Ayyappa Swamy

Ayyappa Pooja

Ayyappan is a Hindu deity and Lord Ayyappan is worshiped in a number of shrines across India at Kulathupuzha and Kerala he is worshiped as a child at Achenkovil in conjunction with his consorts Pushkala and Poorna and at Sabarimala as an ascetic a celibate meditating in solitude for the benefit of all mankind.The name Ayyappan is used as a respectful form of address in Malayalam and the famous mantra Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa can be directly translated as Give me shelter Lord Ayyappa He is considered to be born out of the union between Mohini, and Shiva.The most famous Ayyappa shrine in India is the one at Sabarimala with over 50 million devotees visiting it every year making it the second largest pilgrimage in the world.

Lord Ayyappa Names
Ayyappa is known as “Hariharan Puthiran” because he is the son of both Hari(Vishnu) and Haran(Siva). His most common name is Manikandan because soon after his birth his parents (Mohini & Shiva) tied a necklace with a bell (mani) around his neck (kandan).

Ayyappan is a famous South Indian Hindu deity. Lord Ayyappan is worshipped in a number of shrines across India at Kulathupuzha, in Kerala, he is worshipped as a child; at Achenkovil in conjunction with his consorts, Pushkala and Poorna; and at Sabarimala as an ascetic – a celibate meditating in solitude for the benefit of all mankind.

 

Different names of Loard Ayyappan Dharmasasta, Hariharasutan, Manikandan, Sathanar, Sastan, Cattan (from Sanskrit Sasta), Ayyanar, Natrayan, Nattarasan, and Bhutanathan.
Lord Ayyappan is a symbol of religious unity and communal harmony. Being born out of Mohini (the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva, answered Rajasekara’s prayer and ordered Dharmasastha to take the avathar of Ayyappan.

Ayyappan took the form of a baby with a golden chain and bell around his neck and placed himself near the Pamba river. King Rajasekara who was returning after hunting in the forest adjoining the banks of River Pampa, along with his men, heard a child crying from somewhere in the forest. Surprised, he went round and reached the banks of River Pampa. There he saw a beautiful and divine child (i.e. Ayyappa) kicking its legs and crying out, and was in a dilemma whether to take the child to the Palace or leave it there itself.

As graced by the Bhagwan King Rajasekara completed building of the temple with 18 steps to reach there. When the King was thinking how to put Dharmasastha’s figure in the temple for darshan to devotees, he recalled the words of the Bhagwan, the River Pampa was a holy river like River Ganga, Sabarimala was a holy place like Kasi.

Dharmasastha sent Parasuraman to Sabarimala who created the figure of Lord Ayyappa and installed it on the day of Makarasankranthi, the day on which the Makara Jothi appears.

Every year 4.5 to 5 crore peoples comming to Shabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and adorn themselves with garlands and irumudis, chants slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the eighteen steps & get the grace of Ayyappa.

The most famous Ayyappa shrine in India is the one at Sabarimala with over 50 million devotees visiting it every year, making it the second largest pilgrimage in the world

The asura princess Mahishi was burning up with anger at the trick the gods had pulled on her brother, the asura king Mahishasura. As Mahishasura was blessed with invulnerability to all men, the gods had sent goddess Durga, to fight and kill him. Thus, Mahishi began performing a fearsome set of austerities, and pleased the creator god Brahma. He granted her the boon of ruling the universe and being invulnerable except to a being that had the combined strength of both Shiva and Vishnu. Since such a person did not exist, she thought she was safe and began conquering and plundering the world.

The gods implored Shiva and Vishnu to save them from this catastrophe. Vishnu found a possible solution to the problem. When Vishnu had taken on the Kurma Avatar, he also had to manifest himself as Mohini, the enchantress, to save the nectar of immortality from the demons who were not willing to share it with the gods. If he became Mohini again, then the female Mohini and the male Shiva could have the divine child who would combine their powers and beat Mahishi.

Some versions give a slightly more detailed version of the union of Shiva with Vishnu. One version tells that the asura Basmasura had so pleased lord Shiva with his austerities that Shiva gave him a boon of anything he wished. So Basmasura asked for the ability to burn to ashes anything which he placed his hand over. No sooner had Shiva granted this, than Basmasura ran after the god, threatening to turn him to ashes.

Shiva called to lord Vishnu for help. He hid himself in a certain tree as Basmasura ran here and there searching for the god. Vishnu became aware of the events, and decided that he would take the female form Mohini, "the Enchanting", and try to trump the asura's powers. When Basmasura saw Vishnu in this form, he was bewitched by her beauty. He earnestly tried to court her. So Vishnu instructed Basmasura to hold his hand over his head, and vow fidelity. With this act, Basmasura was reduced to ashes.

Vishnu found Shiva and explained the whole affair to him. Shiva asked if he too could see Vishnu in this female form. When Vishnu appeared thus, Shiva was overcome with passion, and united with "her" (Shiva's seed caught in Mohini's hands, per one version of the story). The two gods thus became "HariHara Murthy", that is a composite form of Shiva and Vishnu as one god.

From this union lord Ayyappan was born. He combines in himself the powers of Vishnu and Shiva, and is a visible embodiment of their essential identity. Lord Vishnu gifted the new-born deity with a little bejeweled bell necklace, so this god is called Manikanthan Swamy. The Tamils call him Ayyanar, and he is also called Shastha or Shasthappan by most South Indian communities.

In most Tamil versions of the story, the legend ends with the birth of the god, and with his passage around the region. But in Kerala, the story continues with Ayyappan's adoption by the Pandalam Raja, and the subsequent encounter with Mahisi

Shiva in Bangalore

 
                     




Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day for your scalping pleasure. Shiv Mandir, located on old airport road in Bangalore, is the epitome of crass tourist traps. My travel bud and I had a few extra hours to burn before leaving for the airport, we’d already done the city tour and partaken of the sights we were interested in. In a local guide book we found a very well written review for what looked like a historic temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Upon mentioning our interest in this destination, our driver, Raghu, tried to dissuade us. This is a classic case of why you should listen to your driver.

After fighting the cross town traffic for 30 minutes we arrived in front of a rather nondescript entrance. A doorway, steps off the city road, in a newly built neighborhood should have been my first clue this was not in the temple circuit realm of Tamil Nadu.

Signs marking the way to the big statue led us past stalls filled with garish religious trinkets. Sellers yelled out “please have a look”,  “we won’t be here as you exit”.
Finally a ticket booth with a large courtyard beyond. Wait, a ticket booth for a temple? No, a ticket booth for entrance into the attraction. For just Rs 100 per person we could take in all of the events described to us. But, we had to buy the ticket here or else it was Rs 160 inside. Now I was sure this was a trap.

We waved off the attraction tickets explaining we only wanted pictures. Fine, but we did get hit for Rs 29, Rs 4 for our shoes and Rs 25 for my still camera.

Past the booth was a row of brass urns each filled with tokens and labeled with individual names. In my haste to get past this and to the big Shiva statue I didn’t catch the significance. Up a flight of stairs and now the statue was within sight.

Another ticket booth. The kids below were right, now the tickets were Rs 160. I snapped a few pics and then tried to explain we weren’t interested nor going to pay money to see the statue. The attendant waved us on.

We walked to the flight of stairs back down into the courtyard where water was being shuffled around (much like the Golden Temple) in an attempt to keep the floors clean. A fair amount of locals were mulling about but not paying the requested fee so we jumped into line with them. Damn, another checkpoint! This time I asked the attendant directions to the exit but it didn’t matter at this point. We were staring right at the 65 foot high Lord Shiva. Snap! snap! Done…I had what I came for.

We found our way to the shoe rack (no tip since I prepaid). On the walk back to reconnect with Raghu, I was amazed at what appeared to be an even longer parade of stalls selling everything from Buddhist prayer beads to ice cream. In the car I learned the complex was nearly new having been built in 1995. Ugh, another trap fallen for

Shiva literally means “auspiciousness, welfare”. He is the third god of the Hindu Triad and is the destroyer of all evil. He represents darkness (tamas), and is said to be the ‘angry god’. However, according to Hinduism, creation follows destruction. Therefore Shiva is also regarded as a reproductive power, which restores what has been dissolved. As one who restores, he is represented as the linga or phallus (Shivalinga), a symbol of regeneration.

He has a 1,008 names, including Mahadeva (the great god), Mahesh, Rudra, Neelkantha (the blue-throated one), and Ishwar (the supreme god). He is also called Mahayogi, or the great ascetic, who symbolises the highest form of austere penance and abstract meditation, which results in salvation.

Shiva is believed to exist in many forms. His most common depiction is as a dark-skinned ascetic with a blue throat, usually seated cross-legged on a tiger skin.

