Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Sri Dharma Sastha Pancharatnam

Pancharatnam literally means 5 gems. The Sri Dharma Sastha Pancharatnam is a mandatory prayer recited in any Ayyappa pooja or bhajan. Each verse ends with 'Sasthaaram Pranamamyaham' which means 'Oh Sastha, I offer my humble salutations to you'. Here's the meaning of the full text:

1: To Sastha, the bravest one in the Universe (Loka Veeram), the one worthy of worship (Maha Pujyam), the protector of all (Sarva rakshakaram), the knowledgeable one (Vibhum), I offer my humble salutations.

3: To Sastha, who rides an elephant blinded by fury, after subduing it (Mattha Maatanga Gamanam), who is full of the nectar of compassion, who removes all our obstacles (Sarva Vighnaharam Devam), I offer my humble salutations.

4: To Sastha, my family deity (Asmath Kuleshwaram Devam), the destroyer of my enemies (Asmath Shatru Vinashanam), the one who fulfils my wishes (Asmath Ishta Pradhaatharam), I offer my humble salutations.

5: To Sastha, the pride of the Pandya royal family (Pandyesha Vamsha Tilakam), the one who performed divine leelas in Kerala (Kerale Keli Vigraham), the one who helps those in distress (Aartha traana param devam), I offer my humble salutations.

2: To Sastha, who is worshipped by Vedic scholars (Vipra Pujyam), saluted throughout the universe (Vishwa Vandhyam), the dear son of Vishnu & Shiva (Vishnu Shambho Priyam Sutam), the one who readily blesses His devotees always (Kshipra Prasada Niratam), I offer my humble salutations

Phalashruti (Benefits):

6: Sastha is pleased with (Tasya prasanno Bhagavan) & resides in the minds (Vasati maanase) of those human beings (Narah) who recite (Pathed) these 5 gems (Pancha ratnaakhyam etadhyo nityam) everyday with purity & devotion (Shuddhah).

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa