GREETINGS

Swamiji:

Dharma Sasthavu was born in Kritha yuga by the blend of Shiva and Vishnu’s energy. He is worshipped in several temples across the country, sometimes with his consorts Poorna and Pushkala. Parasurama set up 18 Sastha temples across the coastal borders after Kerala was established and created specific temple rituals in Kerala that is followed to date in our temples. Ayyappa, who was raised by Pandalam Raja, is believed to be an avatar of Dharmasastha. After finishing the purpose of his avataram, which was to kill Mahishi, he merged his powers in an idol of Sastha. He is considered the Sastha of Kaliyuga. Ayyappan is a Brahmachari and worshipped as ugramurthy, while Sastha is worshipped in a mild form, sometimes with his consorts. That is why there is no restrictions for women in other Sastha temples.  The purpose of incarnation as Ayyappa was to teach us the ideal way of living for Kaliyuga. Hence the emphasis on yoga, mandala vrutham and Tatwamasi. Hari Om.