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As parents, we all want our kids to have names with a beautiful meaning, and on top of that, if it is in reference to a God or Goddess, the name wins a few extra brownie points. So here are some Ayyappan names for boys that we have listed out for your little one.
These names are especially popular in the Southern parts of India. They sound devotional, soothing, and have a strong meaning. Read on to find out more about these names and Lord Ayyappa.
Key Pointers
- Lord Ayyapan is a revered deity in Hindu mythology, particularly prominent in South India.
- Lord Ayyapan’s names combine the powers of two important Hindu gods, Shiva and Vishnu.
- The popular name Ayyapan is associated with youthfulness while names like Hariharan and Sastava carry meaningful and devotional connotations.
- These powerful names are used to offer prayers to the deity and help instill religious values in children.
Who Is Lord Ayyappa?
Lord Ayyappa is one of the many deities worshiped in South India. But his story is quite unique. According to mythology, “Thousands of decades ago, deities and demons fought over the divine nectar (amrutham). That’s when Lord Vishnu transformed into Mohini (mythical enchantress), distributed the nectar, and resolved the fight between the two groups. Lord Shiva, who was witnessing the event, was enchanted by the beauty of Mohini, and thus, Ayyappa was born from the union of Lord Vishnu and Shiva.”
Cultural Significance Of Lord Ayyappa
Lord Ayyapan is a deity portrayed in a yogi posture and as perennially celibate. His shrine in Sambrimala, Kerala, is one of the most prominent places of worship. Worshippers highly value the revered annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Men of all cast and creeds, preadolescent girls, and postmenopausal women can join this pious pilgrimage. The 41-day pilgrimage, known as Mandala, happens in December and January.
The pilgrims follow a staunch fast or vratham of 41 days before they commence the pilgrimage. They are expected to wear a necklace of rudraksha beads or holy basil (Tulasi) leaves, wear traditional black or blue clothes, bathe twice a day, abstain from meat and alcohol, strictly follow celibacy, and try to be helpful to all around them.
Highlighting the unity in diversity of the Indian subcontinent, Hindu pilgrims also visit a mosque in Erumely, a town in Kerala that is dedicated to a Muslim saint named Vavar, who worshiped Lord Ayappan.
Lord Ayyappa Names For Baby Boys
Here are some divinely beautiful Lord Ayyappa names with meanings for baby boys:
1. Achankovil
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Achankovil is the name of a river in Kerala. Achankovil Shashtha temple is one of the five famous temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. ‘Achan’ means ‘father’ and ‘kovil’ means ‘temple.’ Hence, the name means ‘father’s temple.’
2. Ayyappan
The name signifies Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It means ‘ever youthful.’
3. Aryanathan
Arya means ‘one who is noble and honored,’ and ‘Nathan’ means ruler. The name’s variants include Arindam, Aranadhan, Arimdama, and Arumainathan.
4. Azhuthavasan
Azhutha is the name of a river in Sabarimala. It means, ‘one who resides on the banks of the river Azhutha.’
5. Bhoolokanathan
‘Bhooloka’ means ‘Earth’ and ‘Nathan’ means ‘ruler.’ It means ‘ruler of the Earth.’ Its other variant is ‘Bhoothanathan.’
6. Dharmasastha
The idol of Ayyappa shows him doing yoga, wearing a bell around his neck, which signifies that he is an epitome of ‘Dharma.’ ‘Dharmasastha’ means ‘protector of dharma.’
7. Erumelivasan
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The pilgrimage to Sabarimala on foot starts at Erumeli, which gets its name from the demon Mahishi, who attacked Lord Ayyappa in the form of Eruma (bull). The Lord Ayyappa killed Eruma in this forest. Erumelivasan means, ‘one who lives in Erumeli.’
8. Hariharan
As Ayyappa was born to Lord Vishnu and Shiva, he is called Hari (Vishnu- Mohini), and Hara (Shiva). The other variants are Hariharaputra, Hariharasuthan, and Hariharatmaja.
Trivia9. Irumudi
Irumudi is a common Tamil name for boys. Irumudi is also an important ritual for Lord Ayyappa pilgrims. It is the sacred travel kit, which a pilgrim carries on his head during the pilgrimage. Without ‘Irumudi’, pilgrims are not allowed to ascend the 18 holy steps in Sabarimala.
10. Kaliyugavaradhan
Ayyappa is known as the Lord of the Kaliyuga, which is the present age (Iron Age). The name Kaliyugavaradhan means, ‘protector in kaliyug.’
11. Kantimala
Kantimala means ‘tulsi necklace.’ It also signifies ‘courage’, ‘independence’, and ‘determination’.
12. Karunasagar
The one quality that deities have is being ‘constantly merciful.’ If you want your boy to imbibe that virtue, choose, ‘Karunasagar,’ meaning ‘an ocean of mercy.’
13. Karuppanna
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It means ‘one who is dark and beautiful.’ The worship of Ayyappa as ‘Karuppanna’ is an ancient ancestral clan-based worship.
14. Lokapujya
A profound name with significant meaning, Lokapujya means ‘one who is worshiped by the Universe.’
15. Manikantan
It’s believed that when Ayyappa was born, his parents Lord Shiva and Mohini abandoned him on the Pampa river banks. Then the king Rajashekhara, who had no progeny, found Ayyappa and adopted him and named him Manikantan, which means ‘one with a golden bell around his neck.’ Manivarman and Manikandan are its other variants.
16. Neelimala
Neelimala is the mountainous path that leads to Sabarimala, and it is considered to be a holy place. Lord Ayyappa is believed to reside in these holy mountains.
17. Pambavasan
Pamba is one of the longest rivers in Kerala. Sabarimala temple is situated on the banks of the Pamba river. ‘Pambavasan’ means ‘one who lives near the river Pamba.’
18. Pandalavasan
The king of Pandala in Kerala brought the idol of Ayyappa and sanctified it in the temple of Sabarimala. It means, ‘one who lives in the place called Pandala.’
19. Ponmala
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Ponmala is a name with a regional ring to it. It means ‘Sabari hills.’
20. Purushothaman
It means ‘God Vishnu’ or ‘the best among the men.’
21. Sastava
It means, ‘teacher,’ ‘guide, ‘lord,’ or ‘ruler.’ The other variants are Sasta, Sashta, and Sastra.
22. Shri Jagadeesh
This profound and magnificent name means ‘Lord of the Universe.’
23. Sabarinathan
Sabarinathan means, ‘one who lives in the Sabari hills.’ The other variants are Sabari, Sabareesh, Sabareeshwara, and Shabarish.
24. Sabari Gireesh
It means the ‘Lord of Sabari hills,’ who is the Lord Ayyappa.
25. Shar
It’s one of the names of Lord Ayyappa, and it means ‘habit’ or ‘custom.’
26. Rajasekaran
Rajasekaran was the king who adopted and brought up Lord Ayyappa. It means ‘king of kindness.’
Trivia27. Vavarswamin
Vavar was believed to be a warrior and pirate who was defeated by Lord Ayyappa. He then got inspired by the lord and became a close friend and later an ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappa. Lord Ayyappa then instructed his devotees to build a mosque for Vavar at Erumely hills near Sabarimala and named it ‘Vavarswamin.’
28. Vanapriya
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‘Vanapriya’ can be used for both boys and girls. It means ‘beloved of the forest.’
29. Veeramanikanta
It means, ‘brave one with a bell around his neck’. The other variant is ‘Veeramani.’
30. Vishnusutan
This can be an apt name for your baby if you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. It means, ‘the son of the Lord Vishnu.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose a name for my child based on Ayyappan?
When choosing an Ayyappan name for your child, ensure that it sounds good with the child’s fathers’ name or the family name. The Ayyappan name you choose should symbolize qualities you wish your child to imbibe. Ensure that the name is suitable for your child’s gender.
2. What are some popular Ayyappan names in South India?
Ayyappan names such as Ayyappa, Hariharan, Manikantan, Sastavu, Shasta, and Sabarinath are quite popular in South India.
These names not only reflect the divinity of Lord Ayyappa and the rich heritage of Hindu mythology but also embody virtues and qualities that parents hope and aspire to instill in their children. If you have an inclination for holy names or worship Lord Ayyappa, these Ayyappan names are worth reading. Ayyappa names for baby boys are most popular in the Southern part of India and have a traditional and distinctive feel. Also, there is something appealing about divine names, and the mere sound of these names radiates sacred, positive vibrations. So, go ahead and select a name most appropriate for your baby. To help you further make a decision, we have detailed the importance of each name.
Infographic: Lord Ayyappa Names For Baby Boys
Many people may want to name their little one after the God they worship with the hope of instilling good values in them. So, if you are a believer of Lord Ayyappa and want to name your child after Him, this infographic presents some names along with their meanings. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Which one did you like the most? Tell us in the comments section below.
Lord Ayyappa is a popular Hindu God and names inspired by this deity are exceptionally meaningful. If you’ve been struggling to decide a name for your boy, use this video.
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