Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Ayyappa's Kalaripayattu education & the Sri Mukkaal Vattam temple

Manikantha was sent by His foster father Rajasekhara to learn Kalaripayattu - the ancient martial art form of Kerala (from which Karate has been derived) at the ancient Kalari (school of Kalaripayattu) at Cheerappanchira. The king himself requested the seniormost Guru to personally train Manikantha. Undoubtedly, Manikantha became his most brilliant student. But Manikantha had to abruptly leave for Panthalam due to unexpected invasions on the kingdom. He left behind some of His belongings in His room at the Kalari which is preserved as it is till date by the Cheerappanchira family, & is called Swami Matham or 'The Lord's quarters/home'.

Realising Ayyappa's divinity, His Kalari Guru began making the annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala. As time passed, he grew old & was unable to undertake the pilgrimage. When he expressed his grief to Ayyappa thus, Ayyappa appeared in his dreams & asked him to construct a temple for Him next to the Kalari. He said that He would stay there for 3/4th of the year. 3/4th portion of anything is called 'Mukkaal' in Malayalam. Hence the temple is called Mukkaal Vattam temple (meaning 3/4ths of the time). As the Lord said, a log of sandalwood was found drifting in the waters of Vembanad Lake the next morning & was used to construct the temple. Old people and women who cannot visit Sabarimala make their offerings & pray at the Mukkaal Vattam temple. The Kalari & the Mukkaal Vattam temple are both located at Muhamma, near Alleppey.

May Sabarisha bless one and all

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa