Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Harivarasanam.

Harivarasanam, also known as 'Hariharatmajaashtakam', is a Sanskrit devotional song, written in the Ashtakam format, having 8 verses. It is recited at Sabarimala before the temple doors are closed every night. Though there are many versions of this song, the version played at Sabarimala every night is the one sung by Dr. K.J. Yesudas.

Harivarasanam was written by Kambankudi Kulathur Srinivasa Iyer, who sang this song many times after the night pooja, standing in front of the main shrine. It came to be accepted as a lullaby to put the Lord to sleep, after the efforts of a saint named Swami Vimochanananda. The prayer has 108 words, an important number in Hindu tradition & spirituality.

As portrayed in the immensely popular TV programme 'Swami Ayyappan' aired on Asianet, Sri Kulathur Srinivasa Iyer is believed to be a reincarnation of one Sastrigal, a scholar who came to the court of Rajasekhara Pandyan for a debate. When all scholars of the court were defeated by Sastrigal, young Manikantha came forward to debate with him. Needless to say, Sastrigal lost the debate & humbly prostrated before the Lord. Manikantha blessed him saying he would in future be born as a Tamil Brahmin & compose a song which would be sung as a lullaby every night at His shrine. It is believed that Sastrigal was reborn as Srinivasa Iyer & wrote Harivarasanam.

As the final verses of the song are sung, the assistant priests leave the Srikovil (main shrine) one by one. Only the chief priest (Melsanthi) remains inside as the song ends. He extinguishes the lamps one at a time & closes the doors for the night. When the song is being played, every person in the vicinity of the temple stands still, in total attention as a mark of respect & devotion.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa