Grand Celebration of Irumudi Puja at Livermore Shiva Vishnu Temple (Livermore, California)

24 December, 2008
LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA

Ayyappa showed us the way, and in a big way.

With the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the volunteers from AyyappaSamaaj -- http://www.ayyappasamaaj.webs.com, (Yahoo Groups: Ayyappasamaaj http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join) performed Irumudi Puja for 20 Ayyappas, manikandans, and maligaipurams at the Shiva Vishnu temple in Livermore, California to conclude the Ayyappa Mandala Puja for the year 2008 in a very grand manner. The function, held on December 24, 2008, was very well attended with over 300+ devotees participating in the event.

The people who took Irumudi fell into the following categories:

• They have been going elsewhere, like Washington DC, to fulfill their obligations - several devotees who had been going there for years decided to do it here.
• They have gone to Sabarimala before and wanted a way to continue their devotion - we had people who have gone to Sabarimala 20, 12, 3, 1, year(s)
• They have observed others doing this before and decided to start their own - we had one Maharastrian family do it.

Irumudi Puja

Ayyappa Devotees visiting the Sabarimala Temple carry the Irumudi – a specially designed bag with two compartments. This ceremony is referred as Kettunira or Palli Kettu. The front portion of the bag is meant for keeping the puja articles and other offerings to the deities at Sabarimala. The other compartment is meant for holding the personal belongings.

The Irumudi Puja commenced with the traditional filling up of gheee into the mudra coconut. The mudra coconut is prepared ahead of the ghee filling ceremony by making a hole in the third (soft) eye of the coconut, draining the coconut water, and drying the inside of the coconut by showing it on a flame. After filling up the ghee, to the continous chanting of Sarana Ghoshams (http://pramki.blogspot.com/2008/12/sarana-ghosham.html) and Vazhinadai (http://pramki.blogspot.com/2008/12/vazhi-nadai.html) verses, the coconut filled with the ghee was sealed with a cork. Vibhuti, Sandal paste, and Kumkum were then applied to the Ghee filled coconut.

The other main contents of the front compartment of the Irumudi is the rice. All the devotees attending the function came in a procession to put rice into the Irumudi bag. A one dollar coin (kanikkai for Kuladhaivam) was placed into this rice bag. The symbolism of the kannikkai is worth mention. Different people have different gods as their Kula Dheivam, ruling diety for their family, who protects the family. When Ayyappa devotees undertake the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, Lord Ayyappa takes over the role of being the Kula Dheivam once the Ayyappas enter into Gods own country, also known as Ayyappa's Poongavanam. The kanikkai is safely retained by the devotees and is deposited as an offering to their kula dheivam at the end of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

All the other Dhravyas required for performing Abhisekham for the lord, such as milk, honey, vibhuti, sandal, turmeric, kumkum, agarbathi, rose water, and betel leaves were then packed into the Irumudi bag. The Irumudi bag was tied by the senior Ayyappas who were there to volunteer for the event. The Irumudi is extremely sacred and the devotees protect its sanctity by making sure it does not touch the ground and is always handled with respect.

The priest came and offered prayers to the Irumudi, praying for the welfare of the pilgrim who is undertaking the pilgrimage. All the Ayyappas then carried the Irumudi bag on their head, and did a pradakshanam of the temple to the chanting of Sarana Ghoshams and Vazhinadai.

After completing the symbolic pilgrimage, the senior Ayyappas then assisted the Ayyappa devotees with unpacking the Irumudi bag and collected all the dhravyas for performing Abhisekham on Lord Ayyappa. The abhisekham was conducted using the following contents of the Irumudi:

• Ghee abhisekham
• Milk Abhisekham
• Chandana Abhisekham
• Bhasma (vibhooti) Abhisekham
• Panchamrutha Abhisekham (with dates, honey, sugar candy(kalkandu), raisins, jaggery)

Witnessing the abhisekham with the dhravyas carried in the Irumudi is an enchanting experience for all the devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.

