BhaktiLoopLord Ayyappan Udayasthamana Pooja
Udayasthamana Pooja, literally meaning 'Pooja from sunrise to sunset', is one of the most significant and sought-after offerings to Lord Ayyappan, especially at the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. It involves a continuous series of all daily rituals and special offerings performed throughout the temple's opening hours. This includes all the regular Poojas like Usha Pooja, Ethirithu Pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana, and Athazha Pooja, along with special Abhishekams, Archanas, and Nivedyams dedicated to the Lord. It is considered a very powerful offering, believed to bring profound blessings to the devotee who sponsors it, encompassing all aspects of life.
Purpose
The Udayasthamana Pooja is a highly elaborate and comprehensive series of rituals performed from sunrise (Udayam) to sunset (Asthamanam) to invoke the complete blessings of Lord Ayyappan. Its primary purposes include: - Attaining overall prosperity, wealth, and well-being for the family. - Seeking relief from obstacles, misfortunes, and negative influences. - Fulfilling specific wishes and prayers. - Ensuring good health, longevity, and success in endeavors. - Accumulating immense spiritual merit and divine grace.
Key Rituals
Ganapathi Homam: Performed at dawn to invoke Lord Ganesha's blessings for an obstacle-free puja.
Usha Pooja: The morning worship of Lord Ayyappan.
Ethirithu Pooja: A special early morning puja performed as the sun rises.
Pantheeradi Pooja: An elaborate puja performed after Ethirithu Pooja.
Neyyabhishekam: The ritualistic anointing of the idol with ghee (clarified butter), often performed multiple times throughout the day as part of the regular temple schedule.
Ucha Pooja: The midday worship, which is a major offering.
Kalabhabhishekam: Anointing the deity with a paste made of sandalwood, saffron, and other aromatic substances, performed on specific days or as a special offering.
Pushpabhishekam: Anointing with flowers.
Archana: Chanting the Lord's names (Ashtotharam or Sahasranamam) while offering flowers.
Deeparadhana: Waving of lamps before the deity, performed in the evening.
Athazha Pooja: The final worship of the day before the temple closes.
Vellamkudi: A special offering of water (or a mix of jaggery, cardamom, and water).
Harivarasanam: The lullaby sung to put Lord Ayyappan to sleep, marking the conclusion of the day's rituals.
Common Offerings
Ghee (for Neyyabhishekam)
Flowers (especially red hibiscus, lotus, tulasi)
Vilakku (oil lamps and wicks)
Camphor, Incense sticks
Sandalwood paste, Kumkum
Naivedyam (Offerings of food): Appam, Aravana Payasam, Panakam, Modakam, Pongal, Puffed Rice (Mala Nivedyam).
Betel leaves and Arecanut
Coconuts (especially Irrumudi Kettu if performed at Sabarimala)
Vazhipadu (monetary contributions for various specific offerings)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Harihara Putraya Sasthrey Namaha
Meaning
Salutations to the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva), Lord Sastha (Ayyappan).
Benefits
This is a primary mantra for Lord Ayyappan, invoking his divine parentage and seeking his blessings for protection and well-being.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa
Meaning
Oh Lord Ayyappan, I take refuge in You.
Benefits
The most fundamental and powerful chant associated with Ayyappan devotees. Chanting it brings a sense of surrender, peace, and protection, removing fears and obstacles.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Sri Dharma Sasthree Preethiyarthe Namaha
Meaning
Salutations for the pleasure of Lord Dharma Sastha (Ayyappan).
Benefits
Chanted to please the deity and seek his grace, indicating devotion and dedication to righteous living.
Auspicious Days
Mandalakalam (Mandala-Makaravilakku period: mid-November to mid-January)
First Saturdays of every Malayalam month (especially auspicious for Sastha worship)
Uthram Nakshatra (birth star of Lord Ayyappan)
Vishnu (Malayalam New Year)
Onam (Kerala's harvest festival)
Any Ekadashi or Pournami (Full Moon) Tithi.
Regional Variations
The core structure of Udayasthamana Pooja remains consistent, primarily following the temple traditions of Kerala, especially those of the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. While the fundamental rituals are similar, smaller Ayyappan temples outside Kerala might have slightly simplified versions due to resource constraints or local traditions. However, the essence of an all-day comprehensive worship is maintained. The specific timings and detailed sequences might vary slightly based on the temple's daily schedule.
Related Pujas
Neyyabhishekam (Ghee Abhishekam)
Padi Pooja (Pooja to the 18 Holy Steps at Sabarimala)
Ashtotharam Archana (Chanting 108 names)
Sahasranamarchana (Chanting 1000 names)
Ayyappan Vilakku / Ayyappan Paattu (Ritualistic lamp lighting and devotional singing)
Laksharchana (Chanting specific mantras 100,000 times)