Harivasanam

Hari Harathmaja Ashtakam

“Harivarasanam was written by Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer. In 1955, Swami Vimochananad recited this Ashtakam for the first time at Sabarimala. Sannidhanam, in early 1940s, 50s and 60s , was just wild jungle which few pilgrims visited. It is understood that a VR Gopala Menon of Alapuzha used to stay on at Sannidhanam even when the temple was closed. He built a shack and stayed there even when no human being was anywhere nearwhere nearby during those days when the temple was closed. It was said that the wild animals never troubled him and that he used to feed the wildest of animals.

Some years later, when Devaswom Board was formed, it seems ,he was asked to move out. He died as an orphan of the world at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar. He was the only companion to Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri (an old Mel Santhi of Sannidhanam) in those wild old days of solitude and dedication. Revered Menon used to recite `Harivarasanam' with all devotion. It was with immense grief that Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri heard about the demise of Revered Menon. At that end of the pooja that day, when he was about to close the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, he remembered Revered Menon and recited Harivarasanam starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day.

Harivarasanam is recited just prior to closing of the temple doors at night. As the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis leave the Sanctum Sanctorum one by one. As the song ends, only the Mel Santhi is inside the Sreekoil. He extinguishes the lamps one by one and closes the doors for the night after the last lamp is extinguished.”

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Repository of Hari’s boons,
Enchanter of universe,
Essence of Hari’s grace,
He whose holy feet is worshipped,
He who kills enemies of good thought,
He who daily dances the cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Saranakirtanam Bakhtamanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam
Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who likes song of refuge,
He who is in the mind of devotees,
He who is the great ruler,
He who loves to dance,
He who shines like the rising sun,
He who is king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham
Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He whose soul is truth,
He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created universe,
He who shines with a glittering Halo,
He who is the temple of “OM”,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Thuragavahanam Sundarananam
Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham
Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who rides a horse,
He who has a pretty face,
He who has the blessed mace as weapon,
He who bestows grace like a teacher,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam
Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam
Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who is worshiped by the three worlds,
He who is the soul of all gods,
He who is the lord of Shiva,
He who is worshipped by devas,
He who is who is worshipped three times a day,
He whose thought is fulfilling,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who destroys fear,
He who brings prosperity,
He who is enchanter of universe,
He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides a white elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam
Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who blesses with enchanting smile,
He who has is very pretty,
He who is adorned by sandal paste,
He who has a pretty mien,
He who is a like a lion to the elephants,
He who rides on a tiger,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.


Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam
Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

He who is dear to his devotees,
He who fulfills wishes,
He who is praised by Vedas,
He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the essence of Vedas,
He who enjoys divine music,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Harivarasanam Song - Mp3 Download

http://rapidshare.com/files/167148554/Harivarasanam.mp3

Harivarasanam Song Video

Saranam Ayyappa

Swamy Ayyappa, the lord who controls the universe against the evils. He is the incarnation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

The Avatar

Once, a demon by name Basmasura worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained a boon that he whomsoever he touches on the head will become ashes. The demon wants to test the effect of the boon on Lord Shiva and He started chasing him. Lord Shiva requested Lord Vishnu to intervene and Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini and in a dance seuel made Basmasura to touch his own head which put him to death. The passion of Lord Shiva towards Mohini resulted the birth of Hariraputra. He is the popularly known as Ayyappa.Lord Ayyappa seated on a tiger atop the hill on a hill known as Sabarigiri later noted as Sabarimala.

By worshipping Swamy Ayyappa one who is facing troubles of visible and invisible will ward away. To worship Swamy Ayyappa is a difficicult one compared with others.

Sabarimala temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, social status or nationality. The pilgrims undergo 41 days of fast to cleanse the mind. He carries on his head, the holy ghee for the Lord's Abisheka filled in coconut in "Irumudi" (two compartment cloth bag).

The temple is open only to males and menopaused females (beyond 50 years of age) and little girls below 10 years of age. This is because the Lord is a chaste yogi in Sabarimala. The male pilgrims are called 'Ayyappan' and the female pilgrims are called 'Malikappuram'.

The shrine is open only during specific period in a year. It is open from Mid- November to Mid-January and for first five days of every Malayalam month.

