Sabarimala is the abode of one of the few bachelor gods in Hinduism. In fact, he is such a confirmed bachelor that women between the ages of 10 and 50 years are not allowed to visit him. He is none other than Lord Ayyappa. His temple lies in an eco-sensitive zone – the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala – and is surrounded by 18 hills. The temple was supposedly founded by Sage Parashuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Ayyaappa was supposedly born of the union between Lord Shiva and the ravishing Mohini, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Hence, Ayyappa is also called “Hariharan Puthiran” or “Hariharputhra,” meaning ‘son of both Hari (Vishnu) and Haran (Shiva).

Another name for Ayyappa is “Manikandan.” According to legend, his divine parents tied a mani or golden bell around his neck (kanda) soon after he was born. Shiva and Mohini left the baby on the banks of the Pampa river. It was the Pandalam monarch, Rajashekhara, who found him and raised him as his own son.

The Reason for Ayyappa’s Birth

After Goddess Durga slew the buffalo demon, Mahishasur, his sister, Mahishi, wanted to avenge her brother. She had a boon from Brahma that only the child born of Vishnu and Shiva could destroy her. For this reason, Vishnu took the form of Mohini, and Ayyappa was born out of their union.

After Ayyappa was adopted by the Pandalam king, the royal couple had a son who was named Raja Rajan. Ayyappa proved to be very good in martial arts and knowledgeable in all the Shastras.

After he completed his training and studies, King Rajashekhara wanted to crown Ayyappa as the king, but the queen wanted her own son to become the king. So, she plotted to get rid of Ayyappa. One day, she pretended to be sick, and Ayyappa was tricked into venturing into the forest to get a tigress’ milk as the remedy for her illness.
 
But during this mission, he realized the true purpose of his incarnation on Earth, which was to kill the demoness Mahishi. After a fierce battle, Mahishi died by Ayyappa’s hands and got Moksha.

King Rajashekhara and his queen realized that Ayyappa was not an ordinary child, and requested him to become the king. But Ayyappa refused and returned to his heavenly abode. King Rajashekhara then built a temple for Ayyappa at Sabarimala. It is said that Manikandan himself indicated the location for the temple by shooting off an arrow. It was designed by the celestial architect Vishwakarma. Ayyappa’s idol was sculpted by Sage Parasuram, and he installed it on the day of Makara Sankranthi.

The Famous Pilgrimage to Sabarimala

Sabarimala is one of the most popular pilgrimage spots in India. Pilgrims from all over the country observe a strict vrat for 41 days and make the arduous journey through the dense forests and steep hills to have Ayyappa’s darshan and get his blessings on January 14, the day of Makar Sankranti, when the Lord himself supposedly appears as the light of Makara Jyothi. 

Makaravilakku – Makara Jyothi in Sabarimala is the major festival at the Ayyappa Temple. Legend says that after killing the demoness Mahishi, Ayyappa merged with the idol of Dharma Sastha on Makara Jyothi day. It is the most important and the concluding festival in the two-month Mandala Pooja – Makaravilakku Kalam. In 2022, the festival will be on January 14.

The Deeparadhana in the evening is the most important event of the festival. On this day, Ayyappa appears wearing the Thiruvabharanam – gold jewels – that are specially brought from the Pandalam Palace.

Before the Deeparadhana, devotees see an eagle hovering over the Sabarimala Temple. Then the Makara Star becomes visible in the sky. It is the Makara Jyothi and represents Ayyappa himself. Next to appear is the Makaravilakku – the light that appears thrice in the distant hill at Ponnambalamedu.

As per legend, it was Parashuram who first lit the Makaravilakku after installing the idol of Ayyappa. It is also said that the tribals who were tormented by Mahishi first lit the light in order to celebrate the slaying of the demoness by Ayyappa. 

The star or Makara Jyothi is worshiped as a divine light, as devotees believe that it is Ayyappa. The Makaravilakku, however, is a ritual that is more of a symbolic act.

Makara Sankranti and Uttarayan are also observed on the same day all over India.