Shiva’s hair is matted and coiled on his head, adorned with a snake and a crescent moon. Ganga is always depicted flowing out of his topknot. Shiva has four arms and three eyes. The third eye, in the middle of his forehead, is always closed and only opens to annihilate an evil doer. A garland of skulls, rudraksha beads, or a snake hang from his neck. Shiva also wears snakes as armlets and bracelets. The serpent race, despised and feared by all other creatures, found a place of honour on Shiva’s sacred person, simply because he was moved by their plight.

In one hand, Shiva holds his trishul, the Pinaka. The trishul usually has a damaru or waisted drum tied to it. In another hand, he holds a conch shell and in the third, a rudraksha rosary, a club, or a bow. One hand is usually empty, raised in a gesture of blessing and protection. The other points to his feet, where the devotee is assured of salvation. He wears a tiger or leopard skin around his waist, and his upper body is usually bare, but smeared with ashes, as befits an ascetic. His third eye is believed to have appeared when Parvati, in a playful mood, covered his eyes with her hands. Immediately, the universe was plunged into darkness and there was chaos. To restore order, Shiva formed another eye on his forehead, from which emerged fire to restore light.

The light from this eye is believed to be very powerful, and therefore destructive. Shiva opens his third eye only in anger, and the offender is burnt to cinders.

The name Shiva does not appear in the Vedas. However he is identified with the Vedic god Rudra, lord of songs, sacrifices, nourishment, the healer of diseases and provider of property. According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva is said to have five faces, corresponding to his five tasks, the panchakriya: creation, establishment, destruction, oblivion, and grace. His five faces are associated with the creation of the sacred syllable Om.

Kapaleeswarar Temple

Visiting to temples can serve many purposes. It just depends on your preference. Like if you are curious to know about the ancient culture of Hindus you can visit temples. If you are give some spiritual touch to your tour then you can also visit the temple. Also if you want to understand ancient India with all its political, cultural principles then also you can tour to the temples. So if any of these topics are your interest then in your Chennai temple tour list you can add a visit to the Kapaleeswarar temple in Chennai.

Kapaleeswarar temple was built in the 7th century by the Pallava Nayanmars. Nayanmars are said to be the devotees of Lord Shiva who worship him by singing hymns in the temple. They are more powerful such that whatever they desire, that will be fulfilled easily. The Kapaleeswarar temple is built in such a way that it is made very attractive for the people who visit the temple. Kapaleeswarar temple is the biggest temple in the Chennai. It was built in such a way that it becomes one of the biggest attractions for the devotees. The view of the temple from outside will be very excellent to see. There is also a Pond in the temple which is known as the Kolam or Theertham which is useful for sacred activities. Some people also consider taking bath in that Kolam or Theertham as a sacred thing.

Every single temple in India has its own significance. Similarly Kapaleeswarar temple also has its own importance and significance. It is necessary that people should know more about the Kapaleeswarar temple before visiting the temple. To tell in general there are now people from all over the world who come to Chennai to visit the Kapaleeswarar temple to get glory for their life. Kapaleeswarar temple is the most powerful temple and whatever thing that is demanded from the lord Shiva is fulfilled easily. It will be more beautiful to visit the temple because the construction part is made more attractive. When there is a function time then the temple will be fully filled with the devotees.

Actually in the puranas it is said that the Lord Shiva and Brahma made their conversation in the Mount Kailash about the discussion on creation of three lokam. But when Lord Brahma dint agree for that, Lord Shiva cut and threw his head off the ground. Now the intention of Lord Brahma is to convince Lord Shiva and ask apology for his mistake. For this reason he came to Maylai and created a Lingam for Lord Shiva and started making the necessary rituals and pooja to cool Lord Shiva. It is said that after these efforts of Lord Brahma finally Lord Shiva was convinced and Lord Brahma was given apology.

In the old puranas it is said that the Lord Shiva was discussing to the Lord Brahma, the Lord of creation about the creation of the three Lokas but the fact is that the Lord Brahma refused to accept and agree what Lord Shiva said. Ultimately Lord Shiva got angry and he plucked our one head from four of his heads. After this incident Lord Brahma went to Lord Shiva and asked for forgiveness by begging to him. Then he requested the Lord Shiva to stand in the Mayilai in the name of Kapaleeswarar just because he was wearing a necklace made of skulls. Here a skull stands for the Kapala. This is the reason why this particular name comes for the Lord Shiva.

The Kapleeswarar temple is situated in Kutchery Road, Mylapore. Mylapore is located in the city of Madras. So you can tour to this temple either by auto rickshaw or 'call taxis' or the deluxe cabs. If you are hiring auto rickshaw, which is the cheapest mode of transport, you need to negotiate the fare carefully. The standard charge for auto rickshaws is Rs.8 for every kilometer you travel. The call taxis charge higher but they are very prompt service and they will pick you up from your doorstep. You can also tour by deluxe cabs. If you prefer you can drive the deluxe cabs yourself.