The important places the pilgrims crosses between Erumeli and Sannidhanam are

1. Erumeli



It is about 65 km from Kottayam. There are shrines for Lord Dharmasastha and Vavar Swamy (the Muslim lieutenant of Lord Ayyappa).The first timers to Sabarimala, called Kanniswamy, perform pettatullal. Pettatullal is painting the face with colours
and dancing with wooden weapons to make one look odd.




The essence of this practice is to give up ones ego and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. They go round the Ayyappan Temple and Vavar Shrine and later bathe in the river. Then the temple is visited again to seek authorization from Lord Ayyappa to tread the sacred hill Sabari. Later the pilgrims leave Erumeli under the guidance of their Guru for Sannidhanam.

2).Perur Thodu



It is a river about 4 km from Erumeli. Lord Ayyappa rested here during his expedition. It is from here the rise begins. Giving alms here is important. By giving alms, one is disposing of all dharma and seeking asylum in Ayyappa. The forest beyond Perur Thodu is poongavanam (Ayyappan's garden).

3). Kalaketti



About 10 km from Perur Thodu is Kalaketti. The legend says that Lord Shiva, Ayyappa's father, came on his ox and tied it here and witnessed Lord Ayyappa killing Mahishi. There is a shrine where the pilgrims light camphor and break coconuts.

4). Azhutha



Azhutha river, a tributary of Pampa, is about 2 km from Kalaketti. On the far side of the river is the steep Azhutha hill, famous for its arduous track. In the ascent of 2 km of steep climb there is hardly anyone who does not shed tears. At the summit of Azhutha is Kallidumkunnu. The pilgrims drop the pebble taken by them from
Azhutha river here. This is done as the mortal remains of Mahishi was cast off here and filled with stones.

5). Inchipparakota

The next important place is the Inchipparakota where there is Kotayil Sastha shrine. Pilgrims offer prayers here and break coconuts. From here the pilgrims descent the slippery path carefully. The descent ends at Karimala thodu (canal) with Azhutha hill on one side and Karimala hill on the other. Pilgrims rest here for a while.

6). Karimala



Karimala is the abode of elephants which visits the Karimala canal to drink water. Pilgrims light the aazhi (campfire) to protect themselves from wild animals and cold weather. Karimala hill consists of seven levels and is climbed in stages. As the ascent of 5 km is difficult the pilgrims continuously chant saranams.

On top of Karimala the terrain is flat suitable for the pilgrims to rest. It is interesting to see the Nazhikkinar - a well within a well with fresh spring like water. There deities of Karimalanthan, Kochukaduthaswami and Karimala Bhagawathi. From here after the exhausting descent, Pampa river is about 5 kms.

7). Pampa



Pampa is the most important and holy spot on the way to Sannidhanam. It is here Lord Ayyappa was found by King Rajasekara. The Pampa river is as holy as the Ganges. The Pampa water purifies one from curse and evil.

Pampa Feast :

Pampa Annadhanam (feast) and Pampa Vilakku are important rituals followed at the Pampa bank. Pilgrim groups prepare feast with the provisions taken from the Irumudi of the pilgrims. Thousands of pilgrims are fed at Pampa. When a group of pilgrims are ready to fed the fellow pilgrims they display a large papad outside their cottage. It is usually the kanniswamy who are fed first, as they are considered to be Lord Ayyappan himself. After the feast the Guru is honoured by pilgrims prostrating him and offering him the Gurudakshina.

Kanni Ayyappas move from kitchen to kitchen collecting the ashes which are considered to be very sacred. It is done with the belief that Lord Ayyappa would have had the feast in one of the cottages in the disguise of a pilgrim. The ash is taken home as prasad.

Pampa Vilakku :

On sunset pilgrim believe that Lord Ayyappan will be present at the banks of Pampa and the cottages are decorated with lights and candles. Small floats are decorated with lights called Pampa Vilakku are let in the Pampa river.

