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Know the Mythological Story Behind Lord Ayyappa’s Divine Birth
Discover the fascinating mythology behind Lord Ayyappa, also known as Dharma Sastha and Manikandan, whose divine birth and heroic deeds are central to the legend of the Sabarimala Temple. This sacred temple, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees. Journey through the captivating story of Lord Ayyappa, from his unique birth to his divine mission, and the establishment of one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.
The belief has it that Ayyappa was born as the son of Lords Shiva and Vishnu (in his avatar as Mohini, the charming seductress). Mahishi, a demoness and sister of Mahishasura sought revenge when her brother was killed by Goddess Durga. She undertook severe penance and finally Lord Brahma appeared before her, granting her a boon that only the child of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva could kill her. After receiving the boon, Mahishi went on a violent spree, unleashing severe destruction. The Devas, worried by her atrocities, sought the intervention of Lord Vishnu. Subsequently, it was decided at the highest level, that Lord Vishnu will take the avatar of Mohini and give birth to a child fathered by Lord Shiva. Thus Ayyappa was born as the child of Shiva and Vishnu and it was decided that he would be placed under the care of King Rajasekhara of Pandalam, who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva.
The child was placed in a forest and King Rajasekhara found the infant Ayyappa on one of his hunting trips. The childless king decided to foster the infant, and took him back to the Pandalam palace with him. He was named ‘Manikandan’ as he was found with a mani (bell) on his neck. Since then, Manikandan grew as a prince inheriting the divinity of Lords Vishnu and Shiva. Soon after this, King Rajasekhara and his Queen had a child together. Believing that it was a result of the luck that Manikandan brought with him, the king decided to make Manikandan his successor.
However, this did not sit well with one the king’s ministers who had secretly nurtured ambitions to ascend the throne. He convinced the queen that only their blood child could be the lawful heir. Taking his advice, the queen decided to feign sickness The queen’s physician, influenced by the minister, recommended tigress’ milk as the remedy to the queen’s ailment. Manikandan, the conspirators thought, could be compelled to go to the forest where he will fall prey to wild animals. However, the king sent his soldiers to the forest, but they did not succeed in fetching milk.
Manikandan, still a child, volunteered to go to the forest and after a lot of convincing, managed to win the permission of the king. Thus he set out on his trip to the dense forests. As he entered the forest the bhootas of Lord Shiva kept a close watch. On the way, he came across incidents of several atrocities committed by Mahishi in Devaloka. The divine plan was falling in place. Manikandan confronted Mahishi in Devaloka and hurled her back to earth. A ferocious battle followed, at the end of which Manikandan mounted Mahishi’s chest and began a thunderous dance that shook all of earth and the Devaloka. Mahishi then realized that this was no ordinary child but the son of Shiva and Vishnu. Soon after, she died.
When Manikandan re-entered the forest Lord Shiva appeared, and informed him that his divine mission has been accomplished. He also assured Ayyappa of Lord Indra’s assistance in procuring the tigress’ milk. Indra disguised himself as a tiger and was followed by female devas. Riding on top of the tiger, accompanied by tigresses, Manikandan set out for the palace of Pandalam. As the King looked at this sight in wonder, a saint appeared there and informed him about his foster son’s true identity.
Ayyappa came back and informed the King that his birth mission accomplished he was returning to the Devaloka. Before that, he would grant a wish to the King. The King requested that the Lord himself found a suitable place on earth where a temple could be built in his honour. Ayyappa shot an arrow which fell in the mount of Sabari. The Lord decided that Sabarimala will be where his shrine will shine for all the times to come. Then he left for Devaloka. Thus, under the patronage of King Rajasekhara, the Shree Dharma Sastha Temple in Sabarimala was built.