Thalapolli

We had Thalapolli (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLlvuV8hlSs ) for our Lord Ayyappa to the accompaniment of "Chenda", the traditional music in all Kerala temples. Almost 100 women and children participated in the Thalapolli. Thalappoli, a ceremonial procession, is a significant item in most of the festivals in Kerala In this ritual, women or young girls carry thalam, which literally means plate, in their hands. Thalam is filled with rice, flowers and a lighted lamp. Thalappoli is considered a symbol of prosperity. The lord Ayyappa comes in a procession to bless the devotees to the chanting of Sarana Ghoshams and Vazhinadai.

MahaPrasadam
The dinner for this event was prepared by the volunteers of AyyappaSamaaj (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join with sponsorship from Namaste Plaza, Cupertino Bakery, and Shastha Batter.

The photos from this event are available at: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=tbombon&target=ALBUM&id=5283872242593521169&authkey=lVmbytE64MY&feat=email
The video coverage is being edited and will be ready in the next few days. We are also uploading the content to http://www.youtube.com/. You can access the links by typing "Ayyappa Mandala Puja" and looking for the name "tbombom".Here are the links to the content from the puja that was conducted on November 15, 2008.

Ayyappa Mandala Puja Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUIg-a5QrLs
Ayyappa Mandala Puja Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0SC22ZZ3EMA
Ayyappa Mandala Puja Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9KeFpdHDBY
Ayyappa Mandala Puja Part 4 (Thalapolli): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLlvuV8hlSs
Ayyappa Mandala Puja Part 8: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfjfU9wvBI

Click here to join Ayyappasamaaj: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join

Swami Saranam!

Prasad

Sabarimala Ayyappan Vazhi Nadai

Vazhinadai is the set of verses sung by devotees while trekking to Sabari Mala. The first Ayyappa says the first verse (example: Devan Saranam). All the other Ayyappas respond with (Devi Saranam).
Swamiye…………………………….. Ayyappo
Ayyappo …………………………..…Swamiye
Swami Saranam …………………..Ayyappaa Saranam
Ayyappaa Saranam ……………...Swami Saranam
Devane .........................................Deviye
Deviye ..........................................Devane
Bagavaane ...................................Bagavathiye
Bagavathiye .................................Bagavaane
Easwarane ...................................Easwariye
Easwariye ....................................Easwarane
Sankarane....................................Sankariye
Sankariye ................................... Sankarane
Devan Saranam …………………...Devi Saranam
Devi Saranam ……………………...Devan Saranam
Eswaran Saranam ………………..Eswari Saranam
Eswari Saranam …………………..Eswaran Saranam
Bagawan Saranam …………….....Bagawati Saranam
Bagawati Saranam …………….....Bagawan Saranam
Sankaran Saranam ……………....Sankari Saranam
Sankari Saraman ………………....Sankaran Saranam
Pallikattu ………………………….....Sabarimalaikku
Sabarimalaikku …………………....Pallikattu
Kallum Mullum …………………....Kaalukku Methai
Kaalukku Methai ………………....Kallum Mullum
Kundum Kuzhiyum ……………...Kannukku Velicham
Kannukku Velicham ………….....Kundum Kuzhiyum
Irumudikattu ……………………....Sabarimalaikku
Sabarimalaikku …………………....Irumudikattu
Kattum Kattu ……………………....Sabarimalaikku
Sabarimalaikku …………………....Kattum Kattu
Yaarai Kaana …………………….....Swamiyai Kaana
Swamiyai Kandaal ……………......Moksham Kittum
Eppo Kittum ……………………......Ippo Kittum
Dega Balam Thaa …………….......Pada Balam Thaa
Pada Balam Thaa …………….......Dega Balam Thaa
Aatma Balam Thaa ………….......Mano Balam Thaa
Aethi Vidappa .............................Thooki Vidappa
Thooki Vidappa .......................... Aethi Vidappa
Mano Balam Thaa …………….....Aatma Balam Thaa
Ney Abhisekham …………….......Swamikke
Swamikke ………………………......Ney Abhisekham
Karpoora Deepam .....................Swamikke
Swamikke ...................................Karpoora Deepam
Paneer Abhisekham ………….....Swamikke
Swamikke ………………………......Paneer Abhisekham
Avalam Malarum …………….......Swamikke
Swamikke ……………………….......Avalum Malarum
Swami Paadham …………….. ......Ayyappan Paadham
Ayyappan Paadham ……….........Swami Paadham
Devan Paadham …………….........Devi Paadham
Devi Paadham ……………….........Devan Padham
Easwaran Paadham ………..........Easwari Paadham
Easwari Padham …………….........Easwaran Paadham
Villali Veerane .............................Veera Manikandane
Veera Manikandane ...................Villali Veerane
Bhooloka Naathane .....................Bhoomi Prabhanjane
Bhoomi Prabhanjane .................. Bhooloka Naathane
Sadguru Naatha ...........................Ayyappa
Guruvin Guruva ......................... Ayyappa
Kaliyuga Varada .......................... Ayyappa
Kaanana Vaasa .............................Ayyappa
Kann Kanda Deivame ..................Ayyappa
Swami Thintakka Thom Thom …………………..Ayyappa Thintakka Thom Thom
Ayyappa Thintakka Thom Thom ………………..Swami Thintakka Thom Thom