The next morning after a dip in the cold Pampa river and performing pitru tarpanam (offering to ones departed soul) the pilgrims start their ascent towards the hill Neelimala after worshipping at the temple of Lord Ganapathi, Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. On the foot of the Neeli hill is the representative of the King of Pandalam. The pilgrims offer their respects to the representative. After seeking the permission of the representative to visit the shrine of Lord Ayyappa they proceed with their journey. From here the Sannidhanam is about 7 km.



The neeli mala hill is as difficult as the Azhutha and Karimala. The top of Neeli hill is called Appachi medu. Here there are two abysses - Appachi kuzhi and Ippachi kuzhi. Kanniswamy throw rice balls here to calm down the evil spirits present around the place. From this point the ground is almost even. Some distance from here is the Sabari peetam.

Sabari Peetam :



This was the Kota where Shri Sabari, in Sri Rama's era, performed Tapas. Pilgrims worship here breaking coconuts, firing crackers and lighting camphor.

8). Saramkuthi



Half way between Sabari Peetam and Sannidhanam is Saramkuthi. Kanniswamy leave the wooden arrow they picked from Erumeli here.

9). Pathunettampadi



The holy Patinettampadi (18 steps) is 15 minute walk from Saramkuthi. The Golden steps is such a magnificent sight. Pilgrims chant saranams loudly. After breaking the coconut they climb the 18 steps to have the darshan of Lord Ayyappa

List of Ayyappan Temples in India and Abroad

These famous temples were consecrated by 'Parsuraman'.

Kerala

It is interesting to note that the `Pratishtas' (Idols) at these temples vary from each other in its representative forms, i.e the Kulathupuzha idol depicts Sastha as a child, Aryankavu idol depicts Sastha as young man, Achankovil idol depicts God as a Gruhasthshrami with his wives Poorna and Pushkala while the idol at Sabarimala depicts Sastha as a totally celibate God in meditation.

Kulathupuzha

'Sastha' is depicted here as a child. The rivers in front of the temple are inhabited by various varieties of fish. The most important vazhipadu in this temple is to provide food for the fish in these rivers. The 'Matsya' kanyakas saw 'Bala Sastha' undergoing penance at this location. Due to their intense devotion, 'Sastha' decided to adopt the life style of these 'Matsya' kayakas. It is due to this fact that offering feed to the fishes is an important part of the ritual of this temple.

Aryankavu

In this temple, Sastha is depicted in his youthful image, as a young man, sitting with his leg leg folded and right extended, on an elephant. Within the four walls of the temple, rituals are conducted in accordance with Malayali traditions. During the 'Ultsavam' days Tamil traditions are followed. On the eight day of the festival was the proposed 'thalikettu' ceremony and it was that time that it was learnt that the bride had become a 'Rithumathi ' (gets her 'Periods') . Therefore 'Thalikettu' is not performed here.

It is believed that that the Devi, sitting on the 'mambazha thara' was brought by Saurashtriyans for the marriage. Sadya is offered. On 9th Dhanu, 'Pandyan Mudippu' and on 10th Dhanu, 'Thrikalyanam' is performed here. 'Kumbhabhishkeham' is performed on the 11th of Dhanu.

Achankovil

In this temple, Sastha is depicted 'gruhasthashrami' or a family man. Sitting in with his hand extended in 'Chinmudra' posture, in his palm he has sandalwood and holy water. These are used as antidotal divine medicine to cure snake bites. In this region, any one who gets bitten by snakes is taken to the temple and not to a hospital. Even at midnight, if a snake bite victim is brought to thee temple, and the temple bells are rung, the 'nada' is immediately opened to attend to the victim.

The construction of this temple was completed iIn Malayalam year of 1106, Makaram 12th. Pratishta dinam Ulsavam is on Makaram (Revathi nakshatram) of every year. The temple festival is held from Dhanu 1st to 10th every year. The temple is located in the midst of a forest. The approach to this temple is through Shenkotta (Tamilnadu) or via Pathanapuram (Alimukku)

Andhra Pradesh

Anaparthi

Ayyappa Swami Temple, Canal Road, Anaparthi
Bhimavaram

Ayyappa Swami Temple, Gunupudi, Bhimavaram
Ayyappa Swami Temple, Suryanarayana puram.Bhimavaram

