Sri Ayapa

Sri Siva Vishnu Temple

6905 Cipriano Road

Lanham, Maryland 20706 USA

Voice: 301-552-3335 Fax: 301-552-1204

Email: ssvt@ssvt.org

Ayyappa is the son of Lord Siva and Mohini. Vishnu took the form of Mohini to

destroy a demon named Basmasura. Ayyappa stands for constructive destruction

which is a combination of Vishnu and Siva. He protects our spiritual wealth and

grace by maintaining the thought of godliness and destroys all other thoughts

pertaining to worldly infatuations. He is the symbol of unity among all sects of

Hinduism.

SLOKA/PRAYER

Loka Veeryam Mahaa Poojyam Sarva Rakshaakaram Vibhum

Parvathee Hirdya-anandham Saasthaaram pranamaamyaham

I bow to Lord Shasta (Ayyappa, the upholder of Dharma and Sastra) who gladdens

the heart of Parvathi. He is a peerless warrior who protects all. His glory is

great and He deserves great reverence and devoted worship.

AYYAPPA AT SSVT

In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, the Ayyappa shrine is built similar to the Ayyappa

temple at Sabarimala, with eighteen Holy steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum.

This is perhaps the only temple outside India with the eighteen Holy steps. As

in Sabarimala, associated shrines of Kannimula Ganapathi, Nagaraja, and

Maligapurathu Amma are also built behind the Ayyappa shrine. The idol is made of

panchaloha (five metals) in Chinmudra form. The architecture of the shrine

represents Kerala Style.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS

Saturdays and the star Uttiram are auspicious to Ayyappa. Panguni Uttiram, Vishu

and Makara Sankaranthi days are very important. Traditionally devotees observe

austerities during the Hindu months of Vrichiga and Dhanu.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Ghee Abishekam to Lord Ayyappa is very auspicious. Devotees observe vratham for

a mandalam (41 days) and carry irumudi* up the Eighteen Holy steps and perform

abishekams to Lord Ayyappa. Decorations with sandalwood powder and abishekam

with flowers are also performed. Appam, Paanakam and Aravanai Paayasam are

offered to Lord Ayyappa.

GAYATHRI

Boodha Naathaya Vidmahe Bavaputhraaya Dheemahi

Thanno Saastha Prachodayaath.

We worship Ayyappa, the son of Siva. Salutations to Saastha (Ayyappa). May that

Ayyappa stimulate our creative faculties.

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