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Sarana Ghosham

Sharana Ghoshams

Repeat Saranam Ayyappa after each phrase......
1. Swamiye
2. Harihara Sudhane
3. Kannimoola Mahaa Ganapathy Bhagavaane
4. Siva Shakti Vadivelan Sodarane
5. Maalikaippurattu Manja Devi Lokamadhave
6. Vaavar Swamiye
7. Karuppanna Swamiye
8. Periya Kadutta Swamiye
9. Siriya Kadutta Swamiye
10. Vanadevadha Maare
11. Durga Bhagavathi Maare
12. Achchan Kovil Arase
13. Anaatha Rakshagane
14. Anna Dhana Prabhuve
15. Achcham Thavirpavane
16. Ambalathu Arasane
17. Abhaya Dhayagane
18. Ahandai Azhippavane
19. Ashtasiddhi Dhayagane
20. Andmorai Aadarikkum Deivame
21. Azhuthayil Vaasane
22. Aariyankaavu Ayyaave
23. Aabadh Bhaandhavane
24. Ananda Jyotiye
25. Aatma Swaroopiye
26. Aanaimukhan Tambiye
27. Irumudi Priyane
28. Innalai Theerppavane
29. Naaga Raajakkale
30. Irudaya Kamala Vaasane
31. Eedillaa Inbam Alippavane
32. Umaiyaval Baalakane
33. Umaikku Arul Purindavane
34. Uzhvinai Akatruvone
35. Ukkam Alippavane
36. Engum Niraindhone
37. Enillaa Roopane
38. En Kula Deivame
39. En Guru Naathane
40. Erumeli Sri Dharma Shasthave
41. Engum Nirainda Naada Brahmame
42. Ellorkkum Arul Puribavane
43. Aetrumaanoorappan Magane
44. Aekaanta Vaasiye
45. Aezhaikkarul Puriyum Eesane
46. Aindumalai Vaasane
47. Aiyyangal Theerppavane
48. Opillaa Maanikkame
49. Omkaara Para Brahmame
50. Kaliyuga Varadane
51. Kan.Kanda Deivame
52. Kambankudiku Udaiya Naathane
53. Karunaa Samudrame
54. Karpoora Jyotiye
55. Sabari Giri Vaasane
56. Shathru Samhaara Moortiye
57. Sharanaagadha Rakshakane
58. Sharana Ghosha Priyane
59. Shabarikku Arul Purindavane
60. Shambhu Kumaarane
61. Satya Swaroopane
62. Sankatam Theerppavane
63. Sanchalam Azhippavane
64. Shanmukha Sodarane
65. Dhanvantari Moortiye
66. Nambnorai Kaakkum Deivame
67. Narttana Priyane
68. Pantala Raajakumaarane
69. Pambai Baalakane
70. Parasuraama Poojithane
71. Bhakta Jana Rakshakane
72. Bhakta Vatsalane
73. Paramashivan Puthirane
74. Pambaa Vaasane
75. Parama Dhayaalane
76. Manikanda Porule
77. Makara Jyotiye
78. Vaikkathu Appan Makane
79. Kaanaka Vaasane
80. Kulattu Puzhai Baalakane
81. Guruvaayoorappan Makane
82. Kaivalya Padha Daayakane
83. Jaati Mata Bhedam Illathavane
84. Shivashakti Aikya Svaroopane
85. Sevipporku Aananda Moorthiye
86. Dushtar Bhayam Neekkuvone
87. Devaadi Devane
88. Devarkal Thuyaram Therthavane
89. Devendra Poojitane
90. Narayanan Mynthane
91. Ney Abhisheka Priyane
92. Pranava Swaroopane
93. Paapa Samhaara Moorthiye
94. Paayasanna Priyane
95. Vanpuli Vaakanane
96. Varapradaayakane
97. Bhaagavatottamane
98. Ponambala Vaasane
99. Mohini Sudhane
100. Mohana Roopane
101. Vilaali Veerane
102. Veeramani Kantane
103. Sadguru Nathane
104. Sarva Rokanivarakane
105. Sachidananda Sorupiye
106. Sarvaabheestha Thayakane
107. Saasvatapadam Alippavane
108. Patinettaam Padikku Athipathiyae

