Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Birth of Hariharaputra

Mahishi tormented the gods to no end. The Gods approached Sri Mahavishnu & pleaded with Him to help them out of this misery.

Now there lived a terrible demon called Bhasmasura who undertook severe penance to please Lord Shiva. When told to ask for a boon, Bhasmasura requested that whatever he placed his right hand on should turn to ashes immediately. No sooner did Lord Shiva grant this boon than Bhasmasura started chasing Lord Shiva to test the boon by placing his right hand on Lord Shiva's head. Lord Shiva began running for dear life. Seeing this, Lord Mahavishnu took the form of Mohini the enchantress, just as He had during the churning of the milky ocean & came down to earth to lure Bhasmasura & divert his attention. Mohini enticed Bhasmasura to dance with Her. Bhasmasura was so mesmerised by Mohini's beauty that he agreed to do whatever She asked him to. He began imitating every dance step that Mohini performed. As She danced, Mohini placed Her own right hand upon Her head. Bhasmasura followed suit & according to his boon, was immediately reduced to ashes.

Thus saved, Lord Shiva was extremely grateful to Lord Mahavishnu & requested Him to bless Him with the vision of Mohini. Mahavishnu agreed, & out of the union of the powers of Shiva & Mohini, a beautiful baby boy was born. Sri Mahavishnu tied a little bejewelled bell necklace around the baby's neck, who came to be known as Manikantha.

Thus came into existence the killer of Mahishi & the saviour of Kaliyuga. May Hariharaputra bless one and all. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa