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Tamil Deity · Lord of Sabarimala / Dharma Shasta

Ayyappa

अय्यप्प
Also known as: Ayyappa, Śāstā, Dharma Śāstā, Hariharaputra, Manikandan, Sabarimala Ayyappa

About

The son of Shiva and Vishnu (as Mohini). Worshipped primarily in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of Sabarimala. Represents celibacy, discipline, and the unity of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. His devotees observe 41 days of penance (vratham) before pilgrimage.

Attributes

CelibacyDisciplineUnity of Shiva-VishnuProtectionYoga

Symbols

BellArrowBowForestTiger (in legend)18 steps of Sabarimala
Vahana (Mount)
Tiger (in some depictions) or elephant

Associated Mantras

Om Ayyappāya Namaḥ
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa
Ayyappa Stotram
Dharma Śāstā Stotram

Festivals

MakaravilakkuMandalakalam (41 days)Sabarimala PilgrimageAyyappa Puja

Scriptures

Ayyappa PurāṇaDharma Śāstā PurāṇaSabarimala legends

Regions Worshipped

KeralaTamil NaduKarnatakaAndhra PradeshPan-India

Iconography

Seated in yogic posture (yoga padasana). Wearing a bell around his neck. One hand in jnana mudra. Often depicted with a bow and arrow. Youthful, serene, ascetic expression. Sometimes shown riding a tiger or elephant.