Dwarapudi

Ayyappa Swami Temple, Canal Road, Dwarapudi

Hyderabad/Secunderabad

Ayyappa Temple, Bharat Nagar, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Bolarum, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, BHEL, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, GTS Colony, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, HAL Colony, Balanagar, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Lal Bazar, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Metluguda, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Nalla Kunta, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Srininagar Colony, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Tirumal giri, Hyderabad
Ayyappa Temple, Vivekananda Nagar Colony, Kukat Palli, Hyderabad
Kakinada

Ayyappa Swami Temple, Bani Gudi Jn, Kakinada

Palakollu

Ayyappa Swami Temple, Palakollu
Vijayawada

Ayyappa Swami Temple, Gollapudi, Vijayawada
Yanamalakuduru,Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatanam

Ayyappa Swami Temple, Sheela Nagar, NH5, Vishakapatanam


Delhi

Delhi - RK Puram Sector II (1975)
Delhi - Pushpa Vihar, Sector VI, New Delhi 110017
Sree Ayyappa Temple, (Managed by Sree Dharma Sastha Sewa Samajam, Rohini), CSC 9, Sector 7, Rohini
Delhi 110 085 (Phone : +91 11-27052015 Website: http://www.rohiniayyappa.com

Gujarat

Veraval - Sri Ayyappa temple
Rajkot.
Ahmedabad.
Wadi - Sri Ayyappa Tample (with Panchaloha Prathistha)

Haryana

Ayyappan Temple, Sector -3, Faridabad
Ayyappan Temple, Sector 23, Faridabad


Karnataka

Bangalore - Jalahalli (1970)
Bangalore - HAL Ayyappan Temple
Bangalore - Sri Rama Temple Road, New Thippasandra
Bangalore - Subbanna Palayam, Banaswadi Main Road
Bangalore - Vijanapura, Near KR Puram Rly Stn
Bangalore - Ayyappan Temple, 9th Cross, Magadi Road 560023
Bangalore - Sri Ayyappan Temple,Patel Gundappa Block,JC Nagar, (Munireddypalayam) , Bangalore - 560 006 (Phone: +91 80 3333352)
Bangalore - Ayyappa temple, Vasantanagar
Bangalore - Ayyappa temple, Kalasipalayam
Bangalore - Ayyappa temple, Vannarpet
Bangalore - Ayyappa temple, Suddhaguntapalayam
Bangalore - Ayyappa temple, Malleshwaram
Bangalore - Ayyappa Temple, 7th Block Jayanagar
Bangalore - Ayyappa Temple, Banashankari
Bangalore - Ayyappa Temple, Shamanna Gowda Layout, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560008
Bangalore - Swamy Ayyappan Seva Trust,Sudhamanagar,Bangalore-560027
Bangalore - Ayyappa Temple,Madiwala
Bangalore - Sree Ayyappa Temple Trust,194,Banasawadi Main Road,Subbanapalya,Maruthi Sevanagar, Bangalore,Karnataka, INDIA. PIN - 560 033.Phone: +(91)-(80)-25457593
Coorg - Ayyapppa Temple - Kanoor road, Kothur, South Coorg 571216
Davangere - Ayyappan Temple, BIET College Road
Mysore - Ayyappa Temple - Foot of Chamundi Hills, Ooty Road
Ayyappa temple at Anepalya near Madiwala, Bangalore

Madhya Pradesh

Amoondra - Belaram Ayyappan Temple (1975),Bhilai,Bilaspur, Gwalior (1976), Jhansi (1977), Raipur-Tatibandh
Sree Ayyappa and Ganesh Temple, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Near Bombay Hospital, Ring Road, Indore
Ayyappa Temple - Barkheda, Bhopal , Madhya Pradesh
Ayyappa temple - Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal - Madhya Pradesh
Ayyappagiri, Inside Ordnance Factory Premises, Old Ambarnath,Ambarnath
Ayyappa Temple, Near Punjabi Colony,Opp. Jawahar Hotel, Follower Lane,Ulhasnagar - 421003.

