Lord Ayyappa: The Celibate God

Ayyappa is a unique deity born from the divine union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (in his Mohini form), hence called Hariharaputra (son of Hari-Vishnu and Hara-Shiva). He is the eternal celibate (Naishtika Brahmachari) who conquered the demoness Mahishi. The Sabarimala temple pilgrimage in Kerala is one of the world's largest annual pilgrimages, with devotees observing 41 days of strict austerity before the trek.

Divine Birth

Defeating Mahishi

Sabarimala Pilgrimage

Unique Traditions