Ayyappa’s Darshan Through Words: An Experience with the Novel "Shauryamale"

 Ayyappa’s Darshan Through Words: An Experience with the Novel "Shauryamale"

After a long hiatus, I finally picked up a novel to read. The book was "Shauryamale: Ayyappana Poongavana."

We have all heard the story of Sabarimala Ayyappa from various sources and often, these stories tend to vary from one region to another. However, I had a strong desire to understand the authentic history of Sabarimala Ayyappa clearly. Having heard about the glory of Lord Ayyappa for many years, I was finally blessed with the opportunity to visit Sabarimala in 2024.

Until then, I had only watched others go with a longing in my heart. But when I finally went, received Ayyappa’s darshan and spent the night at the Sannidhana (sanctum), the divine experience I received changed the very trajectory of my life. It is impossible to put into words the surge of energy and the spiritual experience I felt there.

A while ago, I saw a post on Facebook by my friend, bibliophile and writer, Shri Prashanth Bhat, regarding this novel. I immediately felt the urge to read it, so I purchased the book and began my journey.

The author, Ramesh Shettigar Manjeshwar, begins by explaining the core purpose behind writing this novel, his inspiration, the method he used to collate information and how he wrote the book while observing the rigorous Ayyappa Vrata. He provides clear clarifications for many common confusions people harbor, such as the secret of Ayyappa’s birth, the incarnation of Dharma Shasta and the story behind how the name 'Sabarimala' came to be.

A unique aspect of this novel is its narrative style. It is written as if Lord Manikanta himself is narrating the story. This approach brings the tale much closer to the reader’s heart. As you read, the imagery becomes so vivid that it feels less like reading a book and more like watching a film. There is a classic Kannada movie titled "Sabarimala Swami Ayyappa"; reading this novel brought back memories of the characters from that film, helping me visualize and understand the story with ease.

The narrative arc begins with the incident of Manikanta going to the forest to fetch tigress milk to cure his mother’s abdominal pain. It then weaves through the secrets of his birth, the thrilling saga of learning Kalari (martial arts), the incarnation of Dharma Shasta, the war and subsequent treaty with Vavar, the slaying of Mahishi, the battle with Udayan and finally, the reconstruction of the Dharma Shasta Sannidhana at Sabarimala.

Upon finishing the novel, I was filled with a sense of peace and happiness. I instinctively folded my hands, chanted "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa!" and bowed to the book and the Lord. The same divine feeling I experienced physically at Sabarimala was rekindled while reading this book.

Through this novel, I gained deep insights into the history of Ayyappa, the significance of Erumeli, Pandalam, the Thiruvabharanam (sacred jewels), Ponnambalamedu hill, the Makara Jyothi and the secret of the traditional path to Sabarimala (Doddapada). It also answered profound questions I had: Who is Dharma Shasta? Who is Ayyappa? Are they different or the same?

In recent years, there has been a lot of propaganda and misinformation spread regarding the Makara Jyothi, aimed at diminishing the faith of devotees. In such times, this novel serves as an excellent tool to understand the truth behind the Makara Jyothi and the Makara Nakshatra.

I strongly recommend that you get a copy and read it. It is a journey worth taking.

Book Details:

• Novel: Shauryamale Ayyappana Poongavana

• Author: Ramesh Shettigar Manjeshwar

• Publisher: Sahithyaloka Publication

• Price: ₹280

🖊 Shreekara B