Ayyappa

About Ayyappa

Ayyappa is the only major Hindu god born of two male deities — Shiva and Vishnu in his enchantress form Mohini — which is why his hymns hail him as Hariharaputra, son of both Hari and Hara. Found as an infant with a golden bell around his neck by the childless king of Pandalam in Kerala, he was named Manikanta. Grown, he killed the buffalo-demoness Mahishi and rode home on a tigress. He sits in yogic posture on Sabarimala hill, a band tied around his crossed knees. Each year millions climb his eighteen sacred steps chanting "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa" after a 41-day vow, waiting for the Makara Jyothi light on Makaravilakku night.