Ayyappan

Ayyappan
God of righteousness and celibacy
Ayyappan seated on a tiger
Affiliation	Hinduism
Abode	Sabarimala
Mantra	Svāmiye Śaraṇam Ayyappa[1]
Weapon	Bow and arrow, sword
Symbols	Bell, bow and arrow
Day	Saturday
Mount	Tiger
Texts	Brahmanda Purana
Gender	Male
Festivals	Makaravilakku
Personal information
Born	Manikandan
Parents	Shiva (father) Mohini (mother)

Ayyappan, also known as Dharmasastha and Manikandan, is the Hindu deity of truth and righteousness. His worship is more prevalant in South India. Although devotion to Ayyappan has been prevalent earlier, his popularity rose in the late 20th century. According to Hindu theology, he is the son of Vishnu in the form of Mohini and Shiva thus representing a bridge between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Ayyappan is depicted as a youthful man, riding or near a Bengal tiger, carrying a bow and arrow. Most iconography of Ayyappan depict him in a yogapattasana, a seated position. His abode is in Sabarimala which is located in the forests of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Pamba, and is a major pilgrimage destination, attracting millions annually.