Editing Ayyappan (section)

== Worship==
[[File:Sabarimala 2.jpg|thumb|Dharma Sastha temple at [[Sabarimala]]]]

Although Ayyappan worship has been prevalent earlier in [[Kerala]], his popularity spread in the 20th century to most of [[Southern India]].{{sfn|Laser|2014|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ho0gBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT63 63]}}{{sfn|Kumar|2014|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=7Wd_BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA212 212]}}<ref>{{cite book|first=Suresh|last=Chandra|year=1998|title=Encyclopaedia of Hindu Gods and Goddesses|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mfTE6kpz6XEC|publisher=Sarup and Sons|page=28|isbn=978-8-176-25039-9}}</ref> While there are many temples in [[South India]] whose presiding deity is Ayyappan, the most prominent shrine is located at [[Sabarimala]] on the banks of river Pamba in the hills of [[Western Ghats]] in [[Kerala]]. It is a major pilgrimage center, attracting millions of Hindus every year.<ref name="Smith">{{cite book|author=Fred Clothey|editor=Bardwell L. Smith|title=Religion and the Legitimation of Power in South Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x2Jzn_LuLasC|year=1978|publisher=[[Brill Publishers]]|isbn=978-9-004-05674-9|pages=3–9}}</ref>{{sfn|Younger|2002|pp=18-23}}<ref name="Eck"/> The temple is open only on select days of a year.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 November 2022|title=Mandala Puja 2022: All you need to know about Mandala Kalam|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/mandala-puja-2022-all-you-need-to-know-about-mandala-kalam/articleshow/95524793.cms|access-date=15 December 2023|issn=0971-8257|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215090244/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/mandala-puja-2022-all-you-need-to-know-about-mandala-kalam/articleshow/95524793.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:SabarimalaRush2010.JPG|thumb|left|Pilgrims carrying ''irumudi'' at [[Sabarimala]]]]

Pilgrims often begin preparations weeks in advance by leading a simpler life, remaining celibate, eating a vegetarian diet or partially fasting and wearing a black or blue dress. These weeks of rituals are termed as ''Vrutham'' which is signified by wearing a [[Tulsi]] or [[Rudraksha]] mala. The pilgrims do not recognize any form of social or economic discrimination and form a fraternity treating each other as equals.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/><ref name="Smith"/>{{sfn|Kent|2013|p=14-15}}<ref name="Eck"/> The pilgrims call each other by the same name ''Swami'' meaning "God".<ref name="Eck">{{cite book|author=Diana L Eck|author-link=Diana L. Eck|title=India: A Sacred Geography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rNlJOSf__xYC&pg=PA13|year=2012|publisher=Random House|isbn=978-0-385-53191-7|pages=13–14}}</ref><ref name="Daniel">{{cite book|author=E. Valentine Daniel|title=Fluid Signs: Being a Person the Tamil Way|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KwZatzse3CsC|year=1987|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|isbn=978-0-520-06167-5|pages=244–262}}</ref> The pilgrims bath in the Pamba river and embark on a trek to the top of the hill on barefoot while carrying an ''irumudi'' (a bag with two compartments containing offerings) on the head.<ref name="Smith" />{{sfn|Younger|2002|pp=18–23}} Then they climb the 18 steps in front of the shrine, each representing a dharmic value.<ref name="Smith"/>{{sfn|Younger|2002|pp=18–23}} The priests and devotees bring flowers and scatter them near the shrine while chanting various [[shlokas]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Stephen Knapp|title=Spiritual India Handbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=djI5mL2qeocC&pg=PT416|year=2009|publisher=Jaico|isbn=978-8-184-95024-3|pages=416–419}}</ref> As the deity is believed to be celibate, women in their fertile age are not allowed to enter the shrine.<ref name="Brit"/><ref name="Smith"/>{{sfn|Younger|2002|pp=18–23}} The most significant festival linked to him is the [[Makaravilakku]], observed around the winter solstice.{{sfn|Dalal|2010|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&pg=PA350 350]}} [[Harivarasanam]] is a [[Manipravalam]] [[ashtakam]] composed in praise of Shiva but sung as a lullaby for Ayyappan.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 November 2017|title=This Sabarimala season, an updated lullaby for Lord Ayyappan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/this-sabarimala-season-an-updated-lullaby-for-lord-ayyappan/article20555464.ece|access-date=25 December 2023|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=3 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003143046/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/this-sabarimala-season-an-updated-lullaby-for-lord-ayyappan/article20555464.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other temples include [[Achankovil Sastha Temple]], [[Aryankavu Sastha Temple]], [[Erumely Sree Dharmasastha Temple]], and [[Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple]] in Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2016/Jan/18/5-temples-part-of-sabarimala-pilgrimage-circuit-870242.html|title=5 Temples Part of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Circuit|date=18 January 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005115943/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2016/jan/18/5-Temples-Part-of-Sabarimala-Pilgrimage-Circuit-870242.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Temples at Tamil Nadu are located in [[Anna Nagar Ayyappan Koil, Chennai|Anna Nagar]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Where service is divine|date=17 April 2003|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/17/stories/2003041700320300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040530124134/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/17/stories/2003041700320300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 May 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 May 2013}}</ref> [[Mahalingapuram Ayyappan Temple|Mahalingapuram]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/tn-saraswati-puja-celebrated-at-mahalingapuram-ayyappan-temple-in-chennai20191008194137/|title=Saraswati Puja celebrated at Mahalingapuram Ayyappan temple in Chennai|date=8 October 2019|access-date=1 June 2024|work=ANI News|archive-date=25 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125072050/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/tn-saraswati-puja-celebrated-at-mahalingapuram-ayyappan-temple-in-chennai20191008194137/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ayyappan Temple, Perambur|Perambur]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/hundreds-of-kids-get-ready-for-vidyarambham-in-city/articleshow/60868663.cms|title=Hundreds of kids get ready for Vidyarambham in city|date=29 September 2017|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224115407/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/hundreds-of-kids-get-ready-for-vidyarambham-in-city/articleshow/60868663.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Rajah Annamalaipuram Ayyappan Koil, Chennai|Rajah Annamalaipuram]] in [[Chennai]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mylaporetimes.com/2022/05/1008-sanga-abhisekam-at-sri-ayyappan-temple-on-june-10/|title=1008 sanga-abhisekam at Sri Ayyappan Temple on June 10|date=31 May 2022|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Mylapore Times|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725084645/https://www.mylaporetimes.com/2022/05/1008-sanga-abhisekam-at-sri-ayyappan-temple-on-june-10/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Ayyappan Temple, Coimbatore|Coimbatore]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/out-of-box/onam-2023-devotees-throng-ayyappan-temple-in-coimbatore20230829144646/|title=Onam 2023: Devotees throng Ayyappan Temple in Coimbatore|date=29 August 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=ANI News|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725084636/https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/out-of-box/onam-2023-devotees-throng-ayyappan-temple-in-coimbatore20230829144646/|url-status=live}}</ref> While Ayyappa temples typically show him as a celibate yogi, a few temples such as the one at Achankovil Sastha Temple depict him as a married man with two wives Poorna and Pushkala, as well as a son Satyaka.<ref>{{cite book|author=K. Srikumaran|title=Theerthayathra: A Pilgrimage Through Various Temples|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FGvXAAAAMAAJ|year=2005|publisher=[[Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan]]|isbn=978-8-172-76363-3|pages=103, 120}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ky3GBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT127|title=The man who was a woman and other queer tales from Hindu lore|page=127|first=Devdutt|last=Pattanaik|author-link=Devdutt Pattanaik|year=2014|publisher=[[Routledge]]|isbn=978-1-317-76630-8}}</ref> Some of Ayyappa temples are believed to have been established by [[Parashurama]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Maria A. David|title=Beyond Boundaries: Hindu-Christian Relationship and Basic Christian Communities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YYlC_qF_eB0C&pg=PA9|year=2009|publisher=ISPCK|isbn=978-8-184-65001-3|page=9}}</ref> In [[Ponnambalamedu]] hillock in the Western Ghats, a ritual lighting of a large flame is carried out during [[Makaravilakku]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/kerala/the-light-on-markarsamkarama-day-an-aarti_751058.html|title=The light on Markarsamkarama day an 'aarti'|date=7 January 2012|work=[[Zee News]]|access-date=16 January 2013|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725084531/https://zeenews.india.com/news/kerala/the-light-on-markarsamkarama-day-an-aarti_751058.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Vavar mosque kerala.jpg|thumb|Vavar's mosque on the way to Sabarimala]]

