mentally to the world . It is only then that a person will be in a receptive condition to

be one' in consonance with the concept of 'The Ultimate Creator'. There are other opinions also about the inner meaning of the holi steps . Austerities ( Vrutham) The Vrutham (austerities) starts on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrichikam ( November 14/15/16 ) for those devotees who intend to worship Lord Ayyappa on Mandala Pooja Day( around 25th December ) or Makara Sankranti day (around Jan 14th). "Makara Sankranti" day is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala and " Mandala Pooja day " is considered as second most auspicious day. Nowdays the temple is open to devotees

on 1st day of each Malayalam month and other kerala festival days such as "Vishu", "Thiru Onam", etc. However 41 days minimum vrutham is necessary before the day of Pilgrimage to Sabarimala as per the conditions of the pilgrimage. The vrutham starts from the day of wearing of "Thulasi Mala" (garland) or" Rudraksha Mala with the locket of Lord Ayyappa. The mala is to be accepted from a temple Priest or Guru Swami/Periya Swami (The devotee who has visited the Sabarimala Temple several times and who can guide the other devotees in all matters relating to Sabarimala pilgrimage) after the mala is duly sanctified in a temple/ or pooja room. A "Dakshina" is to be given to the priest/Guru Swami/ Periya Swami concerned. After wearing the "Mala" the devotee is called as "Ayyappan" or "Swami"(

in the name of Lord Ayyappa) till the completion of his pilgrimage and removal of Mala thereafter. The eligible female( aged between 1 and 9 and above 50 years) devotees are called as "Malikapuram"( The Shakti of Lord Ayyappa). During the period of Vrutham utmost care should be taken by each devotee to keep their mind and body clean,pure and balanced. The devotee is expected to live like "sadhu", "Yogi" and his action,word,thought should not under any circumstances hurt the feelings of the others. The devotee should avoid all worldly pleasure and avoid taking alcohol,tobacco and non-vegetarian food. They are also not expected to cut hair and nails a shave. Black / dark blue dhoti and shirt is the proper dress for the vrutham. Wearing Chappal, Shoes are not allowed as per traditional

rule of the Vrutham. Absolute Bramacharya during the period is essential without which no devotee should go to Sabarimala Temple. The devotee is expected to pray in the morning and evening after taking bath. Before each meal devotee should pray and take the meal as "Prasadam" of Lord Ayyappa. Without proper Vrutham Pilgrimage to Sabarimala is not at all advisable. The mental satisfaction of the pilgrimage can be attained only through the proper Vrutham. May the Lord Ayyappa help everybody to follow the rule of traditional Vrutham for the attainment of salvation of the soul . ERUMELI Situated about 60 kms. away from Kottayam town, it is the biggest pilgrim centre in the district. There is an ancient temple where 'Sridharma Sastha' is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa. Every year, lakhs and lakhs of people throng to Sabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and adorn themselves with garlands and Irumudis, chant slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in

holy river Pampa, climb up the holy Eighteen Stairs and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha. Devotees will start their yatra either from Erumeli to Sabarimala (48 miles) by climbing hills (dense forest) on foot. Some Devotees start their yatra from Pampa to Sabarimala (7 kms) . The unique feature of the Temple is that it is open to people of all faiths and many none hindus conduct pilgrimages to this temple. The secular aspect of the temple is best exemplified by the existence of the "Vavar Nada" in honor of a Muslim saint in close

proximity to the main temple (Ayyappa Swami Temple) at Sabarimala by the side of Holy Pathinettampady. The pilgrims worship in this place also. The pilgrims on their sojourn to Sabarimala worship at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal". They also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their pilgrimage. Ayyappa Cult gives a lot of importance to secularism and communal harmony and has set out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate, holding position or not, master or servant are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA and all address each other as AYYAPPA. Petta Thullal According to traditional belief, Petta Thullal is the re-enactment of the annihilation of Mahishi by Lord Ayyappa. The Ambalappuzha group, as per the ritual, will first proceed to Erumeli Valiyambalam while the Alangattu group will commence from the Mosque Junction. Thousands of pilgrims will join the procession. They will paint their faces with colors and dance to the tune of drumbeats chanting Swami thinthakathom...Ayyapppa thinthakathom'. After offering prayers at Valiyambalam, both the groups will proceed to Sabarimala temple through the traditional trekking paths. 1. Erumeli to Pampa Sarasthadam. (via Peroorthodu, Kalaketti, Azhuthayaar, Kallidam Kunnu, Azhuthamedu, Inchiparakotta, Kariyilamthodu, Karimala, Valiyanavattm-by walk through mountainous forest. (47 KMs) (This is the holy traditional route) 1.