Om Hari Hara Sudhan Aanantha Chittan Ayyan Ayyappa Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Sabarimala Melshanti and Tantri

Though both the tantri and mel shanthi hail from the Brahmin community, there are several differences in the rights each one enjoy at a temple. While Tantri is the chief priest or presiding priest who has the final say in ritualistic matters, mel shanthi presides over the pujas only for a time-span.In the case of Sabarimala, tantris from the Thazhamon family supervise the pujas while the mel shanthi is selected every year through a draw of lots.

TANTRI

Seat of the Thazhamon family of tantris is Chengunnur in central Kerala. They are the traditional priests of Sabarimala temple. Apart from Sabarimala, the family presides over the pujas at Aryankavu, Achankoil and Kulathupuzha. The installation of idols at these temples was also performed by Thazhamon priests and this gives them a paternal status vis-a-vis the respective temple. ''The tantri turns a statue into God,'' points out Tantri Kandaru Rajeevaru of Thazhamon, one of the two Tantri familes in Kerala; the other being Tharanallur in North Kerala.

The myth about the origin of these families dates back to the time of Sage Parasurama. The sage brought two able Brahmins from Andhra to Kerala for looking after pujas at the 108 Sastha temples and 108 Durga temples he had built in the State after creating it from the Ocean. En route to Kerala they came on the banks of swirling River Krishna. For testing the powers of the Brahmins, the sage asked them to cross the river. The first priest walked over the current to the other bank. But the second priest stopped the flow of the river and walked through the river bed. Parasurama was pleased with them and granted them titles. While the Brahmin who walked over the water was called Tharananelloor (Tharanam means to cross), the other priest was called Thazhamon (the one who walked on the sand below the river).

The sage also bestowed the title Kandararu to the Thazhamon family. The present idol at the Sabarimala was installed by late Kandararu Sankararu. The earlier idol which was destroyed in a fire was installed by Kandararu Prabhakararu. Eldest among the present generation of priests at Thazhamon is Kandararu Neelakantararu. The others are his brother Kandararu Maheswararu and son Kandararu Mohanararu, and son of his late brother Kandararu Krishnararu, Kandararu Rajeevararu.

