CONCEPT :

Ayyappa is a Hindu Deity from the South Indian State of Kerala. He is extremely unique and special as he is the son of Mighty Lord Shiva and Mighty Lord Vishnu, the two male principal deities in Hinduism, and is beloved by Hindus, Muslims, and Christians (folks of all faiths). He is the child of two fathers! His name is also Dharmashastra or the Lord of Truth, Dharma, and Righteousness.

This shows the inclusivity of Hinduism and how all people of all walks of life are EQUAL under the all-mighty Divine. Hindu texts describe a 3rd gender, genderless, and support the LGBTQI+ communities.

Ayyapa’s annual pilgrimage is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world (10-15 million), starting in December and ending with Maha Shankaranti on January 14th.

To participate in Ayyapa’s pilgrimage to Sabarimala Temple (located on the top of 18 Hills in Kerala) for 41 days MEN (men of all faiths/backgrounds/walks of life are allowed to participate) take intense austerities of celibacy, vegetarianism, no smoking, no alcohol, no shoes, no shaving (cutting of any hair/nails), no profanity, sleep on the floor, wear a special necklace and black clothing (symbolizing conquering desires), etc.

A beautiful interfaith display of brotherhood and unity!

First, stop ERUMELI (VAVUR) MOSQUE - Ayyapa had a Muslim companion/brother named VAVUR or BABUR who was either an Arab commander or Sufi saint who became a devotee of Lord Ayyapa. Devotees perform a dance in front called the Pettathullal, a symbolic representation of a community against the uprisings of injustice. This dance borrows many influences from native/indigenous communities. By slaying the demoness Mahishi (Vavur is said to have helped), Ayyappa empowered the people by saying that "Unity is the key to social transformation"

Muslims make the food offering for all pilgrims, there’s even a coconut-breaking area, folks circumambulate the Mosque, walk backward out of the mosque (respect not show their backside to Allah), and stop at a shrine dedicated to Vavur (Islam forbids pictorial depictions, so a sword hangs) before climbing the hills.

The last stop is at St Andrews Basilica ( a Jesuit priest from 1584) was a companion of Lord Ayyapa, folks pray on their knees like Christians, take off their sacred necklace, and take a dip in the tank ending their pilgrimage.

This artwork was inspired by the Arabic-style sword of Vavur.

It says “Swami Saranam Ayyappa” the most common prayer chanted for Lord Ayyapa in Arabic Calligraphy which means “the only hope is Ayyapa” or “everything depends on Ayyapa” interesting note the prayer/words came from Buddhism!

Read from right to left from the top of the sword into the handle to the blade.

The bell represents another name for Lord Ayyapa which is Manikanthan or the one with a bell around his neck.

The world can learn a lot from the state of Kerala, Ayyapa’s unique background/pilgrimage, and the communal harmony, peace, compassion, and unity it all represents!

Print Details:

•Museum-quality prints made on thick and durable matte paper
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%

All prints are signed by the artist.