Erumeli 2. Peroor Thodu 3. Irumboonni Kara 4. Arasumudi Kotta 5. Kaalaketi 6. Azhutha 7. Azhutha Nadi 8. Kallidam Kunnu 9. Inchipara Kota 10. Mukkuzhi 11. Kariyilam Thodu 12.

Karimala 13. Valiyana Vattom 14. Cheriyana Vattom 15. Pampa Nadi Distance Chart : Erumeli - Pampa Erumeli - Kaalaketti - 11Kms Kaalaketti - Azhutha - 2.5 Kms approx Azhutha River - Pampa - 37 Kms approx Peroor Thodu - Irumboonikara - 3 Kms (Forest starts from Irumbooni Kara) Irumboonikara - Arasumdi Kotta - 3 Kms approx Pamba is the most important and holy spot on the way to Sannidhanam. It is here Lord Ayyappa was found by King Rajasekara.ThePampa river is as holy as the ganges. The Pampa water purifies one from curse and evil. Pamba: Where the devotees take their holy bath at the confluence of the three rivers(Triveni ). This is created by the Lord as parallel to the Ganga ( "Dakshina Ganga" ). All pilgrim should take a dip in the Pamba river before and after trekking the holy sabarimala. The pilgrims should also perform "Pitru tarpanam" (offering to ones departed souls) at Pamba before the trekking . Triveni Sarasthadom is about 6 kms. Road transport facilities are available only up to Pampa (Triveni) on the southern bank of Pampa river. There are two bridges across the river at Triveni, one is pucca concrete footbridge and the other is a motorable bridge. Traffic through the latter bridge is not permitted during festival seasons. On the upper side of the north bank of the

river shrines of Sree Mahaganapathy. Sree Rama, Sree Anjaneya and goddess Parvathy are situated. There is a big Nadapandal adjacent to the shrines where the pilgrims take rest after worshipping these shrines. From Pampa temple premises, foot of the Neelimala hills is at a distance of about 200 meters to the western direction of the temple. Neelimala is a very steep hill. There are two routes from here to climb Neelimala. One is the old conventional route of climbing the hills through the straight and very steep path via Appachi medu, Sabaripeedom and the other is a pathway through the slopes of Neelimala with lesser gradient but about one more kilometer in length known as Swamy Ayyappan Road constructed by Sri Subramaniam Trust. Both these Roads meet at Mara Koottam (beyond Sabaripeedom in the first route). There after

the road again bifurcates one through SARAMKUTHY and the other through the lower slopes of Saramkuthy hills and meets again near the NADA PANDAL at SABARIMALA. During peak season the pilgrims are allowed to proceed to Sabarimala temple through Saramkuthy road and return through the lower road. For avoiding stampede due to heavy rush & also to facilitate smooth passing of pilgrims recently a subway has been constructed. Pampa Feast : Pampa Annadhanam (feast) and Pampa Vilakku are important rituals followed at the Pampa bank. Pilgrim groups prepare feast with the provisions taken from the Irumudi of the pilgrims.Thousand of

pilgrims are fed at Pampa. When a group of pilgrims are ready to feed the fellow pilgrims they display a large papad outside their cottage. It is usually the kanniswamy who are fed first, as they are considered to be Lord Ayyappan himself. After the feast the Guru is honoured by way of prostration and offering of Gurudakshina by the pilgrims. Kanni Ayyappas move from kitchen to kitchen collecting the ashes which are considered to be very sacred. It is done with the belief that Lord Ayyappa would have had the feast in one of the cottages in the disguise of a pilgrim.The ash is considerded as prasadam. Pampa Vilakku : On sunset pilgrims believe that Lord Ayyappan will be present at the banks of Pampa and the cottages are decorated with lights and candles. Small floats are decorated with lights called Pampa Vilakku are sailed in the Pampa river. At Pampa also there are a few pilgrim sheds. There are three Hospitals (one Allopathy, one Ayurveda and one Homeopathy) functioning during the festival period. At Appachi Medu also one First Aid Centre functions during the peak days of festival period. One information Centre is working at Pampa Anjanayar Auditorium.There are number of information Centres at pumba for the help of Pilgrims. Pamba sadya and Pamba vilakku are famous among the pilgrims during Makara