Each priest officiates the proceedings once in three years. The male child in the family is initiated into the tantric world soon after his upanayanam at the age of five. The boy observes three years of brahmacharyam and wears blades of the dharbha grass on his body. This period is followed by samavarthana kaalam. During this time the boy is taught vedas, mantras and other rituals. After samavarathanam, he will have to observe penance for a year. This is followed by a pilgrimage to Sabarimala as a junior tantri. He begins performing pujas alone at the age of 18. Before this he would've obtained the `Rahasya upadesham' (secret and sacred advice which is given to the member of family only at a particular age). Even the women of the family have to follow certain practices. From the third month of pregnance they have to start consuming medicated ghee. There are several other traditions to be followed in the successive months.

MEL SHANTHI OR CHIEF PRIEST

Unlike the tantri, the chief priest is selected every year. And one gets only one chance in his life. Only those brahmins with the deep knowledge of mantras and who satisfy many other criteria can apply for the post. The Devaswom Board holds the interview after a preliminary screening. The final selection is through draw of lots. The names of those selected from the interview are put in an urn. Title chief priest is written on a piece of paper and is deposited in another urn contaning similar number pieces. The tantri performs certain pujas and the urns are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum. A young devotee on pilgrimage is invited to draw the lots. He'll have to pick up one piece from each urn. When the name of a priest and the paper scribbled chief priest are drawn together, that person is appointed to the post.

HARIVARASANAM - Meaning

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Repository of Hari’s boons,
Enchanter of universe,
Essence of Hari’s grace,
He whose holy foot is worshipped,
He who kills enemies of good thought,
He who daily dances the cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.

My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Saranakirtanam Bakhtamanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam
Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who likes song of refuge,
He who is in the mind of devotees,
He who is the great ruler,
He who loves to dance,
He who shines like the rising sun,
He who is king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham
Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He whose soul is truth,
He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created universe,
He who shines with a glittering Halo,
He who is the temple of “OM”,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Thuragavahanam Sundarananam
Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham
Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who rides a horse,
He who has a pretty face,
He who has the blessed mace as weapon,
He who bestows grace like a teacher,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam
Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam
Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who is worshiped by the three worlds,
He who is the soul of all gods,
He who is the lord of Shiva,
He who is worshipped by devas,
He who is who is worshipped three times a day,
He whose thought is fulfilling,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who destroys fear,
He who brings prosperity,
He who is enchanter of universe,
He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides a white elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam
Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa


He who blesses with enchanting smile,
He who has is very pretty,
He who is adorned by sandal paste,
He who has a pretty mien,
He who is a like a lion to the elephants,
He who rides on a tiger,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam
Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa


He who is dear to his devotees,
He who fulfills wishes,
He who is praised by Vedas,
He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the essence of Vedas,
He who enjoys divine music,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Sabarimala - Introduction

Hindu shrines are usually situated near river banks, sea shores or mountain top to help pilgrims meditate and to give a sense of peacefulness. The shrines to be found on hill tops are especially enthralling, not only because of their religious appeal but also due to its approachability.

The hill shrine of Sabarimala and its deity Lord Ayyappan is matchless in Hindu religion and peculiar to the Kerala State in South India. This forest abode of Lord Ayyappan is in the Western Ghats of India. Lord Ayyappan is a symbol of religious unity and communal harmony. Being born out of Mohini (the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva, he is also known as Bhuthanatha, Dharmasastha, Hariharan, Ayyanar and Manikanta.

There are several temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappan all over India. Among these the important temples along the Western Ghats are: Kulathupuzha - Ayyappan is a child here, Aryyankavu - He is a bachelor here, Achankovil - here he is as Dharmasastha with Poorna and Pushkala (his wives) Sabarimala - here he is a yogi, meditating for the benefit of all.

Sabarimala (Mount Sabari - about 3000 feet above sea level) is the most favourite and significant temple in Kerala. Pilgrimage to this temple symbolizes the journey to heaven. The journey of spiritual candidate to Sabarimala is difficult and adventurous. The pilgrims observe severe austerities, wearing rudraksha or tulsi beads strings in the neck and trek up the forest to reach the temple. The feeling of delight and spiritual elevation one gets when devotees have the darshan (when devotee sees) of the deity is remarkable and significant. The magnetic charm is so high, it makes any devotee, who undertakes the yatra (pilgrimage) once, to revisit the shrine every year in quest of spiritual solace.