Maharashtra

Ayyappa Temple, Ayyappa Nagar,Goregaon(West)(Regular bus services available from Goregaon Station to the temple)
Ayyappa Temple, Barunagar (1983)
Ayyappa Temple, Off S.V.Road, Borivili West
Ayyappa Temple, Shell Colony, Chembur, Mumbai
Ayyappa Temple, Kalyan, Mumbai
Ayyappa Temple, Musco Colony, PO Jagdish Nagar, Khopoli, Raigad, Maharashtra-410216
Ayyappa Temple , Nerul, New Mumbai
Ayyappa Temple , Panvel, New Mumbai
Ayyappa Temple , Shivaji Nagar, Govandi, Mumbai - 400043
Ayyappa Temple, Vasai, Mumbai
Ayyappa Temple, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Alpanakav Temple, Saki Naka, Mumbai
Guruvayur Temple, Dombivili, Mumbai
Mini Ayyappa Temple, Mumbai (1972)
Mini Sabari Mala (1986), C/oShree Ayyappa Seva Sangam,Sector 8B,CBD Belapur,Navi Mumbai-400614
Ayyappa Temple, Anushakti Nagar (Babha Atomic Research Centre Staff Quarters),Mumbai.
Ayyapa Temple, Pattan Chawl, Hanuman Nagar,Kandivili (East),Mumbai-400101
Shree Ayyappa Temple c/o Shree Ayyappa Pooja Samithy,Shree Ayyappa Temple Complex, Shree Ayyappa Temple Road,Sane Guraji Nagar, Lalchakki, Ulhasnagar, Mumbai 421004
Subramaniam Temple ( Ayyapan Idol) - Chembur, Mumbai
Ayyappa Temple. Sastha Hills Dehu Road, Pune - 412101 www.ayyappatemplepune.com
Thane - Varthak Ayyappa Temple(1990)
Shree Ayyappa Temple, Plot No.6a & 6b,Sector-6E, Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai-410 218, Maharashtra,
Phone: +91 22 7420504 (Mob) +91 (0) 98216 12161, President : Shri Padmanabhan Pattani
Ayyappa Temple, Range Hills, Kirki, Pune
Ayyappa Temple, Jaimala Nagar, Sangvi, Pune
Ayyappa Temple, Bhosari, Pune
Ayyappagiri, Inside Ordnance Factory Premises, Old Ambarnath,Ambarnath.
Ayyappa Temple, Near Punjabi Colony,Opp. Jawahar Hotel, Follower Lane,Ulhasnagar - 421003.


Orissa

Rourkela - Ayyappa Temple, Temple Complex, Sector-3, Rourkela


Punjab

Lord Ayyappa Temple at Ludhiana - Further details awaited.

Rajasthan

Ayyappa Temple,Mahaveer Nagar,Tonk Road,Jaipur (Rajasthan) (Phone:+91 141 2549788)
Shri Dharma Sastha Temple at Devi Nagar, Kamal Vihar Extn. Shyam Nagar P.O. Jaipur 302019

Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Devi Nagar, Kamal Vihar Extn., Shyam Nagar P.O., Jaipur 302019 .Phone No. +91-141-5140987. The temple was consecrated in 2001 and is managed by Sree Dharmasastha Trust, Jaipur exclusively. It was built under the architectural advice from the illustrious Kanippayoor Shri Krishnan Namboothiri and Thantri of this temple. The thantri is Brahmashri Kataru Maheshwararu, the seniormost thamtri of the holy shrine at Sabarimala. Shrines of Lord Ganeshya, Nagaraja-nagyakshi and Ashtanagas, Navgrahas and Ma Annapoorneshwari are also included in typical Kerala style of 'Mahashetram'. In addition to Udayashtamana pooja, on all Saturdays and important festive events Bhajana followed by distribution of Annaprasadam are conducted here. Six days Thiru Utsavam (Kodiyettu, Pallivetta, Aaratu) comes during June-July (Kodiyettu on Choti nashatram of Mithuna Masam). Rituals during these All these six days Thiru Utsavam’s are conducted under the august guidance of Thantri Maheswaru. A 'Kodimaram, Main Gate, Ashtadikpalakargal, Balikkal, etc. are under construction and will be started soon.

