Religious fervour marks Ayyappa pooja

Swami Ayyappa Padipooja was performed with religious fervor and gaiety by temple priests Damodara Sarma, Madhu Sarma, and Janardhana Sarma in Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple in Housing Board Colony here on Tuesday night.

A large number of Ayyappa devotees who took up “deeksha” and women participated and chants of “Saranam Ayyappa” rented the air. All-India Ayyappa Prachara Deeksha Samithi president R. Deshpande said praying to Lord Ayyappa, by taking up deeksha and consuming food once in a day for 40 days would invoke the Lord’s blessings and wisdom. Performing pooja to the deity of Lord Ayyappa, who is an incarnation of both Shiva and Vishnu, placed on an altar after 18 steps is called Padipooja, Mr. Deshpande said.