Ayyappan remains one of the few deities in Hindu tradition, who is respected by other religious communities, including Muslims, and Christians.<ref name="Brit">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ayyappan|title=Ayyappan – Hindu deity|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]]|year=2014|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824015222/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ayyappan|url-status=live}}</ref> As per [[Government of Kerala]], there is a theory that the temple of Sabarimala was of Buddhist origin.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/Nov/12/sabarimala-temple-was-buddhist-temple-kerala-government-informs-high-court-1897240.html|title=Sabarimala Temple was Buddhist temple, Kerala government informs High Court|date=12 November 2018|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> Ayyappan is also revered by [[Islam in Kerala|Muslims in Kerala]] due to his association with Vavar.{{sfn|Laser|2014|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ho0gBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT63 63]}}<ref name="Encyclopedia"/> In this mythology, Ayyappa confronts the plunder-driven pirate robber Vavar in the jungle with Ayyappa defeating Vavar, who then becomes Ayyappa's trusted lieutenant helping fight other pirates and robbers.{{sfn|Kent|2013|p=81-86}} In another version, Vavar is stated to be a Muslim saint from Arabia, who works with him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/before-arriving-at-sabarimala-temple-in-kerala-devotees-visit-a-mosque/articleshow/50334905.cms|title=Before arriving at Sabarimala temple in Kerala, devotees visit a mosque|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|last1=Kumar|first1=KP Narayana|access-date=8 May 2021|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725084648/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/before-arriving-at-sabarimala-temple-in-kerala-devotees-visit-a-mosque/articleshow/50334905.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> A mosque dedicated to Vavar stands next to the Kadutha swami shrine at the foot of the pilgrimage path, both as a form of guardian deities. Pilgrims offer a prayer to both, before beginning the trek towards Sabarimala.{{sfn|Kent|2013|p=81-86}} According to Kent, the mosque does not contain mortal remains of Vavar though the mosque near Sabarimala includes a grave, and no one can date Vavar nor provide when and where he lived, so he may be a myth. The Vavar legend and ''palli'' shrines may reflect the Hindu approach to accepting and co-opting legendary figures or saints of other religions within its fold.<ref>{{cite book|author=Eliza Kent|title=Lines in Water: Religious Boundaries in South Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iYOiAgAAQBAJ|year=2013|publisher=Syracuse University Press|isbn=978-0-8156-5225-0|pages=84–88}}</ref>