Long ago, the heavens trembled at the rise of Mahishi, a demoness wielding a boon from Brahma that rendered her immune to Shiva and Vishnu’s might. She unleashed havoc, forcing gods and mortals into despair. To vanquish this threat, destiny crafted an extraordinary plan: Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, bore a divine child with Shiva. This child, Manikanthan, was fated to end Mahishi’s tyranny.

Abandoned in the forest with a golden bell tied to his neck, the boy was discovered by King Rajashekhara, who raised him as his own. Gifted with wisdom, strength, and miraculous powers, Manikanthan grew beloved by all. Yet, his life took a perilous turn when the queen, desiring the throne for her biological son, sent Manikanthan on a seemingly impossible mission to fetch tigress’ milk.

Undaunted, the twelve-year-old ventured into the forest, where he confronted Mahishi herself. In a ferocious battle, the boy’s divine powers triumphed. Mahishi fell, ending her reign of terror. Witnessing this victory, Indra and the devas transformed into tigresses, and Manikanthan returned to the kingdom astride a majestic tigress, accompanied by a celestial entourage.

Before the stunned court, a divine voice revealed Manikanthan’s true identity as a god. Demonstrating boundless compassion, he forgave the queen’s treachery and ascended to his celestial form. In his honor, King Rajashekhara constructed a magnificent temple, and Manikanthan became revered as Lord Ayyappan, the eternal protector.

To this day, devotees embark on the sacred pilgrimage to Sabarimala, honoring the boy-god who vanquished evil and epitomized forgiveness.