Jyothi season. MAKARA JYOTHI "I am entering into eternal meditation for the betterment of the world. However, every year at the time of Makara Sankranthi, I will wake up from my meditation and open my eyes to see the world. At that time you may adorn my idol with all the ornaments that you have made for my coronation

ceremony and Makara Jyoti will appear in the Ponnambala Medu." Said Ayyappa swami to King Rajashekara at the time of entering into meditation at Ponnambala Medu. "Makara Sankranthi" (around 14th January) day is the most auspicious day at Sabarimala. The Jewel Casket is carried on head from the ancestral residence of the royal family of Panthalam to the Shrine on this day. A Garuda, the Brahaman kite, follows this ornaments-carrying procession, hovering about in the sky, After these ornaments are worn on the Lord the bird circles the temple in the sky three times and disappears. Excited by this sight the devotees begin to chant "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa". UTHRAM STAR A Star(Uthram Nakshathra) that can never been seen in the sky appears on the day of Makarajyothi before the sighting of the Jyoti. A Jyoti is seen for a little

time on the hill top showing the presence of Swamy Ayyappan gracing his devotees. "SWAMIYE SARANAMAYYAPPA" Lyrics & Meaning of Harivarasanam Lyrics & Meaning of Harivarasanam

____________________________ Harivarasanam VishwamohanamHaridadhiswaram AaradhyapadhukamArivimardhanam NithyanarthanamHariharatmajam Devamashreye I worship the one who is seated on a throne befitting a king - the one who captivates the world.The queller of enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance.I worship that God - the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam

AyyappaSharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Saranakirtanam ShakhtamanasamBharanalolupam NarthanalasamArunabhasuram BhoothanayakamHariharatmajam Devamashreye The one who is worshipped by the sharana goshas and who recharges the butter-like minds of devotees. The one who is captivatingly decorated.The one who likes the beautiful dance.The Lord of the bhoothas (elements/aspects of terrestrial nature) who is of the radiant hue of the dawn.I worship that God - the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa

Swamy sharanam AyyappaSharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Pranayasathyakam PraananayakamPranathakalpakam SuprabhanjithamPranavamanidram KeerthanapriyamHariharatmajam Devamashreye The one who is the very truth. The one dear to the life..The one who created the universe. The one fond of keertanas The very form of the pranava mantra or Aumkara. I worship that God - the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam AyyappaSharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Thuragavahanam SundarananamVaragadhayudham VedavavarnithamGurukrupakaram KeerthanapriyamHariharatmajam Devamashreye The one who rides on a horse. The one who has a beautiful face.The one who has the revered gadhayudha (mace). The one whose darshan is wonderful & to whom Vedas sing praises. The one who is the compassionate guru (beloved as Guru & beloved to his own Guru too .... who showered his mercy on his Guru's son) and the one fond of his praises being sung. I worship that God - The queller of enemies and the one who dances the eternal

dance.- the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam AyyappaSharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Tribuvanarchitam DevathathmakamTrinayanam Prabhum DivyadeshikamTridashapoojitham ChinthithapradamHariharatmajam Devamashreye The one worshipped by all the 3 worlds.The soul of all divinities. The one who pure son of the threeeyed Lord Shiva.The one worshipped by the devas.The one who grants wishes & who is absorbed in the welfare (thought) of his dependants. I worship that God

- The queller of enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance.- the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam AyyappaSharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Bhavabhayapaham BhavukavahamBhuvanamohanam BhoothibhooshanamDhavalavahanam DivyavaranamHariharatmajam Devamashreye The one who removes the fear of the cycles of births and deaths. The one that carries or brings happiness. The captivator of the worlds (as he born of Vishwa Mohini, Sriman Narayana himself).The one who is one

decked in vibhuti and has a white elephant for a vehicle.I worship that God - The queller of enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance.- the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam AyyappaSharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Kalamrudusmitham SundarananamKalabhakomalam GathramohanamKalabhakesari VajivahanamHariharatmajam Devamashreye The one who is enchantingly handsome. The one who has a smile on his beautiful face. The one who is softer than the softest (..as

Kalabham..) & is highly attracted by chants/hymns. The one who rode on a tiger as the king of gods. I worship that God - The queller of enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance- the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam AyyappaSharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Srithajanapriyam ChinthithapradamSruthivibhushanam SadhujeevanamSruthimanoharam GeethalalasamHariharatmajam Devamashreye The one who is dear to his devotees.The one who bestows all desires. The one

praised in the vedas and one who bestows life to ascetics. The captivating one who is fond of music. I worship that God - The queller of enemies and the one who dances the eternal dance.- the son of Hari and Hara, who is my sole shelter. Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy sharanam Ayyappa The Sacred Irumudi 'Irumudi Priyanne Saranam Ayyappa ! ' ----------------------- lrumudi is the only travelling kit which a pilgrim carries on his head during the pilgrimage. Only those who observe fasting for 41 days are allowed to carry it. Without the Irumudi one is not allowed to step onto the holy 18 steps at the Sannidhanam. This bag is in two compartments - the Munmudi (the front part) and the Pinmudi (the back part) & the

opening at centre. The front portion is reserved for keeping all the puja articles and offerings to the deity while the rear part is meant to hold the pilgrims personal requirements for the journey. Today is a gift, .......... that is why it is called ' The Present ' www.kanyahomes.com

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