The First International Sreemad Ayyappa Sathram

The First International Sreemad Ayyappa Sathram.

    The First  International Sreemad Ayyappa Sathram Organized by the Kerala Kshethra Samrakshana Samithi (The Kerala Temple Protection Councile) is being held from 2008 December 22  -  28 at the Pithampil Sree Dharmasastha Temple at Haripad.
    The Kerala Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi is an Organisation of Hindu devoties, started in 1966 by the joint efforts of the "Kerala Gandhi" Sri K.Kelappan and the Spiritual leader Madhavaji.  Its mission is to protect, promote and progate the Hindu faith and culture through

temple - oriented activities.  The new annual programme launched by the Samithi, The First International Ayyappa Sathram is intended to renew and revitalise the faith in Sree Ayyappa among the devotees.

    Swami Ayyappa or Sree Dharma Sastha is worshipped as - the son of Vishnu (in the guise of Mohini) and Paramasiva - Hari Hara Puthra. He is often acclaimed as the " Kaliyuga Varada" - he who showers blessings in the Kaliyuga, a period of difficulties and hardships.

This kind deity is the incarnation of peace, equality, fraternity and secularism.  By spreading his story and his spiritual message - the Ayyappa Dharma - peace and harmony, happiness  and wellbeing can be established everywhere.  It is to achieve this noble purpose that the Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi has constituted the First International
Sreemad Ayyappa Sathra  Samithi.
   Ayyappa Dharma is also the finest practical application of the advaitha Philosophy in daily life. Every year millions of pilgrims from all over the world flock to the famous Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in the lush green Western Ghats.  In Sabarimala, both the diety and the devoties are called  "Ayyappans", thereby putting into practice the spiritual truth of 'THATWAMASI'.  So year after year pilgrims of nations and creeds climb the steep hills of the 'Poonkavanam' to experrience their oneness with GOD.
    The 'Mandala Kalam'  (November - December)  and the 'Makaravilakku' (January - December) are the  special seasons for Sabarimala pilgrimage.  The Sathra Samithi has chosen the last week of December for the Sathram so that the pilgrims can also  paticipate in it.  By attending the discourses, rituals and performances they will be able
to imbibe the Ayyappa Dharma better.
    Pithampil  Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at Haripad has been chosen as the venue of the first Ayyappa Sathram.  The temple city of Haripad is famous for the devotion and dedication  of its inhabitants.  Three years ago the Sreemad Bhagavatha Sathram was held here. Renowned temples like the Sree Subrahmania Swamy Maha Kshethram and the
Mannarsala Sree Nagaraja Kshethram are also situated at Haripad.
    The Sathram Samithy envisages to organize Ayyappa Sathram every year at different Ayyappa temples allover India, during the Sabarimala Mandalakalam.
    Heralding the very first Ayyappa Sathram a week - long Vigraha Ghosha Yathra (Procession carrying the Holy image of Lord Ayyappa) will be concluded from Sabarimala to the venue of the Sathram, the Pithampil Dharmasastha Temple at Haripad.  On the afternoon of December 22 the idole will be formally received from the Haripad Subrahmaniya
 Swamy Temple and brought ceremoniously towards the venue of the Sathram in a grand procession.  Then the holy idol of Lord Ayyappa will be installed in the consecrated Sathra Sala with proper religious ceremonies and poojas.  Thus the Sathram begins.Mannarsala Sree Nagaraja Kshethram are also situated at Haripad.

    The Sathram Samithy envisages to organize Ayyappa Sathram every year at different Ayyappa temples allover India, during the Sabarimala Mandalakalam.

    Heralding the very first Ayyappa Sathram a week - long Vigraha Ghosha Yathra (Procession carrying the Holy image of Lord Ayyappa) will be concluded from Sabarimala to the venue of the Sathram, the Pithampil Dharmasastha Temple at Haripad.  On the afternoon of December 22nd the idole will be formally received from the Haripad Subrahmaniya
Swamy Temple and brought ceremoniously towards the venue of the Sathram in a grand procession.  Then the holy idol of Lord Ayyappa will be installed in the consecrated Sathra Sala with proper religious ceremonies and poojas.  Thus the Sathram begins.