Sree Ayyappa Temple, (Shree Dharmasatha Sewa Samiti (Regd. Jaipur), Mahaveer Nagar, Gopalpura Bye-Pass, Tonk Road, Jaipur : 302 028 (Rajasthan, Tel: +91-141-2549788, E-mail: ayyappatemple@rediffmail.com
The Shrine is located in the south side of Pinkcity (7 Kms from Jaipur Junction Railway Station & Sindhi Camp Bus Stand, 4 kms from Jaipur Sanganer Airport).Buses, Government owned as well private, ply frequently and regularly to Gopalpura from different parts of Jaipur. So, transport connectivity to this tempel is good. Built similar in architecture to the most famous and prominent Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Temple.This is the first and the only temple of its kind in North India with eighteen Holy steps similar to that of Sabarimala Temple. The pranaprathishta of this temple was consecrated on 14th January, 1986 by Shri Attupurathu Govindan Nambhoothiri. Shrines of Lord Ganesh Ji, Devi Bhadrakaali, Navagrahas are also included in archetypal style of Kerala's Mahakshetram. The temple has its own Golden Thidambu of Lord Ayyappa & Nettippattam for the purpose of Ezhunnellathu (Procession of Lord Ayyappa) during Makara Vilakku Mahotsavam.Extensive daily Poojas are being performed in the Temple. On all important festival days including on all Saturdays, Mahadeeparadhana followed by Bhajana are performed with distribution of Annaprasadam to all Devotees in the Temple premises. Conducting Akhandanamayagnam on every second Sundays and Sarvaishwarya Pooja on every third Sundays in the Temple regularly are other attractions. The Three days celebration of Thiru-Utsavam of the temple from 12th to 14th January every year with special poojas, archana, Homam, Kalasham etc. with the presence and under the guidance of Temple's acharyan Brahmashree Akkiraman Kalidasa Bhattathirippad. This is followed by Annaprasadam on all days (a feast in all respects). All persons,irrespective of caste, creed or religion, are attracted to this temple. The temple art and other cultural events during the festive days are the reflection of the ancient culture and tradition of Kerala. The shrine is opened between 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on all days. Regular Bhajana followed by Annaprasadam is being performed throughout the Mandalakaalam. The foundation stone of the temple was laid down on Thiruvonam Day of Chingam i.e. on 07.09.1984. The important festivals like Mahashivarathri, Painkuni Uttram, Vishu, Sree Rama Navami, Naga Panchami, Karkkidakavavu, Aavanippiravu, Athachamayam, Vinayak Chathurthi, Thiruvonam, Janmashtami, Navarathra, Mandala Pooja, Karthikavilakku, Mandala Vilakku etc. are celebrating more colourfully and with great attractions.

Tamilnadu

Achankovil

In the temple at Achankovil, Lord Dharma Shasta is worshipped in the aspect of Manikanda Shastha with His two Divine Consorts, Poorna and Pushkala. Here the Lord is depicted in the aspect of a householder. The names of the consorts indicate they have symbolic meaning. Two priests offer the Poojas. According to tradition the great sage Parasurama installed the idol in the temple at the time when he installed the five Shastas and a Bagavathi to protect the Western Ghats and the related regions.

The holy Eighteen steps are not as steep as in Sabarimalai, and are guarded by Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga, instead of Periya Kadutha Swamy and Chinna Karuppu Swamy. The well in temple is supposed to carry an herbal plant underneath called Neela Koduveli, which is an antidote to poisons. The abhisheka thirtham, the sacred water with medicinal properties, and the sandalwood prasadam are giving relief in physical ailments and spiritual solace to thousands. Therefore the Lord is also considered as Danvantharamoorthy, the Divine Physician. Outside the western gate, on a mount, there is a temple of Goddess Bhagavathi.

Extensive poojas are performed in the temple on Fridays. There are also shrines of Lord Krishna, Goddess Bagavathi and Kannimula Maha Ganapathy. There is a Swayambhu Nagaraja, the self-formed Serpent Deity, which is vibrant with immense mystic power. The Kodimaram, the temple flag-staff with Ashtadikpalakargal, the Guardian Deities of the eight quarters, on it is in the final stages of having a gold covering. The temple is getting ready for renovation during the Uttaraayana. Facing the shrine of Lord Shasta there is the temple, Karuppuswamy Kovil.

