Ayyappan

Ayyappan, also known as Dharmasastha and Manikandan, is the Hindu deity of truth and righteousness. His worship is more prevalant in South India. Although devotion to Ayyappan has been prevalent earlier, his popularity rose in the late 20th century. According to Hindu theology, he is the son of Vishnu in the form of Mohini and Shiva thus representing a bridge between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Ayyappan is depicted as a youthful man, riding or near a Bengal tiger, carrying bow and arrow. Most iconography of Ayyappan depict him in a yogapattasana, a seated position. Sabarimala in the forests of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Pamba, is considered the abode of Ayyappan and is a major pilgrimage destination, attracting millions annually.