Animal carriers of Lord Sree Dharma Sastha

Swami Ayyappan in Sabarimala temple is a celibate God and said to be the incarnation of Sree Dharma Sastha. The idol of the deity seen at the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple is in an Ardhasana or Yogarudra Siddasana posture. This mode of sitting is said to be the feature of celibate gods who have been in austerity or asceticism. In his throne, his knees are found conjugated at back side with a cloth belt called Yogapatta and signifies the spirit of observance and meditation. In other words this ...