Lord Ayyappa

Ayyappa was born from the union of Siva and Vishnu and therefore his name means Father Father. Ayyappa is known as the Lord of the Kaliyuga the present age (Iron Age). The Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) set about to churn the ocean for its Divine nectar. When the divine amritam (nectar) arose the Gods and Demons began to quarrel. Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini (the Enchantress) to distribute the nectar and help resolve the dispute. Lord Siva looked at the beautiful form of Mohini and united with her. Ayyappa was the son born to them. He is called Hari, for his father Vishnu (as Mohini), and Hara, for his father Siva. Lord Parasurama installed temples for Ayyappa along the borders of Kerala in South India. Among them, Sabarimalai is the most famous and important. In the course of time, the Sabarimalai Temple was destroyed by Muslim intruders.

A great yogi, who was doing tapas in the Sabari Hills, saved the princess of Pandalam who was kidnapped by intruders. It is said that an incarnation of Ayyappa was born to the Yogi and the Princess. He was a mighty prince, bringing peace and prosperity to his Kingdom. One Makara Sankranti day, he marched towards the Sabarimalai Temple with his trusted Muslim Minister Vavar and merged into the Idol. People from all walks of life go on pilgrimage to Sabarimalai every year. They make certain vows and after a difficult journey they are blessed with the Darshan of Dharma Sastha, another name for Ayyappa. As Sabarimalai is a holy site for Hindus as well as Muslims, Sri Swami Vishnudevananda wanted a shrine for Ayyappa in the present Temple, to spread the message of Love and Unity.