Lord Ayyappa is also known as Hariharaputra. To acquire qualification to travel to Sabarimala, the abode of this Lord, many stringent disciplines are undertaken by devotees. Large number of devotees throng this temple during the year.

Among the thousands who obtain darshan, only a few truly understand His deep essence. Who is Ayyappa?

If you observe the idol of the Lord you will experience divine beauty. A fascinating supranatural beauty is visible in His face. This beauty does not belong to this world. This kind of peaceful, profound beauty or aura can be seen in the face of a spiritually enlightened person. This is called Brahma-tejas.

In His outstretched hands, the aspect of Rudra (Rudra-amsha) can be seen. The way the Lord’s feet are poised and the position of sitting are reminicient of the posture adopted by Srividya upasakas. Thus, it can be stated that the aspect (amsha) of Devi lies concealed within the Lord.

The portion of the Lord’s head adorned by the crown contains the aspect (amsha) of Vishnu. A close scrutiny reveals that Lord Maha-ganapati resides in the chest of the Lord in his partial aspect.

Thus, Ayyappa Swami represents a harmonious combination of all important deities.

By Constantly meditating upon the form of Lord Ayyappa with a pure mind, a true devotee can have His darshan in is own heart.

(Bhaktimala Feb 1980)