Unique worship by Kovilpatti Ayyappa devotees

This is the 42nd year that the Lokveer Ayyappa Seva Sangam, an organisation working for the welfare of Ayyappa devotees in Kovilpatti, has arranged for providing free food to the devotees. On the completion of the Annadhanam, a section of Ayyappa devotees rolled over the plantain leaves shouting out the Lord’s names. They carried the leaves on their head and disposed them. 

“We believe that Lord Ayyappa eats in one of the leaves during the Annadhanam, so we roll over and remove the leaves as a form of worship. It is believed that by performing the act our wishes come true and the diseases in our body will also cease to exist,” said Mahesh, a devotee.  People of all ages and communities take part in the Annadhanam. 

“We don’t see any differences during the worship. The practise is being performed for the past 21 years continuously by the Lokveer Ayyappa Seva Sangam,” he added. Earlier, special poojas were offered to Lord Ayyappa and a large number of devotees joined them in the prayers. The programme was held by the Sangam at Shenbagavalli Amman Temple at Kovilpatti. The Annadhanam was conducted at a hall in front of the temple in the town.