First ever dedicated Lord Ayyappa shrine inaugurated in Sydney

June 10 was a very special day for devotees of Lord Ayyappa, as the Sydney Sri Ayyappa Swami Centre was inaugurated at Guildford West with special ritualistic homams, abhishekhams, archana and poojas from dawn to dusk. In a solemn ritual that began at 5am with a homam to Lord Ganesha followed by homams for navagraha and Lord Rudran, the main deities of Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganesha were installed in a specially built shrine on the ground floor of the centre’s premises. Abhisheka and aarti were performed in the presence of approximately 200 devotees who attended the auspicious occasion, which was presided over by twelve priests. This shrine is the only one of its kind dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Australia, and has come to fruition after a long wait of twelve years.

“We began the process of collecting funds for the shrine and centre in 1999,” said Subra Iyer, who presides in the role of a priest in addition to his regular day job. “However, it was only in 2004 that we collected sufficient funds to begin the search for a suitable location. We moved into the shrine’s premises in March 2012, and are proud that the inauguration of the shrine and centre took place in June,” he added.

For Subra and the team of volunteers who came together and worked tirelessly to create this centre, the concept of a temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa was an essential one. “A temple is a place where worship is conducted and managed in accordance with the set rules of the Vedas and Agamas. Hindu life closely revolves around temples, in education, entertainment through important festivals and feasts, and rituals,” claimed Subra.

“Temples also play an important role in organising social events encouraging free education, shelter, food and protection for the needy. With this inauguration, we hope to provide such services to devotees and those in need.”

Sri Ayyappa worship is based on the simplest bhakti path, where followers collectively sing the praises of God and surrender totally in the lotus feet of Lord Ayyappa. These are practised and followed by millions of Ayyappa devotees from all over the world, ever increasing as it appeals to all irrespective of their religion, caste or language.

The Sri Ayyappa Swami Centre has two levels – the lower one houses the shrine and an area just outside the shrine for devotees to pray or attend various functions relating to the shrine. A large plasma screen positioned in the area outside allows a clear view of the ceremonies being performed within the shrine, which can seat about 30 people. On the top level is a function area with an attached kitchen which also comfortably accommodates about 30 people.

“We are looking forward to members of the community utilising these services to hold their events,” said Subra. “For those looking at performing a ceremony and following it with lunch/snacks, this venue is just ideal.” The inauguration function proved the effectiveness of the venue, as mahaprasadam was distributed to the devotees on the conclusion of the event.

Since the inauguration of the shrine, a mandala puja to Lord Vigneshwara has been conducted each day for 45 days following the inauguration, which will conclude