The shrine is located amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats in between Senkottai (28 Kms from the temple) and Ranni (40 Kms from the temple). The place is about 12 kms away from Sabarimala by a forest route - a very difficult route indeed. People in Achankovil speak both Tamil and Malayalam.

The shrine is open between 0500 Hrs to 1230 Hrs IST and 1700 Hrs to 2030 Hrs IST. Buses ply frequently to Achankovil from Punalur, Pattinamitta and Senkottai.

Chennai - Anna Nagar (Opp KHM Hospital, Near Anna Nagar Tower,Anna Nagar (West), Chennai)
Chennai - Avadi (Bhaktavatchalapuram,HVF,CVD and Air Force)
Chennai - Kodambakkam
Chennai - KK Nagar
Chennai - Madipakkam
Chennai - Mahalingapuram (18, Sir Madhavan Nair Road,Mahalingapuram, Chennai-600 034, Tel: +91-44-8171197)
Chennai - Poonamalee
Chennai - Raja Annamalaipuram (Swami Ayyappan Temple Trust,, Raja Anamalaipuram, Chennai 600 028,Tel: +91-44-4938239)
Chennai - T Nagar
Coimbatore - Siddputhur Ayyappa Temple
Kanyakumari Temple (Within the main temple - 1955)
Ayyappan Temple, Kancheepuram (at the premises of Sree Narayana Sevashram, Kancheepuram 631302). The President of the Mutt is Swami Chidaroopananda (Phone +91 -?? - 223498/225624)
Mahalingapuram (1974)
Ayyappan temple,Chinnappa Nagar,Pudukkottai, TamilNadu-622001
Ramanathapuram(1971)
Salurkankayam (1981)
Shri Bhoosastha Kavu - Vishnupuram, Suchindram PO, Kanya Kumari Dist, Taminadu 629704 (located near Vishnupuram about 2.0 km from Suchindram and is surrounded by paddy fields.)
Sri Kalakodi Dharma Sastha Temple, Karakurichi, Trinelveli, Tamil Nadu.
Contact R. Narayanasarma, 2/100, East Street, Karukurichi-627417, ph:04634-260270, 09443432654 Trichy (Near court building)
Trichirapalli Dist (Arul Migu Sri Ayyappan Aalayam, Valanadu Kaikatty, Pirampatty (Post), Manaparai (t.k), Trichirappalli Dist, Tamilnadu 621305: Location : (Trichy-Madurai {via. Viralimalai} Highway)
Trichirapalli (Dist): (Sri Ayyappan Temple, Kovilpatty, Nr. Govt. Boys hostel, Kovilpatty Post,Manaparai (t.k), Trichirapalli Dist, Tamil Nadu 621 305: Location : (Trichy-Madurai {via. Viralimalai} Highway)

Uttar Pradesh

Hardwar - Ayyappa Temple
Kanpur, Near Air Force Station Chakeri (1987)
Kasi - Thilbandeshwar, Varanasi (Kasi) (It was the first Ayyappa temple in North India, and was established by Swami Vimochananda. The same Swamiji established the Ayyappa Temple in Hardwar, the second Ayyappa Temple in North India).
Lucknow - Lord Ayyappa Temple, Ayyappa Marg, Gomthi Nagar,Lucknow
Shree Ayyappa Temple, Brij Vihar, Chander Nagar PO, Ghaziabad (The temple was consecrated in 1995 and is managed by Shree Ayyappa Pooja Samiti, Brij Vihar)
Noida, Ayyappa Swamy Temple, C-47 Sector 62, Noida,U.P. India

West Bengal

Kolkata - Saastha Samooham, 42 Lake Avenue, Kolkata- 700 026

Ayyappan Temples Abroad

Australia

Sydney Sri Ayyappa Swami Centre. Corner of Rochester Street and Burlington Road, Homebush Primary School Hall, Homebush, Sydney

Poojas and Bhajans held every Saturday evening 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Canada

Sri Ayyappa Samajam in Scarborough, Ontario Canada, have recently acquired 5.5 Acres of land to build and operate a large Ayyappan Temple.

