Lord Ayyappa is the son of Vishnu and Shiva.
Ayyappa = Ayya (Shiva) + Appa( Lord Vishnu ).
Lord Ayyappa is a very popular Hindu deity, who is mainly worshipped in South India. Ayyappa was born out of the union between God Shiva and Mohini, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Ayyappa’s birth story :
- Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur, and his sister, Mahishi set out to avenge her brother’s death.
- Mahishi had a boon from Lord Brahma that only a child born of Lord Vishnu and Shiva could slay her, so She was indestructible.
- To save the world from annihilation, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Mohini, and wed Shiva, and thus Lord Ayyappa was born.
- After the birth of Ayyappa, Shiva and Mohini left the child on the banks of the Pampa River. Then, the ruler of the dynasty, King Rajashekhara, the childless monarch adopted Ayyappa.
- After the King adopted Ayyappa, the King couple were blessed with a son named Raja Rajan. Though both the boys grew up as princes, Ayyappa excelled in martial arts and was very Knowledgeable in all Shastras.
- Upon completing his training and studies, it was the time to name the heir to the throne. King Rajashekhara wanted Ayyappa to become king, but the Queen wanted her son to be named the King. So, she created all troubles for Ayyappa.
- Lord Ayyappa tricked by the Queen, goes to the forest for getting milk from a tigress (to save the Queen from a mysterious health issue).
- On his way, he realized the purpose of his incarnation on Earth, and was to kill the demoness Mahishi.
- Lord Ayyappa and Mahishi had a fierce battle, and she died in Ayyappa’s hands, and received moksha.
- Later, King Rajashekhara and Queen realise that Lord Ayyappa is no ordinary child, and request him to accept the throne. But Ayyappa refuses and goes to the heavenly abode.
- King Rajashekhara constructed a temple for Ayyappa at Sabarimalai. The temple was designed by the great Architect of Gods, Vishvakarma.
- The Ayyappa idol was carved by Sage Parasuram, and installed it on the day of Makara Sankranthi.
