SREE AYYAPPA SEVA SANGHAM, JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN 342001

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

    Prior to the formation of Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangham, Keralites residing at Jodhpur since 1976 expressed their aspiration to establish a place to worship Lord Ayyappa who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

    This famous place of worship in the Sun city became a reality by the untiring and selfless efforts of Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangham, Jodhpur which was formed mainly by 11 members with Prof. C. Radhakrishna Menon as its President and Shri A. R. Narayanan Nair as its Secretary. The Sangham has accordingly been registered in the year 1981 under the Act of Government of Rajasthan.

    With prolonged hard work and sacrifice, Sangham succeeded in acquiring a land at Ratanada Extension, for the construction of temple. Due to lack of funds, temple could not be constructed completely and in the meanwhile as an alternate a temporary shed was built, since then the devotees continued to worship the photograph of Lord Ayyappa regularly, especially on Saturday. Daily rituals (Pooja and Archana) were also held during Mandala Makra Vilakku celebrations.

    Financial stringencies and other circumstantial difficulties were faced by the Sangham during these periods, but unflinching support of all communities collective and concerted efforts, Sangham thus succeeded in constructing Sree Ayyappa temple in 1996. Initially a suitable site for the construction was earmarked. Then gradually construction of the temple was accomplished according to the Vedic and Vastu Shastra norms. At this juncture we wish to express our gratitude towards the great soul of Late Shri B.K. Pillai, the then Secretary of Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangham for his contribution in overcoming unseen obstructions and dynamic efforts for materialising the dream of Keralites residing in Jodhpur for having a place for worshipping Lord Ayyappa.

     Here Lord Sree Ayyappa is the main deity, followed by other deities consisting of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Durga and Nagaraja. All the idols are carved out of krishna sila (black stones) by professional masons from Kerala but for the idol of Lord Sree Ayyappa which is made in Panch Dhatu (a mix of five base metals).

    The installation and consecration ceremony of the idols was held on 13th to 15th March 1996, by the Chief Priest of Sabarimala, Late Brahmashree Kantaru Neelkantharu in association with his team. Every year as a mark of it, annual functions were regularly celebrated. According to divine wishes, Punapratistha Programme was being held in the month of 'Meenam, Uttram Nakshatram' (March) and since then every year the Annual consecration ceremony is celebrated on the same day with devotional programmes including Saptaha Yajna, Kalasha Pooja, Kalashabhishek, accompanied by performance like varieties of chendamelam, thalappoli, mayooranruthyam, etc., by artists from Kerala which is witnessed by devotees from far and wide.

FESTIVALS

Here Lord Shree Ayyappa is the main deity. Yet this temple complex has other temples of deities consisting of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Durga and Nagaraja to cater to the needs of various devotees. All the idols are crafted by professional makers from Kerala. Except the idol of Lord Shree Ayyappa, which is made in Panch Dhatu, all the others are made of black stone. The installation and consecration ceremony of the idols was held on 13th to 15th March 1996 by the Chief Priest of Sabarimala, Late Brahma Shree Kantaru Neelkantharu in association with his team.

Every year as a mark of it, annual function was regularly celebrated. According to divine wishes, Punapratistha Programme was held in the month of 'Meenam, Uttram Nakshatram' and since then we are celebrating every year the Annual consecration ceremony in the month of 'Meenam, Uttram Nakshatram' with various devotional programmes including Saptaha Yajna, Kalasha Pooja, Kalashabhishek, etc. Large gatherings from all walks of life, not only from Jodhpur but also from neighbouring Districts, obtaining blessing of Lord Ayyappa, on this explicit occasion.

All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal, some celebrate harvest and birth of God and some are dedicated to important events.

List of Main Festivals celebrated at Sree Ayyappa Temple, Jodhpur includes:

  • MakarSankranti
  • Tai Puyam (Birth Day of Lord Kartikeya)
  • Shiv Ratri
  • Prathistha Dinam (Ulsavam)
  • Vishu
  • Janmashthami
  • Ganesh Chaturthi
  • Navratri
  • Mandala MakaraVilaku
  • Naga Puja (Every Month)