History of Ayyappan

In the twelfth century in South India in a region called Kerala, was a kingdom known as Pandalam. The people of the kingdom of Pandalam during the reign of King Rajasekara lived in joy and peace. This king was talented, courageous and fair to his subjects. Despite the people's happiness and prosperity of his kingdom, the king was unhappy because he had no son to succeed him to the throne. The King and Queen fervently prayed Lord Shiva so that he could by his blessing have a son....

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Austerities

The Vratham or Vratha for visiting Sabarimala Ayyappa Sannidhanam or Swamy Ayyappa Temple starts on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam (this year on 17th November 2014) and culminates on Mandala Pooja Day (27th December 2014) or Makara Sankranti day (14th January 2015). On observing this Sabarimala Vratham (austerities), the mind and soul get purified as the devotees undertake certain practices and cleanliness. Here are some of the customs and rules of the austerities. Maladharanam – Wearing of Mudhra Mala... Read more...