Ayyappan

Also known as Ayyappa, Shastha, Sastha, Dharma Sastha, Hariharaputra, Manikanta, Dharma Shastha, Dharmasastha

Ayyappan, also known as Dharmasastha and Manikandan, is the Hindu deity of truth and righteousness. According to Hindu theology, he is described as the son of Shiva and Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu), thus representing a bridge between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Key facts

Deity.type: Hindu
Deity.name: Ayyappan
Deity.birthname: Manikandan
Deity.image: Ayyappa Swamy bazaar art, c.1950's.jpg
Deity.caption: Ayyappa(n) seated on a tiger
Deity.affiliation: Hinduism
Deity.god_of: God of truth, righteousness, self-discipline and celibacy
Deity.abode: Sabarimala
Deity.mantra: Swāmiye Śaraṇam Ayyappa
Deity.weapon: Bow and arrow, sword
Deity.mount: Tiger, stallion
Deity.symbols: Bell, bow and arrow
Deity.day: Saturday
Deity.gender: Male
Deity.father: Shiva
Deity.mother: Mohini
Deity.texts: Brahmanda Purana
Deity.festivals: Makaravilakku

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Wikidata facts

Image: Ayyappa Swamy bazaar art, c.1950's.jpg

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Commons category: Ayyappan

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Article

9 sections

Contents

Names and etymology
Iconography and depictions
Theology and historical development
Worship
Popular culture
See also
References
Bibliography
External links

Ayyappan is a warrior deity and is revered for his ascetic devotion to Dharma, the ethical and right way of living. He is usually depicted as a youthful man riding or near a Bengal tiger and holding a bow and arrow. In some representations, he is seen holding a sword and riding an Indian elephant or a horse. Other iconography generally shows him in a yogic posture wearing a bell around his neck.