Lord Ayyappa, also known as Dharma Sastha and Manikandan, is revered as the divine son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (in the enchanting form of Mohini). His birth was part of a cosmic plan to end the atrocities of the demoness Mahishi, who could be defeated only by the child born from both Shiva and Vishnu.

As part of the divine mission, the newborn Ayyappa was placed in a forest where King Rajasekhara of Pandalam discovered him during a hunting expedition. The king, who longed for a child, adopted the divine infant and named him Manikandan, inspired by the sacred bell (mani) around his neck.

Manikandan grew up in the palace radiating divine qualities. But palace conspirators, driven by desire for power, tricked the queen into believing that tigress’ milk was the only cure for her false ailment. Intended as a trap, the task was meant to lead the young prince to danger in the deep forest.

Embracing his divine destiny, Manikandan set out to the forest where he confronted and vanquished Mahishi in a fierce celestial battle. After fulfilling the purpose of his birth, Lord Shiva and the devas aided Ayyappa in his return journey—Manikandan arrived majestically at the Pandalam Palace riding a tiger, followed by a herd of tigresses.

Revealing his divine identity, Ayyappa announced that his mission on earth was complete. Before returning to Devaloka, he fulfilled King Rajasekhara’s final wish by choosing the sacred hill of Sabarimala—where the king built the holy Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, now one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centers.