France

Ayyappa Temple In France, Saint-Denis, Near Paris (The Upadevatas are Ganapathy, Lakshmi Narayanan, Achan Kovil Ayyappa, Koulathupuzhai Balagan, Aryankavu Ayyan). This temple is famous for it's milk abhishekham.

Malaysia

Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple, 80, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa,,411 00 Klang Selongo
(Idol being installed by Feb 2003)

Ayyappan Temple, Sri Maha Marriamman Temple , Jalan Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia

Taiping, Perak

Om Sakthi Sivanandha Arulnandha Muniswarar Temple, Simpang Halt,34700 Simpang, Taiping Perak, Malaysia.

Waterfall Ayyappan Temple, Waterfall Road, Penang, Malaysia

Singapore

Ayyappan Shrine (Holy Tree Sri Balasubramaniam Temple) - Yishun Town

Ayyappan Shrine (Sri Shiva-Krishnan Temple) - Woodlands Town

Ayyappan Shrine (Sri Muneeswaran Temple) - Queensway

Ayyappan Shrine (Sri Arulmigu Vel Murugan Gana Muneeswaran Temple), Sengkang

Ayyappan Shrine (Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple) - Toa Payoh

Ayyappan Shrine (Sri Ramar Temple) - Changi

Ayyappan Shrine (Sri Murugan Thirukundram Temple) - Bukit Timah

South Africa

Ayyappa Kshetram, Pretoria, South Africa

UK

Sree Ayyappan Temple, 36 Masons Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 5AR, UK.
http://www.londonayyappa.org (Opened on 13th December 2002)(Run by Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangham (London) (Phone : +447888846854)

USA

Sri Venkateswara Temple ((Balaji Mandir) & Community Center (with a section for Ayyapan with the Pathinettam Padi), 780 Old Farm Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Ph:001 (908) 725-4477

Ayyappa Shrine at the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Cleveland Ohio, 7733 Ridge Rd, Parma, Ohio 44129, Phone:(440) 888-9433

Ayyappa Shrine, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Balaji Temple of Greater Chicago, 1145 West Sullivan Rd., Aurora, IL 60506 USA.Tel#: (630)-844-2252

Ayyappa shrine at The Sri Siva Vishnu Temple at Lanham MD

Ayyappa Shrine at the Ganapathy Temple of Flushing, 4557 Bowne St, Flushing, New York, USA 11355, Phone: (718) 460-8484, NY (Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganapathi Temple of Flushing, NY)

Ayyappa Shrine at ,Bharatiya Hindu Temple, 3671, Hyatts Rd, Powell, Ohio, USA 43065 Ph 740-369-0717 and Columbus, OH (Ayyappa has been placed in the same shrine as the Sivalingam).

Lord Ayyappan Shrine (coming up shortly) at Sri Venkateswara Temple Complex (Malibu Temple) Southern California, USA

Ayyappa Temple located within Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland, Houston, Texas, USA

Parashakti Mandir, 551 W. Kennett, Pontiac, Michigan 48340 (Phone +91 1 248 - 322-4731
E-mail: omshakthi@parashakthitemple.org

Ayyappa Sannidhi in 'Omkara Mahaganapathy' Temple at 4309 Midway Drive, Temple, Texas 76502. (The main deity is Ganapathy). Every month pooja is performed on the Saturday close to the monthly Sabarimala pooja. This pooja has now become a very popular function attracting more and more devotees each month. December 2003 pooja is on the 20th and Jan 2004 is on the 16th and 17th. The priest is Sri Sreeram Hariharan. Please view our web-site http://, www.hindutemple.org

Ayyappa Mandir, The Hindu Temple Of Minnesota, 10530 Troy Ln N Maple Grove Minnesota 5531
http://www.hindumandirmn.org

Sri Lakshmi Temple,Ashland Massachusetts USA. Lord Ayyappa's idol is also installed there.
Monthly abhishekam on the 1st Saturday of every month. Special poojas every Saturday during Ayyappa mandala season culminating in the ascent of the specially erected 18 steps on the 2nd Saturday of January of every years since 2001.(Contact K.G. Narayana 508 881 9585)