Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

The killing of Mahishi & the legend of Malikapurathamma.

When Manikantha was making His way to the forest, Lord Brahma sent Sundara Mahisha (Datta/Dattatreya born as a buffalo as mentioned in the 1st segment) to lure Mahishi & bring her down from heaven to the forest where Manikantha was due to arrive. When Mahishi finally came face to face with Manikantha, a fierce battle ensued between them. Finally Manikantha killed her with one fatal stroke of His sword. The end of Mahishi had finally arrived - the prayers of the Gods & saintly beings tormented by her had been finally fulfilled. The heavens showered flowers on Lord Ayyappa, their saviour as a mark of their gratitude. With Mahishi being dead, Leela, the daughter of Maharshi Galava emerged & asked the Lord for forgiveness for all her misdeeds. She also requested to be taken as His wife. Ayyappa politely declined the request, saying He was a strict Brahmachari (celibate) on earth and could not marry her. However, He said that she would have her own place at Sabarimala & would be worshipped by all those who came to visit Him.

Today there is a small shrine at Sabarimala dedicated to Malikapurathamma (literally meaning 'the mother who resides outside the palace'). This name came into being since She is like a mother (Amma) to all devotees who come to Sabarimala & Her temple is outside the main shrine of Ayyappa or 'Malika' (meaning 'palace' in Malayalam). The rolling of coconuts on the ground outside the shrine is the main offering here.

May Mahishisamhara - the destroyer of Mahishi, bless one and all. Malikapurathamma devi loka mathave Sarnam Ayyappa

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa