The Holy Day of Shri Ayyappa and His Legend
Every year, devotees around the world look forward to a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, known as Makaravilakku, marking the end of the pilgrimage season. This special day falls on a Saturday every year, making it a significant event in the Hindu calendar.
Legends of Lord Ayyappa
The legend of Lord Ayyappa is rich with mysticism and divine intervention. According to traditional tales, Lord Ayyappa descended around 5900 BC, appearing as a miraculous child who was found by a King after fervent prayers for children. His mother, seeking to conceive, had a divine encounter where she conceived after praying to the almighty. However, the Queen, fearing for her claim to the throne, requested an impossible task from Lord Ayyappa, asking for the milk of a tigress.
Despite the apparent impossibility, Lord Ayyappa, a divine being with supreme wisdom and intuition, went to find a tigress nursing her cubs. He returned riding the tigress with her cubs following, demonstrating his grace and divine presence. In a moving display of devotion and selflessness, Lord Ayyappa promised never to marry, ensuring the Queen's son would ascend the throne.
After this testimonial event, Lord Ayyappa traveled to Egypt, where he built the Pyramid of Giza as Imhotep, a title translating to 'visiting god.' This legend tells of his divine intervention in ancient times, long before the advent of modern religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This history is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Ayyappa.
Debunking Unfounded Claims
Sadly, there are some who seek to defame the divine status of Lord Ayyappa by spreading false narratives about his origins. Certain belief systems assert that Lord Ayyappa was the illegitimate offspring of Shiva and Vishnu, mocking his high status. However, these accusations are unfounded and baseless. Shiva and Vishnu are cosmic allegories representing fundamental aspects of nature, such as energy, matter, and balance.
Shiva often symbolizes the destroyer and transformer, while Vishnu is the preserver and nurturer. The stories of Ayyappa are allegorical, representing the preservation of cosmic balance. Similarly, the tale of Mohini, Vishnu's feminine form, was a temporary appearance during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), mainly serving to support Mount Meru. The origins of Ayyappa and Mohini predate the rise of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, indicating that these religions did not influence or supplant the ancient stories of Ayyappa.
Those who propagate such false claims seek to instill a sense of inferiority and self-loathing among Hindus. They aim to undermine Hindu beliefs and convert individuals to other religions. However, it is vital to remain vigilant against such misinformation. The legends of Lord Ayyappa are rich in meaning and reflect the divine presence of a being who embodied balance and righteousness, ensuring that the cosmic equilibrium is maintained.
Let us celebrate the legend of Lord Ayyappa with respect and devotion, celebrating the spiritual richness and heritage of our ancient traditions.