Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Ayyappa is also commonly known as 'Manikandan' because, according to the legend of his birth, his divine parents tied a golden bell (mani) around his neck (kandan) soon after his birth. As the legend goes, when Shiva and Mohini abandoned the baby on the banks of the Pampa river, King Rajashekhara, the childless monarch of Pandalam, found the newborn Ayyappa and accepted him as a divine gift and adopted him as his own son.                                                                                                                         A most important pilgrim site of Hinduism in this miniscule South Indian state is Sabarimala.                    

Worship of Lord Ayyappa :                   Lord Ayyappa is believed to have laid down strict religious adherence to receive his blessings. First, the devotees should observe a 41-day penance before visiting him in the temple. They should maintain abstinence from physical pleasures and family ties and live like a celibate or 'brahmachari.'                                                                             

They should also continuously contemplate on the goodness of life. Moreover, the devotees have to bathe in the holy river Pampa, adorn themselves with three-eyed coconut and 'aantha' garland and then brave the steep climb of the 18 stairs to the Sabarimala temple.

Ayyappa Slokas & Mantras :

Om Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa ||

Ayyapaa Gayatri Mantra :   

Om Bootha Nathaya Vidhmahe  Bava Nandhanaya Dheemahe  Tanno Sastha Prachodayaath ||