Sabarimala temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, social status or nationality. The pilgrims undergo 41 days of fast to cleanse the mind. He carries on his head, the holy ghee for the Lord's Abisheka filled in coconut in "Irumudi" (two compartment cloth bag). The temple is open only to males and menopaused females (beyond 50 years of age) and little girls below 10 years of age. This is because the Lord is a chaste yogi in Sabarimala. The male pilgrims are called 'Ayyappan' and the female pilgrims are called 'Malikappuram'.

The shrine is open only during specific period in a year. It is open from Mid-November to Mid-January and for first five days of every Malayalam month.

The Legend : Swami Ayyappan

Om Shuklaambaradharam Vishnum
Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighnopashaantaye

Aashyaama Komalavishaalatanum VichitraVaasovasaanam
Arunotpala Daamahastam
Uttungaratnamakutam Kutilaagrakesam
Shaastaaram Ishtavaradam
Sharanam Prapadhye

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!

The descendants of Pandya dynasty discarded by Thirumala Naicker Diwan of Raja Vijayanagar, who was then ruling the Pandya Kingdom, comprising of Madurai,Tirunelveli, Ramananthapuram, were living scattered in places like Valliyur, Tenkasi, Shengottah, Achankovil and Sivagiri.

At that time, Pandyas were ruling in many parts of Travancore. The descendants of Pandya dynasty belonging to Chempazhanattu Kovil, living in Sivagiri were given the right to rule the country of Pandalam, by the King of Travancore eight hundreds years ago. King Rajasekara was the direct descendant of this dynasty.

King Rajasekara was very talented, courageous and just in his deeds. People were living happily and prosperously during his regime. However, the king was very unhappy that he had no children and his subjects were also worried that he had no heir to inherit his kingdom. As per the wish of the queen, both of them prayed Lord Shiva for blessing them with a child.


Mahishasuran, Son of Ramban, undertook a severe penance (Dhavam). Lord Brahma tried to distract his concentration, but having failed in his attempts, he appeared before the Asura and blessed him with a boon. Mahishasuran asked Lord Brahma to give him a boon by which no man in the earth would be able to kill him, and Lord Brahma conferred the boon on him.

Mahishasuran, armed with his boon, began to commit atrocities and murders on the earth and terrorised people. Fearing his wrath, people ran away to far away places. The Devas seeing the atrocities committed by Mahishasuran came to the conclusion that only a divine power could kill him and approached Chandikadevi (Mahishasuramardhini) pleading to put an end to Mahishasura who was misusing the boon given by Lord Brahma. Chandikadevi set out on her mission and killed Mahishasura in a duel, on earth.

Mahishi. daughter of Karamba, brother of Ramban undertook a severe penance in order to take revenge on the Devas, who were responsible for the death of her brother. Lord Brahma appeared and offered to confer on Mahishi any boon except that of immortality. Mahishi asked Lord Brahma to bless her with a boon by which nobody, except the son created out of the union of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Haran), would be able to kill her. Lord Brahma gave the boon and Mahishi went to Devaloka and started harassing the Devas.

The Devas incurred the wrath of Durvasa Muni who cursed them. On the advice of Lord Mahavishnu that this curse could be removed only by administering Amrutham taken from Palazhi, the devas took it from the Palazhi, but the Asuras snatched it from them. Lord Mahavishnu in the disguise of Mohini, went to the Asuras and got back the Amrutham and restored it to the Devas. When Lord Shiva, went to see Lord Mahavishnu who was in the guise of a Mohini succumbed to her beauty and out of their union, was born a child, who was named Dharmasastha. Dharmasastha grew at Kailasham.

Lord Shiva, answered Rajasekara's prayer and ordered Dharmasastha to take the avathar of Ayyappan . On the day King Rajasekara went for hunting in the forest, Ayyappan took the form of a baby with a golden chain and bell around his neck and placed himself near the Pamba river.