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Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana
Ayyappa Mantra

Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana

The Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana is a devotional chant dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala. Sung as part of the Mandala Pooja tradition, this bhajana invokes Ayyappa's protection and blessings. It is chanted by devotees who observe the 41-day vow of self-discipline before their pilgrimage to Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

Curated by The Mahakatha Team

Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana

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Lyrics

1

शरणम् शरणम् श्री शबरीशा

Saranam saranam sree sabareesa

I surrender, I surrender to the Lord of Sabarimala

2

शरणम् शरणम् श्री मणिकण्ठा

Saranam saranam sree manikanda

I surrender, I surrender to Manikandan (Ayyappa)

3

शरणम् शरणम् श्री सत्यस्वरूपा

Saranam saranam sree sathyaswaroopa

I surrender, I surrender to the embodiment of truth

4

शरणम् शरणम् श्री स्वामी शरणम्

Saranam saranam sree swami saranam!

I surrender, I surrender — refuge in the Lord!

Word-by-Word Meaning

Sanskrit Meaning
Saranam Refuge, surrender, shelter — placing oneself entirely under divine protection.
Sabareesa Lord of Sabarimala — Ayyappa as the presiding deity of the sacred hilltop temple in Kerala.
Manikanda One with a bell around the neck — Ayyappa's childhood name, given because he was found with a golden bell.
Sathyaswaroopa Embodiment of truth — Ayyappa as the living manifestation of cosmic truth and righteousness.
Swami Lord, Master — a devotional address to Ayyappa as the supreme divine guide.
Sree Sacred, holy, auspicious — an honorific prefix denoting divinity and reverence.

How to Chant Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana

  1. 1

    Prepare Your Space

    Wear clean, preferably dark-colored clothing (black or blue, the traditional Ayyappa colors). Light a ghee lamp and place it before an image of Lord Ayyappa. Sit on the floor cross-legged.

  2. 2

    Center Yourself

    Close your eyes and take five deep breaths. Visualize the sacred Sabarimala temple on the hilltop, surrounded by dense forest. Imagine yourself standing before the golden Ayyappa idol.

  3. 3

    Begin the Chant

    Start with a slow, steady rhythm. Chant each verse clearly: "Saranam Saranam Sree Sabareesa" through to "Saranam Saranam Sree Swami Saranam." If in a group, one person leads and others respond.

  4. 4

    Build Devotion

    As you progress, allow the rhythm to deepen. Feel each "Saranam" as an act of releasing control — surrendering a fear, a desire, an attachment. Each declaration is a fresh offering of trust to Ayyappa.

  5. 5

    Close with Stillness

    After completing the bhajana (or 108 repetitions), sit in silence for 2-3 minutes. Place your palms together at your heart and whisper "Saranam Saranam Sree Swami Saranam" three final times before opening your eyes.

Benefits of Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana

  • Builds discipline and devotion through the 41-day chanting practice

  • Creates a deep sense of surrender and trust in divine protection

  • Unites the devotee with the Ayyappa community of millions of pilgrims

Story & Symbolism

The Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana emerges from one of Hinduism's most extraordinary stories — the birth of a deity from the union of its two greatest gods. According to the Bhagavata Purana, when Lord Vishnu took the enchanting female form of Mohini to recover the nectar of immortality from the demons, Lord Shiva was captivated. From their divine union was born Ayyappa, also known as Hariharaputra — literally "the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva)."

The infant Ayyappa was placed on the banks of the Pampa River with a golden bell around his neck and was adopted by the childless Pandalam king of Kerala. Growing up as Prince Manikandan, he performed extraordinary feats, including defeating the demoness Mahishi who had been terrorizing the gods. After fulfilling his earthly mission, Ayyappa revealed his divine nature and ascended to Sabarimala, where he sat in eternal meditation.

The Sharanam tradition — the practice of declaring "Saranam Saranam" (I surrender, I surrender) — became the cornerstone of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth. Each line of this bhajana addresses a different name of Ayyappa — Sabareesa (Lord of Sabarimala), Manikanda (the child with the golden bell), Sathyaswaroopa (embodiment of truth) — building a complete portrait of surrender through sacred naming.

