Harivarasanam: The Eternal Lullaby of Lord Ayyappa – Lyrics, Meaning, and Sacred History

As the misty hills of Sabarimala echo with the chants of millions during the Mandala season, one melody rises above all: Harivarasanam. This enchanting ashtakam, a Sanskritised Malayalam lullaby dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (the son of Hari and Hara), serves as the temple’s poignant farewell at dusk, lulling the deity to sleep after the Athazha Puja. More than a song, it’s a devotee’s ultimate surrender—Sharanam Ayyappa—invoking protection, prosperity, and peace. Composed over a century ago, its verses weave devotion with cosmic praise, making it a cornerstone of Ayyappa bhakti. In this October reflection, as pilgrims prepare for the 2025 season, let’s uncover its lyrical beauty, profound meanings, and storied past. Join the chorus and let its grace envelop you.

The Mystical Origins: A Tale of Devotion and Dispute

The exact genesis of Harivarasanam remains a beautiful enigma, blending oral traditions with contested claims, much like the deity it honors. Written in 1923 in Malayalam script, the lyrics first appeared as part of the Hariharatmajashtakam Keerthanam, a collection of devotional songs. One narrative credits Kambankudi Kulathu Iyer, a Tamil scholar, as the composer; he authored Harivarasanam Viswamohanam, a compilation that immortalized the ashtakam. Another heartfelt account attributes it to Konnakathu Janaki Amma, a Kerala devotee who penned it as a humble offering to Lord Ayyappa and entrusted it to her father, Ananthakrishna Iyer, the then Melshanthi (chief priest) at Sabarimala. Family descendants, including former Travancore Devaswom Board president Padmakumar, hold original handwritten manuscripts as proof of her authorship.

Srinivasa Iyer is universally acknowledged as the sambadakan (compiler), often because anonymous offerings were the norm at the temple—devotees sought no credit, only divine acceptance. The song’s journey to Sabarimala began with bhajan troupes like the Kalladakkoottam from Kalladaikurichi, who spread it across Kerala through soul-stirring renditions at Purakkattu Anandeswaram Siva Temple. The pivotal moment came in the early 1950s when Swami Vimochanananda recited it for the first time during the temple’s closing rituals, establishing the tradition of singing it to “put Ayyappa to sleep.” This vocal rendition inside the sanctum, followed by the popular recorded version for pilgrims, cemented its place.

Its meteoric rise exploded in 1975 with the Malayalam film Swami Ayyappan, where Carnatic maestro K.J. Yesudas rendered it in the soulful Madhyamavati raga, composed by G. Devarajan. Overnight, Harivarasanam transcended the hills, becoming a pan-Indian anthem of faith. In 2023, centenary celebrations by the Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam marked its enduring legacy, proving that true bhakti knows no bounds of time or tide.

Lyrics and Meaning: Verses of Surrender and Splendor

Harivarasanam comprises eight stanzas (ashtakam) plus a refrain (Sharanam Ayyappa), each extolling Ayyappa’s divine attributes—from cosmic enchanter to fear-destroyer. Sung in a tender, rhythmic flow, it invokes refuge (sharanam) repeatedly, a mantra for the weary soul. Below, we present the full lyrics in English transliteration, followed by their poetic meanings—drawn from traditional interpretations that blend Sanskrit depth with devotional fervor.

Stanza 1

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam Haridadheeswaram Aaradhyapadukam Arivimarddanam Nithyanarthanam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

Repository of Hari’s boons, Enchanter of the universe, Essence of Hari’s grace, He whose holy feet are worshipped, He who kills enemies by good thought, He who dances the cosmic dance daily, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Stanza 2

Sharanakirthanam Bakthamanasam Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who likes songs of refuge, He who is in the minds of devotees, He who is the great ruler, He who loves to dance, He who shines like the rising sun, He who is the king of all beings, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Stanza 3

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanchitham Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He whose love is true, He who is the darling of souls, He who fulfills wishes of devotees, He who shines with a glittering halo, He who is the temple of “OM,” He who loves songs, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Stanza 4

Thuragavahanam Sundarananam Varagadayudham Vedavarnitham Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face, He who wields the blessed mace, He who is glorified by the Vedas, He who bestows grace like a teacher, He who loves songs, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Stanza 5

Thribhuvanarchitham Devathathmakam Thrinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam Thridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who is worshipped by the three worlds, He who is the soul of all gods, He who is the three-eyed Lord, He who guides to divine lands, He who is worshipped by devas, He whose thought fulfills desires, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Stanza 6

Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who destroys the fear of birth-death cycles, He who brings prosperity, He who enchants the universe, He who wears sacred ash as ornament, He who rides a white elephant, He who is the divine vehicle, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Stanza 7

Kalamridusmitham Sundarananam Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam Kalabhakesari Vaajivahanam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa

He who blesses with an enchanting smile, He who has a pretty face, He who is adorned with sandal paste, He who enchants with his physique, He who is lion among arts, He who rides the royal tiger, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Stanza 8

Shrithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam Shruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam Shruthimanoharam Geethalalasam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa (repeated)

He who is dear to devotees, He whose thought fulfills wishes, He who adorns the Vedas, He who lives the life of a saint, He who captivates ears, He who delights in divine music, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord. My refuge is in you Ayyappa… (echoing into eternity)

A closing Mangala Stuti (auspicious invocation) often follows, praising Ayyappa’s forms and symbols for blessings.

Why It Resonates: A Mantra for Modern Souls

Harivarasanam isn’t just lyrics—it’s a spiritual balm, destroying fear (bhavabhaya) and enchanting the world (viswamohanam). Sung without caste or creed, it embodies pluralism, uniting devotees in selfless refuge. In 2025, as Sabarimala gears for another pilgrimage surge, this lullaby reminds us: True rest comes not in silence, but in surrender to the divine child of Hari-Hara.

Have you felt its pull on the eighteen steps? Share your sharanam stories below—what verse tugs at your heart? For more Ayyappa lore, subscribe and chant on. Swami Sharanam Ayyappa—may refuge find you always.