A devotional puja of Lord Shiva with jal abhishek, bel patra and Panchakshari mantra, simple, meaningful and suited to Mondays, Sawan and Pradosh.
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Lord Ayyappa
Ayyappa Puja
Worship of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala, traditionally performed during the Mandala season and by devotees observing deeksha.
In-person2 to 4 hoursAlso: Ayyappa Swamy PujaAlso: Ayyappa Padi Puja
Overview
What is Ayyappa Puja?
Ayyappa Puja is the worship of Lord Ayyappa, also called Dharma Sastha and Manikanta, the deity of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Every year, from around November to January, lakhs of devotees across South India keep a strict deeksha of prayer, simplicity and discipline before making the pilgrimage.
Devotees on deeksha and their families often hold an Ayyappa Padi Puja at home or in a community hall, in which a small shrine with eighteen steps is set up, lamps are lit on each step and bhajans are sung late into the evening. Puja is also performed at the start of the deeksha when the mala is worn, and before the Irumudi is tied for the journey.
Ayyappa devotion is strong in Hyderabad, where many Telugu families and devotees observe the deeksha each season. The Pandit follows the traditions your group or family is used to.
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha, nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā.
Significance
Lord Ayyappa is traditionally described as the son of Shiva and Mohini, the female form of Vishnu. He is honoured as a celibate yogi and as the protector of dharma.
The eighteen steps of Sabarimala, known as Pathinettam Padi, are understood by devotees to represent qualities and stages that a seeker must rise above. The chant Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa expresses complete surrender to the Lord.
Who performs it
- Devotees beginning or observing the Ayyappa deeksha
- Families and groups hosting a Padi Puja during the Mandala season
- Devotees preparing to tie the Irumudi before the pilgrimage
- Anyone who wishes to worship Lord Ayyappa at home
When to perform
- During the Mandala season, roughly mid November to late December
- Around Makara Vilakku on Makar Sankranti
- At the start of the deeksha, when the mala is worn
- Before the Irumudi kettu ceremony
- On Saturdays, which many devotees associate with Ayyappa
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek Lord Ayyappa's blessings for the deeksha and pilgrimage
- Devotees associate his worship with discipline, simplicity and surrender
- Brings families and devotee groups together in bhajan and prayer
- A respectful way to begin or conclude the deeksha
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Setting up the shrine
An image of Lord Ayyappa is placed at the top of a shrine, often with eighteen steps decorated with flowers and lamps for Padi Puja.
- 2
Ganesh Pujan and sankalpam
The puja begins with Ganesh Pujan and a sankalpam for the devotees and families taking part.
- 3
Abhishekam and alankaram
Abhishekam is performed where the tradition allows, followed by alankaram with flowers and sandalwood.
- 4
Padi Puja
Lamps are lit on each of the eighteen steps, one by one, with prayers and chanting of Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.
- 5
Bhajans and archana
Devotees sing Ayyappa bhajans and archana is performed with his names.
- 6
Harati and prasadam
The puja concludes with harati and distribution of prasadam such as aravana or other sweets.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Image of Lord Ayyappa
- Shrine with eighteen steps for Padi Puja
- Black or blue cloth as per custom
- Flowers and garlands
- Oil or ghee lamps for each step
- Sandalwood, vibhuti, kumkum and akshat
- Coconuts, including ghee filled coconuts for Irumudi where relevant
- Fruits and sweets for prasadam
- Camphor and incense
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit familiar with Ayyappa puja traditions
- Sankalpam for the devotees and families
- Guidance on setting up the shrine and samagri
- Padi Puja, archana and harati as per tradition
- Help choosing a suitable date during the season
Not included
- Shrine, steps and samagri, unless arranged on request
- Bhajan singers or musicians unless arranged in advance
- Travel or pilgrimage arrangements
- Hall or venue
- Dakshina customs, which vary by group and are discussed openly
Duration: 2 to 4 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Ayyappa Puja across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Ayyappa Pooja
- Telugu
- Ayyappan Pooja
- Malayali
- Ayyappa Padi Pooja
- Telugu
- Ayyappan Padi Poojai
- Tamil
- Ayyappa Swamy Pooje
- Kannada
- Sabarimala Ayyappa Pooja
- Malayali
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Ayyappa Puja FAQs
What is Ayyappa Padi Puja?
It is a puja in which a small shrine with eighteen steps is set up and a lamp is lit on each step with prayers and bhajans. It is usually held by devotees on deeksha during the Mandala season.
Can Padi Puja be held at home or in an apartment?
Yes. Many families host it at home or in their apartment community hall. We help you plan the space, timing and samagri.
Can you arrange a Pandit for the mala wearing ceremony?
Yes. Share the date and location on WhatsApp and we confirm a Pandit for the mala dharana and the start of the deeksha.
How much does Ayyappa Puja cost?
It depends on the scale, samagri and location. Share your details on WhatsApp and we will get you a clear quote.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Ayyappa Puja
Worship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver, often with Vishnu Sahasranama path, commonly performed on Ekadashi, Thursdays and Purnima.
DetailsWorship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
DetailsWorship of Lord Hanuman, symbol of devotion, strength and courage, traditionally performed on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Hanuman Jayanti.
Details
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