Ayyappan 4 - In Awe Of Ayyappa Worship Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

How did I get involved
With devotion for Lord Ayyappan?
It is a story worth telling!
Believe it or not,
It is the austerity,
The self-restraint,
The control of mind,
Required for an Ayyappa devotee
That was the main factor,
That drew me closer,
To the worship of Lord Ayyappa!

There was an urge in me
To develop strength of mind.
As a child, I was fascinated
By the picture of Sri Ayyappan
Riding majestically on a leopard.
It required not just effort but courage
To strictly follow rules
And be disciplined in your daily routine,
An awareness of your thought,
Your speech, your action too.
It was not just about wearing black clothes!

I listened to the loud calls and cries of
"Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" that
Pierced through the thick green flora,
Permeating the air with reverence.
I was startled and awe struck!
The Ayyappa pilgrims sang songs,
Groups of men clad in black,
Walked and moved about shouting,
Singing and dancing in frenzy!
I felt a curious aura of mysticism
Enveloping me and yearned to be
A part of this wonderful spiritual seeking!