Ayyappa, son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu

According to legends, there was a demon called Bhasmasura, who did tapas to God Shiva, pleased by his astute tapas God Shiva appears before him and asks what he wants. Bhasmasura asks Gods Shiva to grant him the power to turn anyone into ashes by touching their head. God Shiva granted him the wish, but Bhasmasura saw the beauty of Goddess Parvati and wanted to possess her so he thought of burning God Shiva and take away Goddess Parvati. Knowing this God Shiva fled, but wherever he went Bhasmasura chased him, God Shiva went to Vaikunta (Abode of God Vishnu) and sought his help.

On hearing God Shiva’s problem, Mahavishnu agreed to help him. Vishnu took the female form of Mohini and appeared in front of Bhasmasura, mesmerized by the beauty of Mohini he requested her to marry him. Mohini replied she will marry Bhasamasura only if he can match her dance moves, Bhasamasura agreed and they started dancing. The Dancing went on for days, as Bhasamasura matched Mohini’s move for move. While dancing, Mohini struck a pose where her hand, her forefingers was placed on top of her own head. As Bhasmasura imitated her, he touched his own head and was immediately burnt up.

At the same time there was an asura princess called Mahishi, who seeked revenge over the devas for the death of her brother Mahishasura at the hands of Goddess Durga. She took a staunch penance to appease God Brahma, who granted her a boon of being invulnerable to anyone except the combined strength of Shiva and Vishnu. Drunk in this power, Mahishi began her dictatorial rule over the whole world.

The Devas requested God Shiva and Vishnu to help them, Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu’s female form) unites and God Ayyapan is born from this union of Hari and Hara. Ayyapan combines the strength of both Vishnu and Shiva and hence, is invincible. God Ayyapan goes on to fulfill his mission of destroying Mahishi and restoring peace.

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