There are many bus facility available from all the parts of the Chennai to the Mylapore. It is necessary that we should catch the local city bus from Tambaram or Koyambedu to reach the Kapaleeswarar temple if we are from any other part of the Tamil Nadu. Even the trains are also available for reaching Mylapore. There are also bus available that will reach the most nearest spot of the Kapaleeswarar temple. There will always be a big crowd of the devotees in the Kapaleeswarar temple always waiting to get the glory for the Kapaleeswarar.

 

Parthasarathy Temple

HISTORY:- 

Temples are the places of worship of the Hindus. Since Hindus form a large part of the population of Chennai, it is but natural that of all the religious places of Chennai, temples are largest in number. Many of the temples of Chennai/Madras city are so popular that thousands of devotees throng them to pray and worship everyday. Lets have a quick glance of temples of Chennai city.



Parthasarathy Temple

To add some variety to your temple journey visit the Parthasarathy temple in Chennai. Though the common features of ancient temples are very much prevalent in this ancestral temple but it has some striking features, which makes the temple outstanding among others.

Journey to the Parthasarathy temple in Madras is very easy as it is situated in the heart of the Chennai city. Madras is the earlier name of the present Chennai city. Parthasarathy temple is in the Peter's Road, which is at Triplicane. You can visit this temple either by bus or auto rickshaw or by hired luxurious cabs. If you are going by auto rickshaw be careful about the fares. The standard charge for the auto rickshaws Rs. 8 for every kilometer you travel. Even if it is metered it is better to negotiate the fare first. The same concept applies for the luxurious cabs.

The Parthasarathy temple in Chennai has its origin back in 8th century. It was generally built by the Pallavas and later reformed by the Vijayanagar Kings during 11th century. The literal meaning of 'Parthasarathy' is the charioteer. According to the great Indian epic 'Mahabharata' 'Partha' meant Arjuna while sarathy is meant as charioteer. In the epic it is said during the great battle of Mahabharata Lord Krishna was the charioteer of Arjuna. In the epic Arjuna or partha was a brave warrior and Lord Krishna was a good friend, philosopher and guide to the Partha or Arjuna.

Though the Parthasarathy temple is devoted to the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu the main deity is 'Lord Krishna' one of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Also the other exquisite feature of this Parthasarathy temple is the colored gopuram. 'Gopuram' is said to the pyramidical shaped temple top which is a stereotyped feature of the South Indian temples.

Aranmula is famous for Sree Parthasarathi temple, also called Aranmula Parthasarathi temple. It is one of the famous temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Parthasarathi deity is named for recognizing Krishna as a charioteer in Kurukshetra War. The temple is situated on the banks of the river Pampa

It said that the temple of Parthasarathi was constructed near Sabarimala. Experts estimate the temple to 1700 years old. It is a popular saying that Lord Krishna crossed river Pampa here. The famous boat race of Aranmula vallamkali is celebrated to commemorate Lord Krishna’s crossing of the river. This festival is also viewed as anniversary celebrations of Sri Krishna deity installation at Parthasarathi temple.

Aranmula Vallamkali CelebrationsThe annual boat race, Aranmula vallamkali attracts thousands of tourists all over the world. This event is organized by authorities of Kerala Tourism. The snake boats are center of attraction in this festival. These are peculiar boats resemble snakes and are about 100 feet long. About 40 such boats come to racing spot and participate in the event, accommodating more than 100 people.

The boat race of vallamkali is organized in a grand way. Songs called “Vanchipattu” are specially dedicated to the event. They are sung throughout the races. Participants row up and down the river with great enthusiasm. The boats are decorated with colorful flags, silk banners and golden umbrellas to make this a spectacular show. All this provide a mystical air to the festival of Aranmula vallamkali.

The festival is more than just a boat race. Temple is thronged with devotees glorifying Lord Krishna. On the day of race, rituals and offerings are paid to Lord Krishna in the early morning. People seek blessings of Lord Krishna for the race. The race starts at afternoon with men and singers shouting and singing in a tune, showing their happiness

Shiridi

SHIRIDI MAIN TEMPLE

The Shirdi Saibaba Temple, located at Shirdi, Maharashtra, India attracts millions of devotees of all religions, castes and creed who come to pay homage to Shri Sai Baba. The temple is a beautiful shrine that was built over the Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba.