How to Use in Daily Life

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Morning Surrender

Begin your day with 108 repetitions of "Saranam Saranam Sree Swami Saranam." Sit facing east, close your eyes, and let each repetition release a worry or anxiety. This practice sets an intention of trust and surrender for the entire day.

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Walking Meditation

Chant the Sharanam bhajana while walking — this mirrors the traditional pilgrimage practice. Synchronize each step with a syllable of "Saranam Saranam." This is especially powerful in nature, connecting you to the forest-dwelling energy of Ayyappa at Sabarimala.

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Evening Bhajana

Light a lamp with ghee in the evening and chant all four verses for 15-20 minutes. Saturday evenings are especially sacred. If possible, chant with others in the call-and-response format for powerful collective devotion.

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During Fear or Difficulty

When facing fear or overwhelming situations, repeat "Saranam Saranam Sree Swami Saranam" as a direct prayer for protection. Ayyappa is the deity of fearlessness, and this chant activates protective energy in moments of crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana and what do the words "Saranam Saranam Sree Sabareesa" mean?
The Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana is a devotional surrender chant dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The opening line "Saranam Saranam Sree Sabareesa" means "I surrender, I surrender to the sacred Lord of Sabarimala." Each verse addresses a different aspect of Ayyappa — as Manikandan (the child with the golden bell), as Sathyaswaroopa (embodiment of truth), and as Swami (the divine master). This bhajana is central to the Ayyappa devotional tradition and is chanted during the 41-day Mandala Vratam austerity period. Pilgrims chant it throughout their journey to Sabarimala, especially while climbing the 18 sacred steps.
What are the benefits of chanting the Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana?
Chanting the Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana cultivates deep surrender and trust in divine protection. The repetitive "Saranam Saranam" structure quiets the analytical mind and opens the heart to devotion. Devotees report a profound sense of fearlessness, inner calm, and emotional release during extended chanting sessions. Traditionally, this bhajana is believed to purify the devotee spiritually and physically, remove obstacles, and grant divine protection. The 41-day chanting discipline also builds self-control, as devotees observe strict austerities while maintaining the chant as their constant companion.
Who is Manikandan mentioned in the line "Saranam Saranam Sree Manikanda"?
Manikandan is the childhood name of Lord Ayyappa. According to the Bhagavata Purana and Kerala's sthala puranas, Ayyappa was born from the divine union of Lord Vishnu (in the form of Mohini) and Lord Shiva. The infant was placed on the banks of the Pampa River with a golden bell (mani) around his neck — hence the name Manikandan, meaning "one with a bell at the throat." He was adopted by the childless Pandalam king of Kerala and grew up as a prince who performed extraordinary feats, including defeating the demoness Mahishi. The bhajana addresses him by this intimate name to invoke the protective, youthful energy of the deity.
When and how should you chant the Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana?
The most auspicious time is during the Mandala Vratam season (November-January), the 41-day period preceding the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala. Devotees chant it daily during evening bhajana sessions. It is also chanted during the pilgrimage itself — while trekking through the forest and ascending the 18 sacred steps. The bhajana is traditionally chanted in a call-and-response format. A leader calls "Saranam Saranam Sree Sabareesa" and the group responds. Devotees wear black or blue clothing and a tulasi mala while chanting. Outside pilgrimage season, chant any Saturday (Ayyappa's sacred day) or 108 repetitions as part of daily prayer.
What does "Sathyaswaroopa" mean in the Ayyappa Sharanam Bhajana?
In the line "Saranam Saranam Sree Sathyaswaroopa," the word Sathyaswaroopa means "embodiment of truth" or "one whose very form is truth." Sathya means truth and swaroopa means form or nature. This verse addresses Ayyappa as the living manifestation of cosmic truth and righteousness (dharma). This attribute reflects Ayyappa's unique position in the Hindu pantheon as the son of both Vishnu (the preserver of cosmic order) and Shiva (the transformer). He embodies the truth that lies beyond duality — the harmonious union of preservation and transformation. Chanting this line is an invocation to align oneself with that fundamental truth.

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From the Bhagavad Gita

2.47

BG 2.47

Your Right Is to the Work Alone

You have a right to perform your duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.

Read full verse →

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