- August 10, 2022
- pandit-purohit
Ayyappa-puja
Lord Ayyappa: The child of Shiva, who was given birth by Lord Vishnu!
Shabarimala Sri Dharma Shasta, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent of all the Siddha temples of Kerala. This temple is situated on a hill called Shabarimala (about 3000 feet above sea level) in Pattanantitta district, which is unique.
The temple is open to people of all religions. There is a place near the temple, dedicated to Purva Sannidhanam (abode of Lord Ayyappa) which is said to be Vavara (a close friend of Lord Ayyappa). Vavar Nada is a symbol of religious harmony. Another unique aspect of this temple is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalpuja Makara Vilakku and Vishnu.
It is said that the pilgrims have to observe Brahmacharya for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. Pilgrims follow the traditional Ban forest routes as well from Pamba, which is no less physically challenging to reach the temple.
The child of Shiva, whom Lord Vishnu gave birth to!
If we look at the mythology of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, both the gods created many pastimes for the welfare of human beings. Every time Lord Vishnu with his twelve incarnations has set an example for the betterment of human beings. Lord Shiva has also given us the message of doing good deeds in every form with his meditation, anger and sacrifice.
But now take a look at the fact that who is the son of Shiva and Vishnu? Lord Vishnu has many incarnations and he had many families and children with him. Mahadev Shiva is considered to have only one family, in which he has two children in the form of Ganesh and Kartikeya. But this is not the complete truth. Shiva also has the third child, it is worshiped as Lord Ayyappa.
The secret lies in that Lord Vishnu gave birth to the third child of Shiva.
That is, the child of two men!
So let's know this mystery related to the birth of Lord Ayyappa!
Vishnu Dhara Mohini form for drinking nectar
In Kaliyuga, it has become common for two men to have a relationship. With the help of science, men have also started giving birth to children, but in mythological history, being the child of two male gods fills with wonder. Before you jump to any decision and make any unwanted assumptions, just understand this secret!
If you have read or heard the mythological stories, then you must remember about the churning of the ocean between the gods and the demons. In the churning of the ocean, a name is repeatedly mentioned, which has been called Mohini. In fact, when the nectar came out of the ocean during the churning of the ocean, a dispute arose between the gods and the demons regarding its distribution.
Then Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini and lifted the urn of nectar.
Mohini was so beautiful that the attention of the demons was more on the form of Mohini than the pot of nectar. In the meantime, deceit happened and Mohini made the gods drink nectar while giving ordinary water to the demons.
But Mohini's character is not limited to the story of ocean churning, but there is another story ahead of it.
Mahishasura's sister asked for a boon!
Actually then a demon named Mahishasur was living on the earth. Who had crossed all the limits of his arrogance and tyranny. Troubled by Mahishasura's atrocities, the gods prayed to Goddess Durga for help. After this Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura.
But the violence and arrogance did not end with Mahishasura.
Mahishasura's sister Mahishi was deeply saddened by the death of her brother. She was angry with the gods and that is why she started doing severe penance to make herself powerful. He worshiped Lord Shiva. Mahadev was pleased with this worship performed continuously for many years. Then Mahishi asked for the boon of immortality for himself.
Mahadev said that this is against the laws of creation. The one who has taken birth is sure to die. He can decide the condition of his death if he wants, but cannot avoid it. Mahishi found a middle way.
She asked for a boon that I want that I should be killed by the children of Shiva and Vishnu.
Lord Shiva accepted his prayer and granted the boon. Mahishi felt that this was never possible to happen. Since the union of two gods and then there can be no child birth. Due to this arrogance, he created an outcry from earth to Devlok. Once again the gods were in trouble.
Mohini gave birth to the son of Shiva
This time again all the deities reached the shelter of Lord Shiva. He said that there is no break in the boon you have given to Mahishi. The union of two men cannot produce a child. That is why none of us can kill him. In a way, she has become immortal.
After this the deities reached Lord Vishnu and requested him to find a solution to this problem. Although he was understanding that no one can break this boon.
But something else was written in the destiny.
Lord Vishnu sent his incarnation Mohini to Kailash. On seeing Mohini, Lord Shiva recognized her. Mohini proposed love to Shiva. Since Shiva was a yogi and lust never added to his weaknesses, he declined his offer to meet with Mohini. But kept the shame of Mohini's love.
Shiva gave his semen to Mohini, which is called Parad. he gave. In this way, Shiva and Mohini met without making a relationship. Since Mohini was an incarnation of Vishnu, it is also called the union of Shiva and Vishnu. Mohini became pregnant under the influence of Parad and gave birth to a son.
In the Puranas The son was known as 'Harihara' or 'Manikanta'. Lord Ayyappa who is worshiped in South India is 'Harihara'. Ayyappa is the child of Shiva-Vishnu, so he contained the powers of both the gods. Later he killed Mahishi and freed the gods from his atrocities.
Lord Ayyappa is worshiped in South India
This mythology is quite prevalent in South India, whereas in North and East India, Lord Ayyappa is not mentioned. Sabarimala temple is in the state of Kerala in South India. It is believed that Ayyappa resides here. Apart from this, temples of Lord Ayyappa are found in almost every street in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka.
It is said about Lord Ayyappa that his worship is acceptable only when a person strictly observes celibacy. We have told about the rules of entry into Sabarimala and worship of Ayyappa in our previous episode.
The Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa has been in discussions for the past few years. Taking the folk tale we just mentioned as the basis, the priests have banned the entry of women in the temple. They argue that when Ayyappa is born from the union of two male deities, that too following the rule of celibacy.. Then why should women enter there?
However, the solution to this problem will be taken out by the top court, but once from the birth of Lord Ayyappa, it is clear that the story of meeting of God and Purush is described in Hindu mythology.
So the next time you hear the name of Lord Ayyappa from the mouth of a South Indian, don't be surprised!