Shirdi is a small village in Kopargam taluk, in Ahmadnagar District of the Maharastra State. When Baba was physically present at the age of 20 in Shirdi, it was a small village of 80 thatched houses with mud walls. Today it is a big town with palatial modern buildings and shops. Thursday is the day Saibaba is specially.

worshipped. On this day devotees from all over India visit Shirdi for Darshan of Saibaba. The Temple opens for devotees at 5.15 a.m. (0515 hrs) with Kakad Aarti and remains open till the end of Shejarti.

For more on Puja timings. For devotees across the globe, there are arrangements to get Pujas conducted on their behalf and the prasad sent to them. Shirdi is well connected by road. There are also a few religious places of tourist interest in and around Shirdi. Shirdi Saibaba Temple is managed by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan since 1922. The trust ensures that a strict code of conduct is maintained in the temple premises.

About Shree Shirdi Sai Baba

Chandbhai, the headman of a village called Dhoopkhede (in Aurangabad, India), once lost his horse and was looking for it. Suddenly he heard a voice say "You look tired. come here and rest a while". He turned around and saw a young Fakir . The fakir smiled at him and said "What are you looking for in this jungle, Chandbhai". Chandbhai was surprised and he wondered how the fakir knew his name. Slowly, he said "I have lost my horse. I have looked for it everywhere, but cannot seem to find it". The fakir told him to look behind a clump of trees.

Chandbhai was pleasantly surprised to find his horse grazing peacefully behind those trees. He thanked the fakir and asked his name. The fakir said "some people call me Sai Baba."

Sai Baba then invited Chandbhai to have a smoke with him. He got the pipe ready, but there was no fire to light it with. Sai Baba thrust a pair of tongs into the ground and brought out a burning coal. Chandbhai was wonderstruck. He thought "this is no ordinary person" and invited Baba to come to his house and be his guest for a few days.

Next day Baba went to Chandbhai's house and found everybody in a very joyful mood and festivities going on all around. He found that Chandbhai's wife's nephew was getting married. The bride was from Shirdi and the marriage party was going to Shirdi. Chandbhai invited Baba to accompany the marriage party to Shirdi. At Shirdi they camped in a field next to Khandoba's temple.

After the wedding, Saibaba stayed on at Shirdi. At first he lived under a neem tree and begged for food whenever he needed it. He then went to Khandoba's temple, intending to stay there, but the temple priest met him at the entrance and told him to go to the mosque. That is how Baba, started staying at the Mosque which was later called Dwarkamayi.

Baba preached at Shirdi all his life and performed numerous miracles to convince people that God exists. He healed people's diseases, provided moral and material comfort to his devotees. Baba helped bring Unity and Harmony between all communities. He said that God is one, but called by different names. He said follow your own religion and seek the truth.

One day a rich millionaire named Booty came to Sai Baba and said he was going to construct a stone building for Shri Krishna. Baba helped him plan the building. Before the building was completed Baba fell very ill. On the 15th of October 1918, he breathed his last. His last wish was to be buried in Booty's building.

Booty's stone building came to be known as the Samadhi Mandir. Shri Sai Baba was buried here and a beautiful shrine was built over it. To this day, people flock to Shirdi to pay homage to Shri Sai Baba.

HOW TO REACH SHIRIDI:-

Sai Baba's place Shirdi (Maharashtra State) is a very sacred, powerful and important place of pilgrimage in India. One can visit this holy place easily. It is a well-developed town connected by bus routes. There is an important Railway Station, Kopergaon, though which the Karnataka Express from New Delhi to Bangalore passes. A number of trains from Bombay and Delhi also pass through Manmad station. Shirdi is only about 58 kms. from Manmad and buses and taxis are easily available to reach there. The distance of Shirdi from some important

cities is as under:-

Bombay -         266 kms.
Nasik -             90 kms.
Hyderabad -    610 kms.
Surat -             373 kms.
Nagpur -          618 kms.
Jalgaon -         233 kms.
Ahmednagar - 83 kms.
Delhi -            1166 kms.
Pune -            207 kms.
Sholapur -      312 kms.

There are arrangements for boarding and lodging at the Shirdi Sai Sansthan but since the crowd of people on all days, especially on Thursdays is very large, find it difficult to get accommodation. Besides, there are large number of good hotels to cater to the needs of all classes of devotees.

They have to seek the same in hotels, lodging places and private houses. Although there are arrangements for selling breakfast, lunch and dinner packets at the sansthan, yet due to the heavy rush most people have to eat outside in the market or in the restaurants