Ayyappan 17 - The Episodes Of Vavar And Mahishi Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

The young Ayyappan's sojourn
In the thick forest,
Inhabited by wild animals,
Is marked with several episodes,
Interesting and adventurous!
For the dance recital of
"Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa"
Two significant episodes were chosen!

Ayyappan meets Vavar -
A Muslim warrior!
What began as a war between them, later,
Developed into goodwill and comradeship.
The friendship between
Ayyappan and Vavar
Is celebrated and sung, even today,
With much reverence in Kerala.

During the pilgrimage to Sabarimala,
Before climbing up to the temple,
It is a must to stop at the shrine of Vavar,
To pray and to be blessed,
With the holy ashes from the shrine.
Sabarimala is the only temple,
Where people of all religions congregate,
In unity, as the children of One God.

Ayyappan's confrontation with
The buffalo-headed demoness- Mahishi
Is another episode, which I enjoyed performing!
In the fierce fight, between Ayyappan and Mahishi,
Ayyappan slays Mahishi's head.
At once, from the ugly Mahishi, emerges
An attractive maiden of enchanting beauty.
She looks up at Ayyappan with awe and wonder.

The beautiful maiden urges Ayyappan
To accept her as his wife.
Ayyappan replies gently: " Dear Maiden!
I am here only for a short period
With a wow of celibacy.
The purpose of this birth
Is to establish ‘Sanatana Dharma' or
Righteousness and Equality in this world."

Ayyappan Continues:
"I have come to this forest,
To get the milk of a leopard,
To cure the ailment of my beloved Mother.
Soon, I will ascend the Sabari Hills.
I assure, that you will always have a place beside me.
You will be hailed as ‘Maalikapuratamma'-
The Mother Goddess of Sabarimala."

Ayyappan declared:
"All the devotees who come
For a pilgrimage to Sabarimala,
Will first pay their respects
To the Mother Goddess, before they come to see me! "
So saying, Ayyappan blessed the beautiful maiden.
And once again, lifting his bow and arrow,
Proceeded ahead to complete his mission.

In these items, ‘Rasa' or Sentiment plays
The main role, coupled with ‘Nritya' and ‘Abhinaya'.
In both the episodes of Vavar and Mahishi,
‘Natya' or dramatic element in dance dominates.
A dance drama always brings much verve and vigour
Making the whole performance, lively and dynamic.
Moreover, a story told through dance, is ever fascinating.