Ayyappan is a popular warrior deity in Kerala. Ayyappan is a syncretic deity and the Hindu God of growth. It is for his ascetic devotion to Dharma including his daring abilities for yogic war to destroy the arbitrary, abusive and unethical who are powerful, his military genius and his right and ethical way of living, that he is revered to by devotees.
He is the son of Shiva and Mohini, Vishnu’s female avatar. He is also known as Sastavu, Dharma Shasta, Ayyappa, Manikanta or Hariharaputra. This syncretic deity is portrayed is committed to naishthika brahmacharya. He sports a bell around his neck.
In Kerala some Muslims honor him. Legends indicate that he defeats Vavar, a Muslim and gains his worship. When he was born he had powers of Vishnu and Shiva to face and defeat Mahishi the Buffalo headed demoness. A childless royal couple looked after and took care of him. He grew up to be a warrior or yogic champion of dharmic and moralistic living. He is shown with a Vaaji named horse in the Sabiramala temple and riding a tiger as per the South Indian version. Vaaji is featured on holy flag tree called the dwajastamba of Sabarimala.
Popularity of Ayyappan is significant in many areas of India with the Ayyappan shrine in Sabarimala, in Kerala being most prominent. During late December and early January, pilgrims in their millions visit this shrine to walk barefoot up the hill. As per historians, a historical relationship is shared by Ayyappan with Aiyanar, the Tamil deity. Makar Sankranti (Makaravilakku) is an important festival linked with Ayyapan.
