स्वामिये शरणम् अय्यप्पा — Word-by-Word Meaning
स्वामिये शरणम् अय्यप्पा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
स्वामिये
Swamiye
O Lord (Swami) — Ayyappa
शरणम्
Saranam
I take refuge / I surrender
अय्यप्पा
Ayyappa
Lord Ayyappa, the deity of Sabarimala
हरिहरसुतने
Harihara Suthane
O son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva)
कन्निमूल गणपति भगवाने
Kannimoola Ganapathi Bhagavane
O Lord Ganapati of the sacred corner (worshipped first at Sabarimala)
शक्तिवडिवेल मुरुगने
Sakthi Vadivela Murugane
O Murugan bearing the mighty Vel (spear)
मालिकैप्पुरत्तु मञ्जमातावे
Malikaippurathu Manjamathave
O Manju Mata enshrined at Malikappuram (near Sabarimala)
पम्पावासने
Pampavasane
O Lord who dwells by the holy river Pampa
Complete Translation
हे स्वामी अय्यप्पा, मैं आपकी शरण लेता हूँ; हे हरि-हर के पुत्र, मैं शरण लेता हूँ; हे कन्निमूल गणपति, हे शक्तिवेलधारी मुरुगन, हे मालिकैप्पुरम् की माता, हे पम्पा-तट के स्वामी — अय्यप्पा, मैं आपकी शरण लेता हूँ।
यह 'शरणम् घोष' है — वह समर्पण-उद्घोष जिससे अय्यप्पा-यात्री अपनी यात्रा के हर पग पर भगवान और उनके आस-पास के देवताओं का नाम लेते हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Ayyappa Saranam Ghosha (surrender chant of Sabarimala pilgrims)
Author: Traditional
Period: Traditional
Ayyappa devotees undertake a 41-day vratham of austerity before walking to the forest shrine of Sabarimala. Through every step of this journey they raise the Saranam Ghosha — 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' — surrendering to the Lord and saluting the deities who guard his hill. The chant turns a hard pilgrimage into a continuous prayer, uniting strangers as 'Swamis' bound to one another and to Ayyappa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' mean?▼
'O Lord, I take refuge in you, Ayyappa.' It is an expression of complete surrender (sharanagati) to Lord Ayyappa, and is the central cry of his devotees.
When do devotees chant the Saranam Ghosha?▼
Continuously during the 41-day vratham and the pilgrimage to Sabarimala — while walking, climbing the eighteen steps, and at worship. The repeated chant keeps the pilgrim's mind fixed on the Lord throughout the arduous journey.
Why are other deities named in the chant?▼
The Saranam Ghosha salutes the deities of the Sabarimala tradition who surround Ayyappa — Ganapati, Murugan, the Mother of Malikappuram and others — honouring the whole sacred landscape of the pilgrimage, each line ending 'Saranam Ayyappa'.
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