Thread by @VandanaJayrajan

#LordAyyappa
#Sabrimala
I am writing this thread bcos I am deeply disturbed by the fact that people have taken Sabrimala issue to SC thereby hurting religious sentiments of the people. Even if SC lifted restrictions, women will not be queuing up to go. Bcos this is all abt faith.

#LordAyyappa
#Sabrimala
Swamiye Sharnam Ayyappa.
Story of Lord Ayyappa:
Lord Ayyappan is a popular Hindu deity worshiped mainly in South India. Ayyappa is believed to have been born out of union between Lord Shiva and Vishnu (in female form, as the mythical enchantress Mohini)

Ayyappa is also known as 'Hariharan Puthran' or 'Hariharaputra,' which literally means the son of both 'Hari' or Vishnu and 'Haran' or Shiva. He's also commonly known as 'Manikandan' because his divine parents tied a golden bell (mani) around his neck (kandan) after his birth.

He was a Divine child with divine destiny. Legend goes that when Shiva & Mohini placed their baby (with his divine destiny) on the banks of Pampa river, King Rajashekhara - the childless monarch of Pandalam found newborn Ayyappa. He adopted him as his own son.

Why the Gods created Ayyappa:
The legendary story of the genesis of Lord Ayyappa in the Puranas or ancient scriptures- After Goddess Durga killed the demon king Mahishasur, his sister, Mahishi, set out to avenge her brother.

She carried Lord Brahma's boon that only a child born of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva could slay her, or, in other words, she was indestructible. To save the world from annihilation, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Mohini, and wed Lord Shiva, and of their union was born Lord Ayyappa.

The story of Ayyappa's childhood:
After King Rajashekhara adopted Ayyappa, his own biological son Raja Rajan was born. Though both the boys grew up as princes, Ayyappa excelled in martial arts and the knowledge of various "shastras" or scriptures.

Upon completing his training and studies, when he offered 'gurudakshina' or fee to his guru, the Master - aware of his divine powers asked him for blessing of sight & speech for his blind and dumb son. Manikantan obliged by placing his hand on the boy’s head and blessed him.

When it was time to name the heir to the throne, King Rajashekhara wanted Ayyappan to become king, but the queen wanted her own son to be named the king. Therefore, she plotted with the diwan (minister) and her physician to kill Manikantan.

Feigning illness, the queen made her physician ask for an impossible remedy- lactating tigress's milk. When no one could procure it, Manikantan volunteered to go, much against his father's will.On the way he chanced upon demon Mahishi and slew her on the banks of river Azhutha.

Thus, his life’s destiny was already fulfilled. But there were many more miles to go so Manikandan entered the forest, seeking the milk of a tigress. Guess what happened next? He overpowered the tigress and came back to the palace, riding astride the tigress!

The Deification of Lord Ayyappa:
The King had already understood the queen's machinations against his son and begged Manikantan's forgiveness. Manikantan, however, told the king that since his life mission had been accomplished, he would have to return to heaven.

He asked the king to build a temple atop Sabari hill so that memory of his short life could be perpetuated.When construction of temple was completed, Lord Parasuram sculpted a figure of Lord Ayyappa and installed it in the temple on Makar Sankranti. Thus,was Lord Ayyappa deified.

The worship of Lord Ayyappa:
Lord Ayyappa, however, is believed to have laid down a strict religious code to enable people to receive his blessings. First, the devotees would have to observe a 41-day penance before embarking on the temple pilgrimage.

That wasn’t all. They would also have to maintain abstinence from physical pleasures and family ties and live like a 'brahmachari.'
Moreover, devotees have to trdge miles on foot, bathe in holy river Pampa, brave the steep climb of 18 stairs to reach Sabarimala temple.

Sabarimala in Kerala is the most famous Ayyappa shrine, visited by over 50 million devotees every year, making it one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world. Pilgrims from around the country brave the dense forests, steep hills and inclement weather to seek the blessings.

Its on 14h day of January, known as Makar Sankranti, when the Lord himself is said to descend in the form of light, known as “Makara Vilaku”.The devotees then accept 'prasada' and descend the 18 steps, walking backwards with their faces turned towards the Lord.

Devotees chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa". A Star never seen before in the sky appears on the day of Makarajyothi. A Jyoti is seen for a little time on the hilltop showing presence of Swami Ayyappan gracing his devotees. It's telecast live on TV every year. A divine experience.

Women do not go to Sabrimala because he's a celibate. For 100s of yrs this has been followed. It has nothing to do with menstruation or being unclean. Anyone who goes to Sabarimala knows it. The irony is those who have taken this issue to SC do not respect religious sentiments.

Do hear this divine Ayyappa Bhajan sung by Yesudas. You will forget everything. It is so soulful.

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